The 2024 Invitational Combine in Waterloo has come and gone with CFL general managers, head coaches, and media alike turning their attention to the National Combine in Winnipeg in just under a week. The eight call-ups have been made to the main show but there were a few others who also stood out amongst their peers, but didn’t quite make the cut.

DB Richard Aduboffour, Western

It was shocking to see the 2023 OUA First-Team All-Star not be named to the National Combine outright, but even more shocking to see Richard Aduboffour not called up to Winnipeg. The second tallest non-lineman there, the Western product measured in at an impressive 6-foot-3, 212 pounds. The 22-year-old ran the third-fastest 40-yard dash (4.63), lept the fourth-farthest in the broad jump (ten feet and five eighth inches), and jumped the tenth-highest in the vertical (32 inches). While struggling in the 3-cone and short shuttle, the Toronto, Ontario native was solid in the one-on-one’s and still is in the running to be a late-round pick in May’s draft.

RB Tanner Nelmes, Wilfrid Laurier

One of the best testers at the combine, it was surprising to see Tanner Nelmes not receive an invitation to Winnipeg. The 23-year-old led the running backs in every category besides the broad jump (9-foot-6, 16th overall) and 40-yard dash (4.72, 10th overall) where he finished second. The Guelph, Ontario native finished fifth overall in the bench press (22) and vertical jump (32.5 inches), fourth overall in the 3-cone (7.03), and third in the short shuttle (4.19). The Wilfrid Laurier product was exceptional during the one-on-one period as well, winning most of his reps during the blocking portion, then being called out three out of a possible six times during the route running portion and winning every single rep. (After the main portion of one-on-one’s CFL personnel on hand decide who they want to take another look at and pit guys against each other to see certain matchups, i.e, callouts).

LB Cameron Mah, Regina

University of Regina product Cameron Mah was one of the surprises at the Invitational. Despite measuring in as the third-smallest linebacker (5-foot-10 and a half), Mah was one of the best testers. The Vancouver, BC native was the top linebacker in every category except the 3-cone, while finishing tied for the seventh most reps on the bench press with 21. The soon-to-be 23-year-old was just as prolific in the one-one-one’s, showing quickness and strength in getting around blocks and covering in the open field.

LB Ramsey Derbas, Saskatchewan

The second linebacker from the province of Saskatchewan to be on this list, Ramsey Derbas had a solid combine. While his testing numbers were middling, when the pads came on, the former Canada West rookie of the year shined. During the blocking segment, the Saskatchewan Huskie won every rep except one against Nelmes, where he used a multitude of pass-rush moves that he cultivated during his time at Saskatchewan where he would partially play on the defensive line. While not being as dominant in covering routes, the 22-year-old showcased solid technique in open space.

WR Justin Succar, Waterloo

The hometown kid in Justin Succar couldn’t quite claim a spot at the National Combine despite a great day at the Feridun Hamdullahpur Field House on the campus of the University of Waterloo. The 23-year-old topped the short shuttle at the event (4.07), finished third in the 3-cone (7.02), and sixth in the 40-yard dash (4.67). While also doing well when the pads came on, being the sixth shortest draft eligible player measured in at the Combine (5-foot-8) certainly didn’t help his cause.

The CFL National Combine will be held in Winnipeg, Manitoba from March 19-24, followed by the CFL draft commencing on May 2.