Fresh and familiar faces at Bombers training camp

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This article was published 13/05/2025 (225 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A chorus of “oohs” from field level followed James Evans’ first punt.

The rest of his Winnipeg Blue Bombers teammates watched the next several reps with intent, as the New Zealand-born leg continued to boom towering balls upwards of 60 yards at whoever had the misfortune of attempting to catch them.

After Evans’ last punt, which travelled nearly 50 yards, an onlooker from the stands inside Princess Auto Stadium yelled, “Sign him!”

They will be happy to know that he is, in fact, under contract.

Indeed, Evans, who the Bombers selected in the second round, 16th overall in last month’s global draft, didn’t waste much time introducing himself and perhaps putting some pressure on incumbent Jamieson Sheahan.

The 23-year-old missed the first two days of training camp, writing a final exam and attending his graduation ceremony at Indiana University, where he attained a master’s degree in finance. On Sunday, he packed all of his belongings in a storage container and, on Monday, he was on a plane to Winnipeg.

“It was just cool to be back out on the field. After playing four years of college football, you really don’t know if you’ll get an opportunity to keep playing, so just really fortunate to be out here. A really nice day out, and I was able to hit a few good balls,” Evans said.

The 6-1, 217-pounder grew up playing rugby in Auckland. Evans played the No. 10 position, which he likened to a quarterback in North American football. In 2021, he moved to Indiana, where he immediately started for the Hoosiers.

Over the next three seasons, Evans was named to the Academic All-Big Ten team while he climbed the all-time ranks of Hoosiers punting. He owns the program record for career punting average (43.7 yards) and is fourth in total punts (237).

Several teams from the National Football League interviewed him after last season, but nothing materialized. Looking for a chance to play, he turned his attention to the CFL.

“My last year didn’t exactly go how I probably would have liked it to have gone. And, at times, it was definitely a little frustrating. So getting another opportunity, even if all that eventuates to is just coming to camp, was just something that when I thought about it deeply, I wanted to do, and just to get around another locker room of guys and have an opportunity,” he said.

Evans worked to increase the peak of his ball flight during the off-season, which he’s currently happy with. Now, he knows what he’s capable of, it’s just a matter of executing consistently.

“Kicking these footballs is way easier, and it’s nice because we actually have kicking balls. That was something throughout my career in college football, when you transition from quarterback to quarterback, they all like different (balls), so sometimes it’s really easy to kick and sometimes you’re at a tough spot,” he said.

“So it’s nice to have a slightly bigger football and slightly more manufactured to kick it. That makes my job a lot easier.”

It’s worth noting that Evans’ impressive debut was in a controlled setting where he had a helping breeze at the time. Nevertheless, his leg power has put everyone on notice.

“He banged the first one away pretty good. Different type of breeze, and he’s getting used to it, so we’ll see,” said head coach Mike O’Shea. “Everybody at that position wants to be more consistent. I think it was pretty hard for both punters to get the ball to turnover with the way the wind was going today.”

Brandon Alexander a guest coach at Bombers training camp

He wasn’t wearing a helmet or pads, but Brandon Alexander still made his impact felt on Tuesday.

The longtime Bombers safety, who was not re-signed this off-season, was in street clothes as he helped in drills and offered words of wisdom to defensive backs who are currently battling for a roster spot.

“I think it’s a great idea,” said O’Shea. “I think him being here, he was here for a long time with us, gave everything he could to the team and his teammates and the game, and it’s good to have a guy like that around.

“He’s the ultimate rep thief, made his mark grinding, and I think if some of that rubs off on the guys through conversation, it’ll only help us.”

The 31-year-old played seven seasons with the Blue and Gold, appearing in 89 career games and registering 268 defensive tackles, 20 special teams tackles, eight interceptions and seven forced fumbles.

Alexander was twice named a West Division All-Star and once a CFL All-Star, while anchoring the Bombers secondary to two Grey Cups.

“It’s always a blessing to see my guy, man. I’ve been wanting to talk to him anyway, so got to see him in person for the first time since last season,” said defensive back Marquise Bridges. “He’s out here, gonna help us out, and, obviously, he provides so much wisdom and experience that we just pay attention to listen and try to soak it all up as best as we can.”

Alexander has reportedly not shut the door on continuing his career in the CFL, though he remains a free agent.

“Guest coach, teammate, friend, all of that,” Bridges added. “He’s here. That’s the best part about him, he’s all of it in one.”

joshua.frey-sam@freepress.mb.ca