Wheatfall confident he has what it takes to make a difference with Big Blue

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This article was published 10/06/2024 (673 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

If Keric Wheatfall is half as good as he says he is, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers will be just fine.

“I feel like I’m a LeBron on the field,” Wheatfall said after Monday’s practice.

“I can block, I can run downfield, I can make the cuts, catch the ball, get up-field, do whatever I need.”

Star receiver Kenny Lawler fractured his arm in Week 1’s 27-12 loss at home against Montreal and all signs point to Wheatfall being the chosen one to take his place this Thursday in Ottawa.

The 25-year-old out of Fresno State earned a training camp invite with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022 before playing three games in the USFL last year with the Philadelphia Stars. After the Stars let him go, the Bombers called Wheatfall and signed him in January.

He had never left the country before and knew nothing about Winnipeg, but he’s already thankful he made the trip.

“This is a big opportunity for me. I’m excited for this, man, and I love this team. Actually, from all the teams I’ve been on in all the different types of leagues, this is probably the closest I got with all the players in the quickest amount of time,” said Wheatfall, who’s currently on the practice squad.

“I love it here in the CFL, I’d love to continue keep playing out here with the Bombers. This is all a blessing to me.”

Wheatfall has some massive shoes — and gloves — to fill. Lawler, one of the best receivers in the three-down circuit, was at practice Monday with a cast on his right arm. He’s been placed on the six-game injured list and will miss a substantial amount of time.

Lawler, who has 218 catches for 3,472 yards and 21 touchdowns in 54 career games, is doing what he can to help out and was quick to give the rookie advice.

“Kenny was like stay levelheaded, stay in the (playbook) and whatever questions I had, to call him and talk to him. And to just play your game, be relaxed out there, don’t tense up. ‘You’re a baller, I’m a baller’ that’s what he kept saying,” said Wheatfall, a 6-2, 194-pounder from Brenham, Texas.

“So, I took that, came out on the field, blurred out everything and just balled out and made plays.”

Wheatfall was out of football for nine months when Bombers’ receivers coach Kevin Bourgoin reached out.

“He just told me a little bit about Winnipeg and how great of a program this is, how many championships we’ve won, and how many championships we’ve been to,” said Wheatfall. “I knew then that this is one of the top teams in the CFL and I was real excited to get a phone call from him to play for this wonderful team.”

He has the tools to be a deep threat as he made several impressive catches down field Monday. He’s already earned the trust of his new teammates.

“Early in camp, I told him ‘The QBs like you, I like you, and I think you’re a good hard worker,’” said veteran receiver Drew Wolitarsky.

“He’s a committed guy, a community guy, and a family guy. He definitely fits in with this team and from early on, I had high hopes for him so I’m really glad he’s on the team and has an opportunity. I think he’s a great player.”

Offensive-co-ordinator Buck Pierce also likes his potential.

“He had a great camp. You know, it’s always a big jump coming up to the CFL for the first time and learning the nuances of the game but his physical tools (are there),” said Pierce.

“He’s extremely gifted and you can see the confidence building with him.”

Wheatfall wears No. 88 in honour of his all-time favourite player, Dallas Cowboys legend Michael Irvin. He’s hoping he can resemble “The Playmaker” in his CFL debut.

“Going out there and just going crazy, 200 yards, touchdowns, man, just balling out for the team,” said Wheatfall.

As for a more realistic goal…

“Just getting the win, honestly. Doing whatever I can, playing my role for this team, and just coming out on top. We had a tough one last week and we’re trying to get it back this week.”

taylor.allen@freepress.mb.ca

X: @TaylorAllen31