The start of the Canadian Football League is fast approaching, and we look set for another great season. It seems like just yesterday the Montreal Alouettes won the 2023 Grey Cup, but now all nine teams are about to hit the field for the 2024 season.
Here we look at five players to watch out for this season. Whether it be seasoned veterans or upcoming stars, these players will be looking to put on a show and bring us elite play every week.
First on this list is veteran Blue Bombers quarterback. Zach Collaros. Collaros is easily one of the top players in the entire CFL, even as a 35-year old, and he and his team are entering this season with a vengeance.
The Blue Bombers had to take the Grey Cup loss in 2023, which was the second straight Grey Cup loss they have suffered.
Collaros does have three Grey Cups to his name, but as time is running out, he wants to continue to solidify himself as one of the best to play in the CFL.
Collaros will look to continue to prove that age is just a number, by showcasing his great leadership and experience with the Blue Bombers, as well as leading the CFL in some major QB categories.
The 2023 Grey Cup MVP Cody Fajardo will be a must-watch this season. Fajardo and the Alouettes surprised most and plowed through the league to win the Grey Cup in 2023. Now, we will see if they can carry that magic into 2024.
Fajardo’s stats were nothing to look twice at, but he helped his team in many other ways with a calm demeanour and great leadership. However, you can guarantee he will be looking to post completely different offensive results.
He was great in the Grey Cup with three passing touchdowns and just one interception, and did that against a dominant Blue Bombers team. Now we wait and see what he has in store for the 2024 campaign.
Another Blue Bomber to keep an eye on is running back Brady Oliveira. His third season in the league was clearly his best, as he shattered his previous totals.
Oliveira led the league in rushing touchdowns with nine, and blew everyone out of the water, leading the way with 1,534 rushing yards, which was 393 yards more than the second best.
He played strong in the Grey Cup, but was left with a sour taste in his mouth in a losing effort. He should carry the workload again for Winnipeg, and it will be interesting to see if he can replicate those elite numbers.
Another highly talented quarterback in Vernon Adams will be a must-watch this upcoming season. Adams and the Lions took a major step last season, but were shut down in the West Division Final. They will look to take the next step this season.
2023 was Adams’ first full workload of a season since 2019, but the veteran showed he remains a threat. He led the league with 4,769 passing yards, and was second in touchdowns (31) and completions (333).
He has a lot to prove this season and, he said it himself in the off season, that it is Grey Cup or bust. He will need to put up a strong season if he wants to see that come to fruition.
Tim White, wide receiver for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, is an offensive catalyst and a major piece of their offence. He is entering his fourth season in the league, and will be a player to watch yet again.
He led the league in receiving yards with 1,269 and was third in touchdowns with eight. He did this on just 75 receptions, which is great, but was only seventh most in the league. If he can get the ball more this season, look out.
In what should be a big push to return to success for Hamilton, White will be used heavily and looked to be a big contributor in every game. His already impressive numbers could take yet another spike this season.