The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have confirmed the signing of eight players selected in the 2024 CFL Draft. Among them are receiver Kevens Clercius, offensive lineman Gabe Wallace, defensive lineman Kyle Samson, linebacker Ian Leroux, offensive lineman Ethan Kalra, receiver AK Gassama, offensive lineman Michael Vlahogiannis, and defensive end Owen Hubert.
Clercius, standing at six feet two inches and weighing 217 pounds, showcased his skills during his tenure at UConn, participating in 37 games and accumulating 49 receptions for 604 yards and five touchdowns. His journey to success is marked by overcoming personal challenges, including the loss of his mother at the age of 14 and adapting to a new language and culture after immigrating from Haiti.
Wallace, with a towering stature of six-foot-six and weighing 333 pounds, boasts a robust collegiate career at Buffalo, where he played in 49 games and earned recognition as a three-year starter. His versatility was evident as he excelled in various positions along the offensive line, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive prowess.
Samson, standing at six-foot-three and weighing 290 pounds, showcased his defensive prowess during his tenure at UBC Thunderbirds, participating in 25 games and tallying 6.5 sacks and 48.5 total tackles. His stellar performances earned him accolades such as two-time U SPORTS second-team All-Canadian and a key role in his team’s championship victories.
Leroux, standing at six-foot-one and weighing 225 pounds, has opted to return to Laval for the upcoming season. During his four-year stint at Laval, he appeared in 29 games, registering 14 tackles and one interception. His contributions were instrumental in securing championship titles such as the Dunsmore Cup, Mitchell Bowl, and Vanier Cup in 2022.
Kalra, standing at six-foot-two and weighing 309 pounds, showcased his talent as a participant in the 2023 East-West Bowl, representing the West Team. Throughout his four-year tenure with the Waterloo Warriors, Kalra demonstrated consistency by starting in all 29 games. Initially beginning his collegiate journey as a right tackle, he transitioned to the role of right guard during his sophomore year.
Gassama, measuring five-foot-nine and weighing 158 pounds, has a remarkable story of resilience and perseverance. Having fled Sierra Leone during the Civil War, he found refuge in Winnipeg, Canada, at a young age. Despite facing adversities, Gassama thrived on the football field, earning accolades such as the 2022-23 Bison Sports Male Athlete of the Year. His achievements include being the seventh player in Bisons’ history to reach 100 catches and 1,000 receiving yards in 2022, and he is a two-time All-Canadian honoree.
Vlahogiannis, standing at six-foot-three and weighing 312 pounds, made significant contributions to McGill football as a key player. Recognized as a 2023 RSEQ all-star and a participant in the 2023 East-West Bowl representing the East Team, Vlahogiannis started in seven out of eight games during the 2023 season, aiding McGill in accumulating 1,193 rushing yards. Throughout his four-year tenure with the Redbirds, he started 19 games at the centre position.
Hubert, with a height of six-foot-four and weighing 263 pounds, showcased his skills on the gridiron during his four seasons with the McMaster Marauders. Over the course of 27 games, he accumulated 65 total tackles, including five sacks and a forced fumble in his senior year. Hubert’s impressive performance earned him selection for the East-West Bowl in 2022, highlighting his impact on the field.
