WINNIPEG – There are two less players vying for a job at Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ training camp.
Defensive Back C.J. Wilson and receiver Lestar Jean were both released as the club concluded their preparations for Monday’s final pre-season game against the Ottawa RedBlacks.
Jean had a wealth of NFL experience and it shows just how much talent the Bombers currently have at the receiver position.
With Weston Dressler, Ryan Smith and Darvin Adams all but assured starting jobs, it leaves nine other international receivers battling for just one starting spot.
Thomas Mayo certainly didn’t hinder his chances in the first exhibition game as he made a pair of catches for 27 yards.
“From the first day you recognized how explosive he was.” said head coach Mike O’Shea. “And since then he’s just improved in terms of route running, his understanding of the playbook. He seems cleaner catching the ball. He seems smoother. It’s all good. He showed a nice improvement.”
“I took advantage when I got the opportunity and that’s what it’s all about.” Mayo said. “Jace Davis, my roommate, he went down and it’s an opportunity for me to go out there and show coaches with the one’s (first stringers) that I can play this game.”
But Davis is now back in the mix after sitting out the first pre-season game with a leg injury. He’ll play on Monday with just the one game to show the coaching staff he’s worthy of a highly coveted roster spot.
“Oh man, I’ve been waiting for this day.” said Davis. “I feel like I can make enough plays to impress some people.”
“Jace looked good before he got hurt a little bit.” O’Shea said. “All the attributes you want in a top notch receiver. He’s got enough speed, enough quickness, enough size, good hands, intelligence, runs routes well so it’s a complete package.”
WATCH: Jace Davis Raw Interview
Fred Williams made the coaching staff sit up and take notice with a spectacular touchdown catch on Wednesday against the Montreal Alouettes. Even more impressive is the fact he did it after just a few days of practice after being brought in during the second week of training camp.
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“He adjusted extremely well to a football and made a great play with that.” said O’Shea. “So I mean that’s a pretty good start for a guy that hasn’t been here very long.”
“I’m studying, I’m picking up on the offence and the plays. I’m gonna get there. I’m gonna get there.” Williams said.
WATCH: Fred Williams Raw Interview
Kevin Cone, Justin Veltung, Julian Talley, Quincy McDuffie, Gerrard Sheppard and Kris Adams also can’t be overlooked for a receiver position.
One thing is clear the Bombers will have some tough decisions in the very near future, with the club needing to chop down their roster to 65 players by Tuesday.
WATCH: Mike O’Shea Media Briefing Raw – June 11