Receiver Agudosi ‘definitely looking to make statement’ in Bombers first game
Article content
If there’s one player who has been presented with a window of opportunity at the start of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ season, it’s receiver Carlton Agudosi.
tap here to see other videos from our team.
Receiver Agudosi ‘definitely looking to make statement’ in Bombers first game Back to video
tap here to see other videos from our team.
Because the Bombers have placed prized free agent receiver Kenny Lawler on the suspended list, while he sorts out an immigration issue, Agudosi will start the first game of the season at wide receiver.
Agudosi, 29, has been with the Bombers for three seasons, but has only appeared in two games and only finished one of them. In his only full game, he caught six passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns, so the Bombers have seen what he can do and have a lot of faith in the 6-foot-6, 220-pound receiver.
“For me, personally, I’ve had a lot of reps with Carlton,” Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros said Thursday, a day ahead of the team’s season opener against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (7:30 p.m., IG Field).
“We can move him around a bit and create some match-up things for him. He’s played on the line of scrimmage a lot, whether it’s down south or up here. Any time you can bring a guy like him, with his physical gifts, on the field, it’s a big thing. He’s a great teammate and I’m really excited for the opportunity that he has.”
Agudosi has been around Bombers’ training camp since May 10. He reported early and took part in rookie camp, hoping to get back into form after suffering a season-ending ankle injury in his second game last season.
“It’s been a long journey coming back from injury last year,” Agudosi said. “It’s been a great camp and I’m definitely excited to be in front of the fans again and go hard.
“It was definitely a goal to be out here with the guys in this first game. It’s not something I took for granted but I’m definitely ready for the opportunity and excited.”
Agusodi will need to impress in these first couple of games. When Lawler comes back, someone will at very least have reps cut and, at worst, come out of the line-up. Agudosi wants to make sure the coaches see him as a player who needs to stay in.
“In order to be a part of this team, you have to perform every game,” he said. “Nothing is guaranteed, especially with how the roster is set up. I’m definitely looking to make a statement so I’m a guy they can count on, the coaches and the quarterbacks.”
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.