Every Canadian Football League fan knows how dangerous Chad Owens is, how poised Anthony Calvillo and Ricky Ray are, and what huge game changers the likes of Henry Burris or Jovon Johnson can be.
These players are expected to produce for their teams, but certainly won’t be the only ones to have solid seasons. Every year there are a handful of players that raise their games and become household names.
Last season, players like Chris Matthews and Chevon Walker burst onto the scene and had impact seasons and 2013 will very likely be no different.
With that said, here is one player on offence and one on defence from each East Division team that could have a breakout campaign in 2013.
Toronto Argonauts
OFFENCE — Dontrelle Inman, WR
The way quarterback Ricky Ray can spread the ball around on offence was a major key for the Argos down the stretch last season. Inman, a soft-spoken University of Virginia standout, had a solid rookie campaign last year and evolved into a downfield threat and consistent target as his chemistry with Ray evolved.
In 15 regular season games he registered 803 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 50 receptions. His year was capped off by a three-catch, 43-yard performance in the 100th Grey Cup, in which he secured a key touchdown that helped lead the Argos to a championship.
Inman has the potential to become an elite receiver in this league and possesses the frame and skill set to even be a successful NFL receiver one day.
He packed on some muscle in the off-season which will help with his explosiveness and ability to produce more yards after the catch.
If the 24-year-old Inman can build off the success he had last year, it will be a major boost to an already potent Argos offence.
DEFENCE — Jalil Carter, DB
With the likes of Evan McCullough, Ahmad Carroll and Pacino Horne no longer around, the Boatmen need someone to step up and have a big season in the secondary and Carter has the ability to do this.
He didn’t see much playing time last season, but when he was on the field he played well, especially when the 23-year-old filled in admirably for an injured Patrick Watkins in the 100th Grey Cup.
However, any success the Argos’ defensive backs have this season will likely be tied to how much pressure a much different looking defensive line — led by new D-line coach Ed Philion — can get on opposing quarterbacks.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
OFFENCE — Onrea Jones, WR
Last year Chevon Walker came out of nowhere and was successful with his explosive, blistering offensive abilities in the open field and Onrea Jones could have success in similar areas this year for the Ticats.
Jones is a talented receiver and his kick returning abilities might come in handy, especially considering that Chris Williams is somewhat of a question mark.
In his first CFL season, Jones showed an ability to adjust his routes when QB Henry Burris would scramble out of the pocket and that’s a valuable skill to have in this high-flying Ticats offence.
DEFENCE — Shomari Williams, DE
Williams was signed as a free agent out of Saskatchewan with the purpose of providing a major presence on the Hamilton defensive line.
He’s not big, but he’s quick and he should give offensive tackles fits, as he’s coming off a career-high 59-tackle season with the Roughriders.
Defensive coordinator Orlondo Steinauer is looking to reshape a Ticats defence that had a CFL-worst 576 points scored against them – that’s a whopping 32 points per game – and a dominant year from Williams will go a long way towards accomplishing that.
Montreal Alouettes
OFFENCE — Tyron Carrier, WR
Obviously a lot of attention will be on the Alouettes running backs Brandon Whitaker and Jerome Messam and what their impact will be on the field – the two often deal with injuries – but the Montreal offence revolves around Anthony Calvillo and the passing attack.
There’s no shortage of weapons for Calvillo — Jamel Richardson, Arland Bruce, S.J.Green, and Brandon London are all key targets – and Tyron Carrier will be one of them.
He’s not a big target but the University of Houston standout is quick and has the ability to bust out big plays. He had a strong training camp that earned the praise of the team’s new head coach Dan Hawkins.
If there are any injuries in the receiving corps or veterans Bruce and Richardson perhaps lose a step, look for Carrier to step up.
More than anything, look for him to be a force on special teams if used often as a returner.
DEFENCE — Marc-Olivier Brouillette, LB
Since being drafted by the team in the third round of the 2010 draft, Marc-Olivier Brouillette has steadily improved in each of his first three seasons and that trend should continue this year as well.
Quality non-import defensive players are always welcome and the fact he’s a marketable local boy is a bonus.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
OFFENCE — Andre Douglas, OT
While Chris Matthews has become one of the top young stars in the CFL following a dynamic rookie campaign, quarterback Buck Pierce is the driving point of this team.
And unfortunately with Pierce, injuries are always a storyline, so keeping the pivot healthy is critical. One step towards that is a solid offensive line that will protect him.
Andre Douglas missed all of last season with an ankle injury, but is healthy again and has great potential. He was the starting left tackle for the Bombers in 2011 – when they advanced to the Grey Cup – and hopefully for Pierce and Bombers fans he can repeat what he did that season.
DEFENCE — Kenny Mainor, DE
Kenny Mainor was a big presence on the D-line last year, at least when he was on the field. In limited action he had seven sacks, good for second most on the Bombers.
If he can become more consistent he should start more games, and based on the numbers he has put up in his two seasons that would be huge for the Blue Bombers defence.
