University of Tennessee Athletics
CFL Year Opens With Ex-Vols On Rosters
June 29, 2012 | Football
June 29, 2012
The road to the 100th Grey Cup starts on Friday night as the CFL opens its 2012 season. Several former Vols are in action in the CFL as four games take place this weekend. There are also former Vols roaming the sidelines as coaches this season.
Former CFL standout receiver Jermaine Copeland enters the coaching ranks this season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats after an 11-year career as a player in the CFL. In 188 games over 11 seasons, Copeland registered 622 receptions, 75 touchdowns and became just the 15th player in Canadian Football League history to total over 10,000 receiving yards. Hamilton hosts Saskatchewan in the first game of the season.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers open play on Friday night at the BC Lions as Jonathan Hefney starts his fourth season in the CFL. Hefney had a huge season in 2011 with 76 tackles, six interceptions and two fumble recoveries. In his three seasons with the Blue Bombers, Hefney has 76 tackles and 12 interceptions.
Toronto opens play on Saturday at Edmonton and Gerald Riggs, Jr., is set to make his CFL debut as a running back with the Argos. Former Vols defensive lineman Cory Stone enters his first season as the Argos' defensive line coach.
The Calgary Stampeders open the season on Sunday, July 1, hosting the Montreal Alouettes. Linebacker Demetrice Morley starts his second season with the Stamps after making 40 tackles and four sacks in 2011.
Demonte' Bolden begins the year on the Calgary practice squad. He last played in the CFL with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2009 and 2010, making a combined 60 tackles.
Recent Tennessee grad Daryl Vereen is on the Montreal practice squad after finishing his Vols' career in 2011.
