Working world can wait for Bombers’ Ivy League receiver

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This article was published 22/05/2024 (498 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Tyler Adams is in no hurry to put his Ivy League education to use.

The Harvard University grad, who finished his college career at Butler, is more interested in catching footballs at the moment.

The rookie receiver led the Blue Bombers with four grabs for 61 yards — including a 34-yard catch and run — to lead the team in receiving in Monday’s 25-12 pre-season loss in Regina.

“I have worked full time a few times through injuries and the transfer and stuff like that, so, I do know what’s waiting for me on the other side,” said the economics major. “So, I’m trying to take the most out of every day, not take it for granted, and just ride it as long as I can.”

After catching 39 passes for 689 yards and five touchdowns as a senior in 2022, Adams tried out for the Indianapolis Colts and saw some work on special teams during their pre-season. This week was his first chance to show what he can do in the pros on offence, and he didn’t let the opportunity slip through his fingers. The ball did, though, on the final drive with Adams fumbling.

“The CFL is still a great opportunity. The league has been around for 100-plus years and it’s a historical league and program,” said Adams.

“It’s just a love for the game of football and trying to do it either until the wheels fall off or everybody tells me no.”

The Bombers were stagnant on offence for most of the day, making it hard to evaluate their talent. Terry Wilson Jr., who threw Adams those passes, also managed to stand out by going 10-for-15 for 115 yards and a touchdown. The former Oregon/Kentucky/New Mexico passer has a strong shot at securing the No. 3 job behind Zach Collaros and Chris Streveler after his competition Eric Barriere threw for 23 yards and two picks.

Wilson and Barriere have been roommates since arriving in Winnipeg for rookie camp.

“It’s definitely tough, man. In the quarterback room you want everybody to perform well and do well. The only thing you can do in that situation is learn from it, watch the film and try to correct the mistakes,” said Wilson.

“I just try to keep his head up and his spirits up. I told him ‘Hey man, it happens. You just gotta practice the next day, learn from your mistakes and try to get better.’”

There was a lot at stake against the Roughriders for those fighting for work, but Wilson said he didn’t let the moment get too big for him.

“I don’t look at it as pressure. That’s why when we come out to practice, I try to treat it like a game so when it is the game, it’s natural,” said Wilson.

Castillo “suspended”

Kicker Sergio Castillo was placed on the suspended list on Thursday as he returned home to deal with a personal matter.

Head coach Mike O’Shea expects the veteran to return sometime this weekend.

Castillo was excellent against Saskatchewan as he booted a 53-yard field goal.

taylor.allen@freepress.mb.ca

X: @TaylorAllen31