The landscape of the CFL is starting to take shape and after three weeks of incredibly close games, it has become clear that no game is going to be an easy win for any team. In Week 3 of the CFL season, multiple U SPORTS alumni made significant impacts on the field, some of which were more unconventional than others.
Here are the U SPORTS Performances of the Week from Week 3 in the CFL.
MVP: Offence
Julian Feoli-Gudino: Wide Receiver | Winnipeg Blue Bombers (Laval Rouge et Or ’12)
In a game where the Winnipeg offence could not generate any momentum, Julian Feoli-Gudino quietly had an impressive game. If you were only to look at the box score, you may not be overly impressed with his stats (3 REC, 36 YDS, 1 TD) but his most important stat was his 24 yards after catch. Two thirds of his yards came after the catch, which is a huge boost to any offence, not to mention that he provided the Bombers with their only touchdown in their 29-10 loss against the Calgary Stampeders.
MVP: Defence/Lineman of the Week
Jeffrey Finley: Defensive Lineman | Toronto Argonauts (Guelph Gryphons ’14)
During the beginning of his CFL career, Finley has played a total of 20 games over three seasons for the Montreal Alouettes, playing mostly on special teams. This past offseason, Finley signed with the Toronto Argonauts and in Week 3 he made an impact on defence, recording the first regular season sack of his career. Finley would add a second sack later in the game that would help the Argos win 26-25 over the Ottawa REDBLACKS, moving them into sole possession of first place in the Eastern Conference.
Rookie of the Week
Shaq Johnson: Wide Receiver | BC Lions (Western Mustangs ’14)
Even though Shaq Johnson dressed for two games for the Lions last season, he spent most of the year on the practice roster. In his first full season in the CFL, Johnson is beginning to make more of an impact as the weeks progress. This week he tallied three catches for 51 yards in the Lions 23-16 win over the Alouettes. His big play ability is slowly being showcased, as this year he is averaging 23 yards per catch.
Special Teams Player of the Week
It may seem odd that a quarterback is the Special Teams Player of the Week, but Andrew Buckley is no ordinary quarterback. This week he added a forced fumble and a fumble recovery to his stat line, which already included a 60-yard touchdown run from Week 2. Buckley, who serves as Calgary’s holder on the field goal unit, forced the ball loose from the Winnipeg returner after a missed field goal. He also recovered that same fumble swinging the momentum back in Calgary’s favour.
