David Moll/Stampeders.com
TORONTO — The past season treated us to one of the deepest and most star-studded rookie classes the CFL has ever seen.
Ticats star defensive back Richard Leonard was left out of the Most Outstanding Rookie race, while running back sensation James Wilder Jr. edged Marken Michel for the league-wide honour in November.
D’haquille Williams, Christion Jones and Dylan Wynn were among other impressive players new to the league in 2017, and the list goes on.
As I look at the rookies who will become sophomores in 2018, I’ll avoid those who have already become household names. Instead, let’s look for the sleepers — those with the most breakout potential for next season should the opportunity come their way.
Eliminating players with six or more starts (along with star returners Martese Jackson and Christion Jones), here are 18 intriguing sophomores for the ’18 season:
Tobi Antigha, DE
Team: SSK | Age: 24 | Starts: 1
Despite starting only one game, Antigha was an integral part of the Riders’ defensive end rotation, recording five sacks while playing 17 games. Chris Jones likes to keep his defensive linemen fresh by rotating often, meaning even if the 24-year-old doesn’t take on a starting role in 2018, expect his role to continue to grow.
Reggie Begelton, REC
Team: CGY | Age: 24 | Starts: 5
The 6-foot-2 pass-catcher spent the last season biding his time in a deep Calgary receiving corps, racking up 304 yards while flashing his playmaking ability throughout five starts. While Kamar Jorden and Lemar Durant have signed extensions, DaVaris Daniels’ pending free agency could open up an opportunity.
Whatever happens, Begelton is an exciting prospect and could be the next in a long line of star receivers the Stamps have developed over the last several years.
Reggie Begelton could see a starting role with the Stampeders in 2018 (The Canadian Press)
Tunde Adeleke, DB
Team: CGY | Age: 22 | Starts: 4
We remain in Calgary, only on the defensive side of the ball, where 22-year-old Tunde Adeleke easily exceeded expectations after being drafted in the third round by the Calgary Stampeders.
A safety by trade, the Carleton graduate played SAM linebacker late in the season, starting in place of Shaquille Richardson in Calgary’s Western Final win over Edmonton. The 2017 combine’s fastest man also returned a punt for a touchdown in a limited return role.
Faith Ekakitie, DT
Team: WPG | Age: 24 | Starts: 0
The first overall pick in 2017 didn’t start a game as a rookie, slowly getting his feet wet in the Bombers’ defensive line rotation. Ekakitie played later in the season and should take on a larger role in 2018.
Kwaku Boateng, DE
Team: EDM | Age: 22 | Starts: 1
Despite starting only one game, Boateng etched out a role on the Eskimos’ defensive line, getting to the quarterback four times in his rookie season. Some were skeptical that Boateng’s size could be an issue as he made the transition to the pros, but the 22-year-old has proven he belongs in the CFL game.
Before long, Boateng should be a ratio-breaker for the Esks at defensive end.
Kwaku Boateng had four sacks for the Eskimos as a rookie, playing a key role on the D-line (Jason Halstead/CFL.ca)
Patrick Levels, DB
Team: CGY | Age: 23 | Starts: 2
The Stamps have shown a strong interest in the development of their 23-year-old defensive back, who could be ready for a starting role in 2018. On the starting secondary from last season, only Brandon Smith is under contract in 2018, leaving a possible opening for the Baylor graduate.
From Levels’ perspective, he’s in the right spot — with Defensive Coordinator DeVone Claybrooks — to become a star in the three-down game.
Dariusz Bladek, OL
Team: SSK | Age: 23 | Starts: 0
While he didn’t start, Dariusz Bladek played all 18 games for the Riders in 2017 as the Bethune-Cookman alum adapted to the three-down game. He joins Josiah St. John as the future of the Riders’ O-line, one which could look to get younger next season.
Eugene Lewis, REC
Team: MTL | Age: 24 | Starts: 2
Nik Lewis is out and Chris Williams is in for the Alouettes, but there could be plenty more changes for Mike Sherman’s offence. Eugene Lewis could be a benefactor after making two starts in 2017.
