Bombers draft choice Gassama embraces role of underdog

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This article was published 01/05/2024 (521 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It would probably be unwise to bet against AK Gassama.

The 5-9, 158-pound wide receiver doesn’t fit the mould of what a successful pro is supposed to look like but don’t bother telling him that.

He’s been hearing it for years.

“You get tired of it, but my whole life, I’ve always been in a position of being an underdog because of that,” said Gassama Wednesday, a day after the Winnipeg Blue Bombers made him a sixth-round (55th overall) pick in the CFL Draft. “But I love it and I embrace it. It’s never stopped me before. Honestly, it’s made me who I am.”

Fast and fearless, Gassama excelled at Vincent Massey Collegiate and then at the University of Manitoba, where he was a two-time all-Canadian for head coach Brian Dobie’s Bisons.

He won’t flinch at the challenge of making a CFL roster as a late-round pick.

“My mentality is like I’m gonna have to work harder than everybody to prove that point,” said Gassama. “Because at face value, you’re gonna look at me and say, ‘Oh, man, this guy’s too small. How’s he gonna fit into these schemes?’ But at every level that I’ve gone to, I’ve proven myself because I work hard. I look small, but I take the gym seriously, and I take how I eat very seriously.”

Winnipeg GM Kyle Walters is very familiar with Gassama’s energy level and commitment.

“That’s the beauty of our league that some of smaller guys that might not get a look anywhere else can come up here and thrive,” said Walters. “So yeah, he’s a little undersized. But I know he’s going to show up and give everything he’s got every single day and work hard and study.”

Moving from the Bisons locker room down the hallway to the Bombers headquarters seems like a natural fit.

“During the combine process I had a really good interview with Winnipeg, and I felt like it just felt so natural and genuine,” said Gassama. “I’ve interacted with all of them and I have a lot of good relationships with a lot of current players so I think it was kind of natural, right? It wasn’t 100 per cent certain (of being chosen by Winnipeg) but I definitely knew that there was love coming from that right in that locker room.”

Gassama trained with Bombers slotback Nic Demski during the worst days of the COVID-19 pandemic and also has close ties with all-star running back Brady Oliviera.

In training camp, the Bombers are expected to also test Gassama’s ability as a punt and kick returner.

“With Janarion (Grant) not signed there’ll be a bunch of guys back there the coaches will be taking a look at and he’ll jump in there and we’ll see what happens,” said Walters.

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca