5 underrated players that could star in 110th Grey Cup
Every year, there are star players that make critical plays in championship games, but there are also under-the-radar guys that step up at a crucial time, too. On Sunday, during the 110th Grey Cup, Montrealers will have their eyes set on Cody Fajardo, Austin Mack, William Stanback, Darnell Sankey, Shawn Lemon, and other stars, but some lesser-known players can make the difference.
So, which underrated players on the Als roster might become stars on Sunday night?
Cole Spieker – WR:
Spieker spent most of last season on the practice roster, but he’s become one of the team’s three starting American receivers in 2023. The 27-year-old has good, reliable hands, and Fajardo won’t hesitate to throw his way on second down. Although he had just one catch in the East Final, it came on a critical drive in the fourth quarter when the Alouettes were facing second-and-nine. Spieker fought for extra yards and got the first down, which extended the drive and killed more clock. He had four games of 50 yards or more this season.
Jake Harty – WR:
Harty had a huge impact in the East Semi-Final, as he made two important grabs during a fourth quarter drive that he finished off with a touchdown. The Canadian receiver has Grey Cup experience, as he won the championship with the Ottawa Redblacks in 2016. The 32-year-old is also an important blocker off the edge on offence, so he can help give Fajardo extra time to throw the ball.
Jeshrun Antwi – RB:
The Canadian tailback scored a rushing touchdown late in last Saturday’s East Division Final against Toronto. The 26-year-old averaged a healthy 5.9 yards per carry on 39 carries this season. Yes, William Stanback will get most of the work out of the backfield, but Antwi can contribute many different ways. He’s more than capable of playing on offence and he’s also a key contributor on special teams.
Avery Ellis – DE:
Lemon and Lwal Uguak have received a lot of love for the work they’ve done at defensive end in the second half of the season, but veteran Avery Ellis is coming off what was arguably his best game of the season. Ellis nearly blocked a punt in the East Division Final, and he was extremely physical on special teams. He also made three tackles for loss against the Argos, including one on running back A.J. Ouellette.
Dionte Ruffin – CB:
Ruffin has been starting at boundary cornerback down the stretch because of an injury to Kordell Rodgers, and he’s done pretty well. He recovered a fumble in the East Semi-Final and was solid in coverage last week in Toronto. Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros isn’t shy about throwing the ball all over the field, so Ruffin and the secondary will have to be at their best on Sunday.
