CFL.ca Staff
#CFLKickoff
TORONTO — One of the best parts of #CFLKickoff following the restless off-season is the chance to see new faces in different places across the league.
The 2015 off-season was one of change across the board for CFL teams, and it’s led to some big stars switching spots. With many players set to debut in new colours this season, we check in with each CFL team with one new face to watch this year.
WR Austin Collie, BC Lions
Collie was on the verge of stardom with the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts before being sidelined by injuries. After attempts to return with other NFL teams, Collie’s bid for a pro football comeback continues this season with the BC Lions.
Will the Hamilton, Ont. native make an impact in Jeff Tedford’s new-look Lions offence? He’s got all the tools to do it and as a national could become a go-to option on the West Coast.
RB Chad Simpson, Edmonton Eskimos
Receivers Cory Watson and Kenny Stafford are both set to make an impact for the first time in Green and Gold, but the biggest name may be Chad Simpson, now the team’s starting running back. Simpson replaced the void left by the injured John White and is stepping into some pretty big shoes as he looks to lead the Esks’ powerful ground game.
He’s shown plenty of flash in the past, but can Simpson now step up to shoulder the load in the City of Champions?
Can Chad Simpson shoulder the Esks’ offensive load in 2015?
DB Joe Burnett, Calgary Stampeders
Joe Burnett switched sides this off-season going from the Edmonton Eskimos to rival Calgary, and after winning a starting job as the Stamps’ Sam linebacker will have plenty of opportunity to make an impact.
Only a couple of years ago, Burnett was one of the CFL’s premier playmakers on defence. Will he burn his former team as the Stamps and Esks battle it out for supremacy in a heated West Division?
WR Nic Demski, Saskatchewan Roughriders
The Riders are loaded at receiver and at first glance, it seems like their first round pick Nic Demski may have trouble getting on the field. But historically the Riders have been adept at incorporating their Canadian receivers early in their careers, for example Andy Fantuz, Chris Getzlaf and Rob Bagg, to name a few.
Demski could play a role as a kick returner and could also get an opportunity in Jacques Chapdelaine’s new-look offence that will feature more passing and more touches for receivers.
OG Sukh Chungh, Winnipeg Blue Bombers
The Bombers have undergone a fairly significant transformation in the offensive trenches this off-season and while free agent signing Stanley Bryant is the first name that comes to mind, don’t underestimate the role of rookie guard and second overall pick Sukh Chungh.
Chungh is an aggressive, hard-nosed player with a nasty streak and can single-handedly change the attitude of the Bombers’ men up front, just one year after the team broke a franchise record for sacks allowed.
Can Sukh Chungh make an impact as a rookie starting guard?
WR Tiquan Underwood, Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The Ticats are deep at receiver and Tiquan Underwood is a CFL rookie, but he’s no stranger to professional football. Underwood is a total athlete and may find himself rising on the team’s receiver depth chart – some consider him a potential secret weapon this off-season.
After making an impact down south, will Underwood become a household name among CFL receivers in 2015?
DE Ricky Foley, Toronto Argonauts
This is an old new face in Toronto, as Foley is a former Argo who played an instrumental role in the team’s Grey Cup Championship in 2012. The Boatmen have many new faces this year including running back Brandon Whitaker, but Foley’s impact on a young defence should be substantial.
Foley said in the off-season he expects to have a career year with the personnel around him and the system he’s playing in, and he’d love nothing more than to do it playing for his hometown team.
Ricky Foley is back in Double Blue. What will be his impact on the Argos’ young defence?
WR Chris Williams, Ottawa REDBLACKS
Of all the off-season changes, the Ottawa REDBLACKS likely made the biggest splash with the signing of Chris Williams. Williams has MOP potential with his game-breaking ability – look no further than his 2012 production as evidence.
After two years away, however, can Williams’ star power ignite the REDBLACKS in the Capital and help them become a CFL contender?
SB Fred Stamps, Montreal Alouettes
Two years ago Fred Stamps was considered a perennial number top pass-catcher in the league. His production and playing time faded last year, but could a new opportunity in a new offence rejuvenate his prolific career?
Stamps will be playing in a very talented offence along with S.J. Green and fellow newcomer and future Hall of Famer Nik Lewis, and you can bet the Als will be leaning on him to make an impact in the absence of departed superstar Duron Carter.