Case out to make a case for himself as a return man

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This article was published 17/07/2024 (441 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s been nearly two years since Kody Case last played in a meaningful football game.

That came as a senior at the University of Illinois in November of 2022, as he tried to add a few more plays to his highlight tape before going pro.

The road has been long and winding for the Blue Bombers receiver since that time.

Case was scooped up as an undrafted free agent by the Indianapolis Colts in the National Football League last fall but played limited preseason snaps before being cut.

Then the 25-year-old signed with Winnipeg this offseason. After flashing at times during training camp, Case went down with an injury and was ultimately released before the season began.

“That’s always the hardest part about rehabbing and going through that process is just the waiting and watching, but it’s all worth it in the end when you get your opportunity,” said Case, who was added back to the club’s practice roster on June 30.

“You just got to make the most of it.”

Case, who was elevated to the game roster earlier this week, will have a chance to do just that on Friday.

All signs point to the rookie making his professional debut when the Bombers face the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Case is expected to return kicks for Winnipeg, who demoted previous returner Chris Smith to the practice roster this week.

Case isn’t worried about there being any rust when he suits up in one of the most hostile environments in the league.

“At the end of the day, it’s football. I’ve played this my whole life so I can’t really blow up the moment too much but it’s an exciting moment for sure,” he said.

Case follows Smith and Myron Mitchell in the club’s search to replace longtime returner Janarion Grant, who eventually inked a deal with the Toronto Argonauts and has made an early impact for the club, housing a 103-yard kick return last week.

Case, who grew up a coach’s son — his father is the longtime head coach for South Central Calhoun, a high school in Iowa — has returned kicks dating back to his youth. While he was rarely used as a returner at Illinois, his knack for making plays hasn’t faded.

Most importantly, he fits the bill for what special teams coordinator Mike Miller wants in a returner.

“It starts with us having to open up lanes for these guys, but we’d like to see guys catch and hit it and find those lanes and go in there fearlessly — be willing to maybe take a shot but that could lead to a bigger return,” Miller said.

“Kody showed a lot of things in camp that we like just as an all-around athlete and his returning ability, as well. We’re just trying to get a good look at him.”

Case made sure to use his time wisely while he was rehabbing. New to the three-down game, he studied up on Canadian football and its rules to give himself a better understanding of his surroundings when he plays.

“I was frustrated right away but then I took some time and just told myself, ‘This is a good learning experience.’ Just see the game from an outside perspective when you’re not really in it. So, I’ve actually learned a lot about the game and how every yard matters…,” he said

“I hope just to bring a spark, just do my job, trust my blockers out there, read off of them and then if I get that opportunity, just do what I can with the ball in my hands.”

HARDRICK SIDELINED ‘LONG TERM’

Re-acquainting themselves with former teammate Jermarcus Hardrick might be the only lighthearted moment when the Bombers travel to Regina.

The only problem is the exchanges won’t be in the fashion that anyone had imagined — the 34-year-old right tackle will be in street clothes, rather than pads.

Roughriders head coach Corey Mace confirmed this week that Hardrick, the club’s prized offseason signing, will be out “long-term” due to a quad injury he suffered in a Week 6 loss to the B.C. Lions.

His loss has been felt beyond the Riders’ locker room. Bombers center Chris Kolankowski texted his former linemate after he went down.

“It’s just hard to see someone you played with and someone who means a lot to you— like he taught me a lot in my career because obviously, I started starting when I was here with him at right tackle,” Kolankowski said.

“He taught me a lot about confidence and just saying, ‘Screw it, I know who I am, I know how to play, I’m going to play my way,’ so, definitely reached out to him and it just sucks seeing people go down, especially… that kind of high-energy guy.”

Hardrick signed with the Riders on Feb. 13 after seven years with the Blue and Gold. As a member of the Bombers, he was a CFL All-Star in 2021 and 2023. He was also named the West Division’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman last year.

Rookie Jacob Brammer is expected to make his CFL debut and start at right tackle for Saskatchewan on Friday.

joshua.frey-sam@freepress.mb.ca

X: @jfreysam