SPRINGFIELD, MO - SEPTEMBER 24: Mark Gronowski #11 of the South Dakota State Jackrabbits passes the ball against the Missouri State Bears in Springfield, MO on September 24, 2022 (Photo by Dave Eggen/Inertia)
It is part prospect list, part wish list, and it can be a vital lifeline for talent for Canadian Football League teams.
The CFL unveiled its second batch of names from each club’s negotiation list on Tuesday, providing a sneak peek at some of the players who may soon be appearing on training camp rosters – and perhaps game-day lineups thereafter – across the league map.
Each team can claim the exclusive rights for up to 45 players by placing them on their negotiation lists, with the ability to add, remove or trade prospects at any time. Teams now reveal 10 names from their negotiation lists twice a year, in September and December, and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers group is an intriguing collection that could one day be the next Deatrick Nichols, Brandon Alexander or Dalton Schoen.
A look at the names on the Blue Bombers most recent neg list reveal:
-QB Mark Gronowski, South Dakota State
FYI: Was named an Associated Press FCS All-American Team on Tuesday and is a finalist for the Walter Payton Award as the most outstanding Player in the Championship Subdivision… Led the nation in passing efficiency rating (178.06) and with 25 TD passes… The Jackrabbits host Albany on Friday in the FCS semifinals and Gronowski is hoping to lead the school to its second straight national title.
-QB Darren Grainger, Georgia State
FYI: Began his collegiate career at Furman, where he was named to the Southern Conference All-Freshman Team as the school’s starter in 2019… Transferred to Georgia State and was the MVP of the TaxAct Camellia Bowl in 2021… Earned Honorable Mention All-Sun Belt Conference recognition in 2021 after passing for 18 touchdowns and leading the school in rushing… Completed 67 per cent of his passes for 17 TDs and rushed for 788 yards and eight more scores in 2023.
Photo Cred: Georgia State University
-QB Carter Bradley, South Alabama
FYI: A transfer from Toledo, Bradley set school records for South Alabama in 2022 by passing for 3,343 yards and 28 TDs… Threw for 2.660 yards and 19 TDs this year in 11 games… He is the son of Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.
-DE Praise Amaewhule, Texas El Paso
FYI: Named this week as an All-Conference USA Second-Team All-Star and finishes his college career as UTEP’s all-time quarterback sack leader with 22.5… Had five sacks, 33 tackles, six tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, on interception, 11 hurries, two breakups and two blocked kicks in 2023… Measures in at 6-3, 250 pounds with an 82-inch wingspan.
-LB Michael Ayers, Ashland
FYI: Signed as an undrafted free agent with the Seattle Seahawks but was released in the spring… Played in 43 games over four years at Ashland and was the Great Midwest Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year and a first-team All-Great Midwest in 2021.
Photo Cred: Ashland University
-WR Kody Case, Illinois
FYI: Was one of the final cuts of the Indianapolis Colts in late August after joining the team as an undrafted free agent… Transferred from South Dakota to Illinois in 2022… Played in four games with Illinois in 2023 and was a solid receiver and kick returner during his days with the Coyotes.
-WR Penny Hart, Georgia State
FYI: Now 27, Hart has had NFL looks from the Colts, Seahawks and most recently with the Atlanta Falcons before his release in October… Spent four years at Georgia State and was the Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year and First Team All-Sun Belt that year. Was first team again as a sophomore… Attended the 2019 Senior Bowl… Also has kick return skills.
-WR Gavin Holmes, Baylor
FYI: Attended minicamp with the Philadelphia Eagles this year before being released… A third-team All-Big 12 all-star as a punt returner in 2022 and ranked second on the school for receiving yards that season.
-DE Jalen Redmond, Oklahoma
FYI: Tested very well at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, with the second-best 40 time among his position group as well as the best broad jump and vertical jump… Signed by the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent and was released in August… Played basketball in high school and didn’t turn to football until he was a junior… Made seven starts for the Sooners in 2021 and appeared in 12 games as a senior in 2022 with four sacks and 10 tackles for a loss.
-DB Anthony Witherstone, Merrimack
FYI: Signed as an undrafted free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023, but was released during the summer… Had two interceptions – both Pick-6s – for Merrimack in 2021 and played in all 11 games.
