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4 second-year players that could erupt in 2023

Tyson Philpot – WR:

This one should be obvious to anyone who watched Philpot play last year. The ninth overall pick in last year’s CFL Draft showed flashes of brilliance on offence and as a kick-returner. The 22-year-old finished his rookie season with a respectable 39 receptions for 459 yards and two touchdowns, but he dominated in the East Division Final in Toronto with eight receptions for a team-high 127 yards and a touchdown.

With Eugene Lewis and Jake Wieneke no longer on the roster and Reggie White Jr. (knee) out to start the season, don’t be surprised if Philpot is peppered with targets right away. His 53 targets were fourth on the team behind Lewis (144), White Jr. (73) and Wieneke (64).

“We see Philpot as a starter,” GM Danny Maciocia said during a media availability at the CFL combine last month. “We’re going to give him an opportunity to be a starter in training camp. With the season he had last year and the maturity he showed…if he continues on that path, I see him as a starter. He’ll get that opportunity. That’s why the draft is so important to us. We made that trade with Winnipeg to acquire the ninth overall pick and we selected him. He improved throughout the season.”

Cole Spieker – WR:

Spieker waited patiently on the practice roster for most of the year until his number was called late in the season. The 26-year-old made his debut, primarily on special teams, in a game against Ottawa on Oct. 14, but he made a huge impact in the regular season finale against the Argos in Toronto.

In that game, the 26-year-old finished with an impressive six receptions on seven targets for 105 yards and one touchdown. He also played in the East Division Final game in Toronto in November and amassed 66 yards on four catches.

MORE: Cole Spieker’s hard work, patience being rewarded

On paper, it looks like Greg Ellingson, Kaion Julien-Grant and Philpot are the only ones locked into a starting spot heading into training camp. That means that there could be room for two guys to step into a starting role in 2023, and Spieker could be one of those guys.

He has a similar profile to Wieneke in that he isn’t the fastest player on the field, but he uses his football IQ, great hands, and solid route-running ability to make plays.

Pier-Olivier Lestage – G:

Lestage arrived in Montreal after training camp last season because he was coming from the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, but he made an immediate impact up front when he arrived in late July.

He slotted in at left guard almost immediately and didn’t give up the job the rest of the way. The 25-year-old has all the makings of being a leader for years to come. He’s big, strong, nasty, and he seemed to fit in right away.

MORE: 3 Alouettes that improved in 2022

Just imagine how good Lestage will be with a full training under his belt heading into this season. The 10th overall pick in the 2021 CFL draft should be a fixture at either guard position for a very long time.

The offensive line is always important, but it will be especially key on an Alouettes squad that will likely dress multiple running backs and a mobile starting quarterback in their game day lineup.

Tyrell Richards – LB:

The Alouettes traded up from four to one to select Richards. The first overall pick in 2022 had a bit of a frustrating season, as he dealt with a variety of injuries. The 24-year-old played in seven games and made five defensive tackles and four more on special teams.

There’s no denying Richards’ upside. He’s young, athletic and has good football instincts. Despite missing time, he still flashed some ability on the field.

Richards can line up at multiple positions. At last year’s National Combine, the Syracuse product wanted to partake in the defensive line, linebacker, and defensive back drills, so he’s confident in his ability to play all over the field.

Don’t expect him to line up in the secondary, but he’s talented enough to play middle and weak-side linebacker, and he could also help at defensive end if necessary.

The Alouettes will likely start Avery Williams at middle linebacker and Tyrice Beverette on the weak side, but there is plenty of room for a talented Canadian in the rotation.

Also, let’s not forget that he can develop into a punishing force on special teams, too.