Week 2 of the 2017 CFL season brought us some great games, great plays, and great performances, especially from former U SPORTS players. Here are the top former U SPORTS athletes from Week 2 in the CFL.
MVP: Offence
Brad Sinopoli:Â Wide Receiver | Ottawa REDBLACKS (Ottawa Gee-Gees)
Sinopoli had himself a game for Ottawa in their 43-39 loss to the Calgary Stampeders on Thursday, June 29. The former Ottawa Gee-Gee quarterback and Hec Crighton award winner has made his mark in the league as a receiver. His seven catches for 111 yards and one touchdown kept the REDBLACKS within striking distance throughout the game. Aside from an early penalty in the first quarter on what would have been a Greg Ellingson touchdown, Sinopoli continues to be a top target for Trevor Harris and the REDBLACK offence. Sinopoli now has 15 catches on the season for 199 yards and one touchdown.
MVP: Defence
Eddie Steele | Defensive Lineman | Saskatchewan Roughriders (Manitoba Bisons)
The University of Manitoba Bison product produced well, anchoring the middle of the Roughriders defensive line in Saskatchewan’s first game at New Mosaic Stadium. Steele made six tackles and had a sack in a 43-40 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Canada’s 150th birthday. Steele is currently in his first season with the Roughriders after spending the past four seasons with Edmonton. He was taken 22nd overall in the 2010 CFL Draft by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Rookie and Special Teams Player of the Week
Tunde Adeleke | DB/PR | Calgary Stampeders (Carleton Ravens)
“Welcome to the league kid!†– Rod Black, CFL on TSN Play-by-Play
The former Carleton Raven housed a Brett Maher punt in the 4th quarter which helped seal the victory for his team. Adeleke was also playing his first CFL game after being selected 25th overall in the 2017 CFL Draft. During his time in U SPORTS, he was noted as one of the most electrifying returners in not only the OUA, but in the entire nation. Not only is he an outstanding athlete when it comes to returning, but Calgary is very excited about how his skills have come along as a defensive back, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see him become the starting free safety of the Stampeders in a few seasons.
ICYMI: Adeleke’s former teammate Nate Behar wrote a tweet before the game that he may be regretting now. If there was one lesson to learn this week, it’s to never bet against Adeleke when he’s returning punts.
MVP: Linemen
David Foucault, Cody Husband, Kirby Fabien | LG/C/RG | BC Lions (Montreal Carabins, UBC Thunderbirds, Calgary Dinos)
Although the Lions gave up four sacks, they were all off of the edge pass rushers. The interior of the Lions offensive line had their hands full with a strong Toronto line backing core and a tough interior defensive line. Despite that they were able to hold their own. Foucault out of Montreal, Husband out of UBC, and Fabien out of Calgary all helped the Lions quarterback Jonathon Jennings throw for 305 yards and a touchdown while their starting running back, Jeremiah Johnson had nine carries for 70 yards and a touchdown. Hats off the big guys in the trenches who helped BC pick up their first win of the season
