Third time no harm
He was chosen in the fifth round of the 2023 CFL Draft by the Bombers, but still had two years of U Sports eligibility left, so they sent the defensive tackle back to the Manitoba Bisons for some additional seasoning that fall. He ended up tearing his pectoral muscle midway through the year which forced him to rehab all winter.
He recovered in time for Blue and Gold training camp in 2024, only to break his foot on one of the final days. The setback led to him playing out his senior year at the U of M in 2024, before trying out for the Bombers for a third time this spring.
MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS
Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Colin Kornelson during practice at Princess Auto Stadium. The first-year defensive tackle was chosen by the Bombers in the fifth round of the 2023 CFL Draft.
The 25-year-old got through camp unscathed this time and impressed enough to earn a roster spot for the team's season-opening 34-20 victory over the B.C. Lions last week at home.
'I kind of just did it the long way. It took three tries, and now we finally made it. It was honestly like a relief,' Kornelson, who backed up Jake Thomas and Devin Adams at DT last Thursday while also helping out on special teams, said after Tuesday's practice.
'It was a lot of hard work and it meant a lot for it to all pay off in the end.'
Since he grew up in Winnipeg, Kornelson felt he knew what to expect on game day. That turned out to not be the case.
He had a group of 10 supporters in the stands cheering him on, and his parents will also make the trip to Vancouver this weekend to see their son and the Bombers challenge the Lions (1-1) at BC Place on Saturday in a rematch.
'It was honestly surreal. You know when you watch games, you know it's loud, but when you're on the sideline and you can't hear what someone is saying next to you, it's a crazy feeling,' he said.
'I didn't know it was going to be that loud.'
In 2023, Kornelson didn't think the Bombers would take him, as one round earlier they selected defensive tackle Tanner Schmekel out of Regina. He figured the club would look at a different position group with their final picks, so he went outside for some fresh air when Round 5 got underway, only for his family to run out and inform him soon after that the Bombers drafted him at pick No. 44.
'He has shown a lot of growth over these three training camps now. On a personal level, you're really excited for the guy, especially being on his hometown team, it's a pretty cool story,' said the veteran Thomas of his young teammate. 'I think this year, he came back a little leaner and has been moving really well. You could see in the first week he's now running on special teams which you don't normally see from a 280-290 pound D-tackle. I think he's reshaped his body and he's moving really well.'
Winnipeg Jets Game Days
On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop.
Rourke limited in practice
B.C. Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke was a limited participant at practice on Tuesday with a core injury. Rourke left in the fourth quarter of last week's game in Winnipeg, and his status for Saturday's tilt remains up in the air.
'Yeah, I want to play, especially since we don't play these guys again for the rest of the regular season. I don't feel like I played my best the other night, so it means a little more,' Rourke told reporters on Tuesday.
'I'd love to get back and get this one. Not only do I think we have the guys that are capable to win without me, it is a long season and this is one of those things that could turn into a longer injury if not handled right. That's why we're taking it day by day.'
taylor.allen@freepress.mb.ca
Taylor AllenReporter
Taylor Allen is a sports reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. Taylor was the Vince Leah intern in the Free Press newsroom twice while earning his joint communications degree/diploma at the University of Winnipeg and Red River College Polytechnic. He signed on full-time in 2019 and mainly covers the Blue Bombers, curling, and basketball. Read more about Taylor.
Every piece of reporting Taylor produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
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Winnipeg Free Press
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Winnipeg Free Press
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Winnipeg Free Press
11 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Bombers have plenty to prove in clash with Alouettes
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Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS Montreal Alouettes fourth-string quarterback James Morgan will make his first career start in Thursday's game. While other teams in the league have had to deal with injuries to the most important position, the Alouettes have been in a state of flux since the start of the season. Starter Davis Alexander, veteran McLeod Bethel-Thompson and third-stringer Caleb Evans have all been sidelined, leaving the team with no choice but to rely on their fourth-string QB. Morgan showed promise in his relief appearance last week, completing 20-of-33 passes for 211 yards, a touchdown and no turnovers. His performance was impressive given the circumstances, but he now faces a Bombers defence eager to put pressure on him. If Winnipeg can get pressure on Morgan and force him into making mistakes, it could be a long night for the Alouettes. If they fail to capitalize, it will raise more doubts about the Bombers ability to push for a sixth straight Grey Cup appearance. After a lengthy absence due to a thigh injury suffered in training camp, the highly anticipated debut of Peyton Logan has finally arrived. The running back and return specialist was a key off-season acquisition for the Bombers, brought in to address their struggles in the return game from the 2024 season. His injury, sustained in the early days of camp, kept him sidelined for the entire pre-season and the first nine games of the regular season. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES Running back Peyton Logan will make his highly anticipated first-career start with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Thursday. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES Running back Peyton Logan will make his highly anticipated first-career start with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Thursday. Now, the Bombers will get their first look at the dynamic player who proved to be a major threat during his time in Calgary. Logan is listed on the depth chart alongside Trey Vaval, who has been an excellent replacement. But with Vaval now also taking on starting duties at boundary corner due to injuries in the secondary, Logan's role becomes even more critical. He was signed to be the answer in the return game, and Thursday's matchup against the Alouettes provides the perfect opportunity to prove his worth. While head coach Mike O'Shea has been tight-lipped about his plans, you have to assume Logan will get his chance. If he doesn't, it will only raise questions about his place on the roster. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. In a season that's so far been defined by inconsistency, receiver Nic Demski had been a model of reliability. Demski, who has 41 receptions for 640 yards and five touchdowns, is on pace to set career-highs in all three categories. With a strong start to the year, Demski has seamlessly stepped into the role of the team's No. 1 receiver. His ability to consistently move the chains and find the end zone has been instrumental in keeping the offence above water. He'll need to be just as productive against the Alouettes, who rank middle of the pack when it comes to surrendering passing yards, averaging 281 against per game. The Alouettes are also dealing with significant injuries to their receiving core, with top targets Austin Mack and Tyson Philpot still out of the lineup. If Demski continues his stellar play, he could be the difference-maker in a game where both teams are looking for a spark. Jeff HamiltonMultimedia producer Jeff Hamilton is a sports and investigative reporter. Jeff joined the Free Press newsroom in April 2015, and has been covering the local sports scene since graduating from Carleton University's journalism program in 2012. Read more about Jeff. Every piece of reporting Jeff produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
