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Sophomore Star: Philip Blake
Of all the rookies who made an impact in 2015, Blake may have been the most unheralded. The 30-year-old was as solid as a rock on the Alouettes’ offensive line, one that tied for first in the CFL with only 33 sacks allowed.
His emergence helped make up for the departure of Ryan Bomben while Montreal’s O-line remains in good hands heading into 2016.
Keep an Eye On: Rakeem Cato
Keep an eye on the Als’ 23-year-old pivot because if he plays, there’s a good chance he’ll be a sophomore star. Cato impressed in his brief playing time in 2015, including a career debut that no one will soon forget in a win over the Calgary Stampeders.
The Alouettes appear to be rolling with the veteran Kevin Glenn going into next year, but Cato could be the future in Montreal and his chance will come.
Sophomore Sleeper: Chris Ackie
Jacob Ruby and Nicholas Shortill also deserve honourable mention for this category, but the biggest sophomore sleeper in Montreal has to be Chris Ackie, a versatile defender who the Als selected fourth overall in the CFL Draft last year.
The Als traded Mike Edem late last season and should be able to find a spot for Ackie, likely as a defensive back rather than a linebacker although he’s capable of playing both positions.
