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CFL: Ranking the Rookies

Giants27

Analyst Written on July 19, 2009

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TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 25: Arjei Franklin #83 of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers has a pass knocked away by Sean Lucas #31 of the Saskatchewan Rough Riders during the second quarter of the 95th Grey Cup on November 25, 2007 at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ont

Harry How/Getty Images

Rookies always make an impact. Whether they're returning kickoffs, catching passes or sacking quarterbacks. The purpose of this slideshow is to try and rank the top ten rookies in the CFL. Every team but the only unbeaten team have been mentioned. Which isn't shocking since Montreal didn't have many holes to fill this offseason.

Whether you disagree or think I I'm the smartest feel free to comment. Enjoy and make sure to visit http://thecanadianfootballleaguereport.blogspot.com/

No. 10-DB Bobby Keyes, Edmonton Eskimos

Keyes began his career with the Washington Redskins before moving on to the Birmingham Steeldogs and Dallas Desperados.

So far, this season Keyes has recorded 14 tackles tying him for the lead in tackles with some more rookies who'll you'll meet later on.

No. 9-DE Odell Willis, Calgary Stampeders

After going undrafted in 08' out of West Georgia, Willis signed with the af2's Peoria Pirates. He was later traded to the Green Bay Blizzard.

Willis has put fear in the hearts of all quarterbacks out there, with three sacks.

No. 8-DB Darren Toney, BC Lions

Toney joined the Carolina Panthers in 2008, before being cut. He signed with BC this offseason and has been impressive.

For the season, Toney is tied with Keyes with 14 tackles surpassing preseason expectations.

No. 7-DB Lin-J Shell, Toronto Argonauts

No, Shell doesn't have 14 tackles like Keyes and Toney, but the former Orlando Predatos, Philadelphia Eagle and New Orleans VooDoo does have something Willis has.

Shell has two sacks and adds to that with one interception in his rookie season in Toronto.

No. 6-LB Kye Stewart, Saskatchewan Roughriders

Stewart a product out of Illinois State has done outstanding on special teams for the Roughriders.

Stewart has seven special teams tackles along with two on defense.

No. 5-DE Greg Peach, Edmonton Eskimos

Peach graduated from Eastern Washington after setting the school record for most tackles for a loss in a career with 63.

As a CFL rookie, Peach has 14 tackles and on top of that one sack.

No. 4-RB DeAndra Cobb, Hamilton Tiger-Cats

EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 13: Running back DeAndra Cobb #21 of the Michigan State Spartans runs upfield against the Wisconsin Badgers during the game at Spartan Stadium on November 13, 2004 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Wisconsin 4

Cobb has impressed after spending three years out of football. Following his Michigan State career he joined the Atlanta Falcons in 2005 and the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2006.

During his CFL rookie season, he has 25 rushes for an astounding 142 yards. Cobb also has eight catches for 88 yards and a touchdown.

No. 3-RB Martell Mallett, BC Lions

Mallett is in his first professional stop after having 2,888 yards on 582 carries with 27 touchdowns at Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

He has rushed for 171 yards and a touchdown on 37 carries. Mallett has also caught nine passes for 114 yards.

No. 2-WR Titus Ryan, Calgary Stampeders

Ryan has made three NFL stops but never saw any game action in Kansas City, New Orleans and Carolina. So, after not getting any attention in America, Ryan decided to go north.

And boy did he make an impact, so far he's gotten eight kickoffs for 248 yards which includes a 104 yard score.

No. 1-WR Emmanuel Arceneaux, BC Lions

Making his first pro stop following a successful career at Alcorn State, Arceneaux has been nothing short of impressive. He has caught nine passes for 143 yards and has added three touchdowns which puts him beind grisled vetertans Avon Cobourne, Joffrey Reynolds and Geroy Simon.

Begin Slideshow

That's the end of this slideshow, here are a few more you might like...

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written on July 19, 2009 Rankings/List

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