Lewis is one of the more intriguing receiver prospects across the league, coming out of Oklahoma with an athletic 6-foot-1 frame and the ability to make things happen after the catch.
After starting two games in 2017, Eugene Lewis could be in line for more looks next season (Peter McCabe/CFL.ca)
Terry Williams, RB
Team: CGY | Age: 25 | Starts: 1
We’ve watched plenty of international running backs come and go for the Stamps over the years, but it’s hard to ignore Terry Williams’ debut performance last year – 156 rushing yards and three touchdowns in his first career start against the Als.
With Jerome Messam and Roy Finch both pending free agency, there’s a chance Williams has an eye on the Stamps’ starting job.
Justin Vaughn, DT
Team: HAM | Age: 23 | Starts: 0
The Ticats’ rookie rewarded his team in 2017, playing all 18 games and recording two sacks while forming a strong rotation with Ted Laurent. Vaughn has a bright future and should take on a larger role next season — especially if Laurent leaves as a free agent.
Matt Shiltz, QB
Team: MTL | Age: 25 | Starts: 1
Shiltz struggled in his first CFL start last fall, throwing three interceptions while his team was shut out vs. the Ticats. But the 25-year-old still showed promise and upside in pre-season action as well as spot duty, making him an interesting prospect under centre.
With the Alouettes’ quarterback job wide open, 2018 should tell us more about Shiltz’ future as a CFL quarterback.
Despite a forgettable first career start, Matt Shiltz showed upside for the Als in 2017 (The Canadian Press)
Justin Renfrow, OL
Team: CGY | Age: 28 | Starts: 5
The Stamps continue to churn out talented offensive linemen on a yearly basis. Last year it was Ucambre Williams breaking out after locking down the centre position; next year there’s a chance it’ll be Justin Renfrow.
Renfrow has earned the trust of Dave Dickenson and could be in competition for a starting job down the road.
Winston Rose, DB
Team: OTT | Age: 24 | Starts: 4
With 21 tackles in four games, Winston Rose made a solid impact at SAM linebacker and defensive back for the REDBLACKS in 2017. A lot is up in the air in the nation’s capital with Noel Thorpe coaching the defence, but Rose should have a chance to contribute next season.
Nate Behar, REC
Team: EDM | Age: 23 | Starts: 0
A contract dispute kept Nate Behar out of Esks’ training camp. A full camp in 2018 and some possible key departures on the Esks’ receiving corps could open a door for the former first round pick.
Behar’s athleticism and natural ability make him someone to keep an eye on moving forward, even if he didn’t get his hands on a single pass in his rookie season.
The Eskimos hope Nate Behar can take advantage of his first full training camp in 2018 (Arthur Ward/CFL.ca)
Alex Ross, QB
Team: BC | Age: 25 | Starts: 0
Wally Buono has had success picking and developing young quarterbacks, with Jonathon Jennings being the latest. Alex Ross showed his ability last pre-season and should continue to grow in an understudy role in Buono’s last year.
Should Jennings’ recent struggles carry over to 2018, Ross’ chance could come sooner than expected.
Connor McGough, DE
Team: HAM | Age: 22 | Starts: 0
The draft’s fourth overall pick last year made his mark on special teams as a 22-year-old. McGough has demonstrated a high motor and the ability to learn quickly, making him a breakout candidate on the Ticats’ defence in 2018.
Fabion Foote, DT
Team: MTL | Age: 23 | Starts: 0
Foote barely played in his rookie season, but did flash potential late in the year for the Alouettes. The 23-year-old remains a mystery but should compete for a starting role on a youthful Alouette defence that is relying on nationals.
Mason Woods, OL
Team: EDM | Age: 23 | Starts: 0
Essentially a red-shirt for the Argos his first CFL season, last year’s second round pick gets a new start after being traded to the Eskimos. The Esks like what they see in the 6-foot-9 giant, acquiring him for the rights to pending free agent James Franklin.
Woods is high on potential but could require some patience as he joins one of the CFL’s most impressive offensive lines.
Honourable Mention: Jordan Hoover (EDM); Elie Bouka (SSK); Denzel Radford (SSK); Marquise Williams (SSK); Braden Schram (HAM); Robert Woodson (TOR).
