Five under-the-radar Alouettes who could make big impact in Grey Cup
PRESENTED BY ÉPATANTE PATATE DU QUÉBEC
Every year at the Grey Cup, there are players that have huge performances in the game who flew under the radar for most of the season. Who could that be for the Alouettes in Sunday’s 112th Grey Cup on Sunday night?
In 2023, cornerback Kabion Ento could’ve been named the Most Outstanding Player in the Grey Cup. He had a huge interception in the end zone, and he also forced a fumble. Not many people expected him to make as many explosive plays as he did that night.
Cole Spieker made the second most-import catch of the 110th Grey Cup when he went up and caught a pass on third-and-five with the game on the line. If Spieker drops that pass, the game is over, and Tyson Philpot never has an opportunity to make the game-winning reception with 13 seconds remaining.
So, which players could make a big impact on the game?
Najee Murray – LB:
Nobody on the current edition of the Alouettes has been on the team longer than Murray. The strong-side linebacker joined the Als in 2018 and has been a reliable piece of the defence when healthy.
Unfortunately for him, he was injured in the 2023 postseason, but he’s healthy and ready to go on Sunday.
Murray had two interceptions against the Ottawa Redblacks back on Oct. 18 and he often brings pressure on the opposing quarterback.
The 31-year-old had 77 tackles and two sacks in 16 games this season.
Robert Kennedy – DB:
Kennedy took over as a starter for Ciante Evans and Dionte Ruffin in the Eastern Final in Hamilton. The rookie played well in his first postseason start and there’s no reason to believe he’ll be intimidated by the bright lights.
The 26-year-old suited up in eight regular season games this year. He finished with 30 defensive tackles in 2025 and showed that he’s able to cover some of the top receivers on the other side.
The North Carolina State alumni made 10 defensive tackles and one special teams tackle in the two games against the Riders this year.
Tyrell Richards – LB:
If Richards is going to make a big impact in this game, it’s going to come on special teams. The former first overall pick was named to the All-CFL East team as the special teams player because – in part- he led the league in special teams tackles.
The 27-year-old is a matchup nightmare. He’s bigger and faster than most of the guys trying to block him, and he always finds a way to be in the thick of things on punts and kickoffs.
With a dangerous kick returner like Mario Alford on the other side, Richards’ performance will be key.
Jacob Mason – FB:
I don’t expect Mason to be the game’s Most Outstanding Canadian, but he’ll have an important role on this team.
With David Dallaire unavailable, Mason will be the only true fullback on the roster. His dirty work and blocking are a big part of his game.
He’s an excellent blocker and he’s shown that he can catch the ball when necessary.
It wouldn’t shock me if he made an important catch or two to extend a drive.
Shea Patterson – QB
Since joining the Alouettes, Patterson has been Mr. Automatic when it comes to short yardage.
The 28-year-old scored six touchdowns in only eight games in 2025, and he regularly found a way to rush for three or more yards on quarterback sneaks.
Odds are he won’t be overly busy, but there are games where the short yardage quarterback could score multiple touchdowns from one yard out.
