Former 'Dogs advance to CFL Grey Cup Playoff

FRESNO, Calif. - With the Canadian Football League Playoff picture set, six former Fresno State football players have a chance at competing for the Grey Cup this season. Former Bulldogs are represented on rosters for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the East Division, the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Calgary Stampeders, both in the West Division.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders clinched a first round bye for the first time since 1976. Former Bulldog standout receiver KeeSean Johnson earned All-CFL honors this season. He was recognized after catching 86 passes for 1,159 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games. He led the league in second-down receptions (39). He was fourth in the league in receiving yards and tied for third in receptions. Despite missing two games, he was tied for the 16th-best receptions total in Club history. 

Also with the Roughriders are former Bulldog linebackers Travis Brown and Tuasivi Nomura. Brown, who played for the Bulldogs from 2009-12, serves as the linebackers coach for the Roughriders. Nomura, who completed his collegiate career a season ago, is a linebacker on the practice squad.

Former Bulldog wide receiver Erik Brooks will suit up for the Calgary Stampeders in the West Division Semifinal this weekend against the BC Lions. Brooks is in his second year with Calgary, but missed his rookie season with injury. He has been utilized plenty this year with 51 receptions for 824 yards and two touchdowns. Brooks is also the punt returner and kickoff returner for the Stampeders, totaling 33 punt returns for 335 yards and 31 kickoff returns for 665 yards on the year.

Brooks and the Stampeders will kick things off on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 2:30 p.m. PT to vie for a spot in the Western Final against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday, Nov. 8.

Wide receiver Keric Wheatfall and linebacker Kyrie Wilson suit up for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the East Division Semifinal on Saturday. Wheatfall has 42 receptions for 655 yards and four touchdowns this season, the second-most on the team. Wheatfall played three seasons at Fresno State (2019-21). Wilson is the oldest Bulldog alum in the CFL, having played for Fresno State from 2011-15. Wilson is fourth on the team with 51 tackles. He also adds two forced fumbles. The Blue Bombers will face the Montreal Alouettes on Saturday at 11 a.m. PT.

Fresno State Athletics

Players Mentioned

Tuasivi Nomura

Former 'Dogs advance to CFL Grey Cup Playoff

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