OTTAWA - It looks as though Gee-Gees quarterback Brad Sinopoli will not be alone in his quest for a spot on a CFL roster this spring. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers announced on Tuesday that they have added former Gee-Gees defensive back Chayce Elliott, Burnaby, B.C., to their training camp roster.
The fifth-year sociology student transferred to the University of Ottawa after spending two seasons with Western Washington University. Elliott put up some solid numbers, and was often a difference maker last season for the garnet and grey en route to his second Yates Cup appearance.
He averaged 28.08 yards per game on kick returns, including his longest of the season at 62 yards. Defensively, he contributed 26 tackles (22 solo, 4 assisted) and two interceptions in seven games last fall, enough to earn him a first-team OUA All-Star selection and second-team All-Canadian status.
In 2009, Elliott participated in the CIS East-West Bowl after being named a second-team OUA All-Star in just his second season in the CIS.
The signing came as somewhat of a surprise to the 5'10 defensive back who was passed over in last year's CFL draft. "I thought after my All-Canadian selection that I would get looked at," explained Elliott, "but I wasn't really expecting anything. So I just kept doing my thing, working out and doing my routine just in case."
It was not until late February that Chayce received a call from Blue Bombers wanting to see him work out. From there he was then invited to the mini camp to further show his skills and potential. And so after a successful showing at mini camp, Winnipeg decided to sign the 23-year old and offer him a real chance to make their roster.
"It feels pretty good. Definitely didn't know what to expect this year, but I couldn't be happier with being signed by Winnipeg," said Elliott.
Gee-Gees football head coach Jean-Philippe Asselin was very happy for his former player, but was not at all surprised by the news. "I know Winnipeg was very pleased with him in ranking him very highly among incoming players," said Asselin. "We were very fortunate to have for one more year. I think he was very close to getting drafted last year and just slipped through the crack. He definitely deserves the opportunity to compete, and we're very happy for him," he added.
Source:
Ottawa Sports Info