Former G5 Players To Watch in CFL's 2023 Grey Cup

Originally posted on FanNation G5 Football Daily
By Joe Londergan | Last updated 11/17/23

The Montreal Alouettes and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers face off Sunday evening at 6 PM ET. It will be the 110th edition of the game that decides the best team in Canada.

American fans can watch the game through CFL+, which is free to sign up for.

While the CFL (and most international American football leagues) limit the amount of American players that can be on one roster, several former stars from the Group of Five ranks of NCAA football will be a big part of the game.

These three, two of which will be under center, will have a major impact on the game.

Zach Collaros

There's nothing like November Zach Collaros! @CFL pic.twitter.com/68AYVbN6MR
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) November 12, 2023

Former Cincinnati standout Zach Collaros is entering rare air, as far as the CFL goes. Now the starting quarterback for Winnipeg, Collaros will start his fourth consecutive Grey Cup on Sunday. Collaros will be the first quarterback in league history to accomplish that feat. Collaros won the game with Winnipeg in 2019 and 2021.

Cody Fajardo

"I'll run through a brick wall for him, because that's how much he means to me."

Cody Fajardo is absolutely fired up as he speaks about head coach Jason Maas. pic.twitter.com/OP2Brc60G1
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) November 11, 2023

On the other side, Cody Fajardo will get the start at quarterback for Montreal. Fajardo was a four-year starter at Nevada from 2011 to 2015. Fajardo finished his college career with over 9,000 yards passing and over 3,000 yards rushing, an extremely rare feat in the FBS.

Shawn Lemon

Caught up with Shawn Lemon of the Alouettes, and we had a blast talking about everything from game day routines to Montreal's famous poutine. #CFL #GreyCup #Alouettes #ShawnLemon #GameDayRoutine #PoutinePromise #OutThereWithMelissa #MelissaMoments pic.twitter.com/5H53LKBemj
— Melissa DiMarco (@melissadimarco) November 18, 2023

Former Akron defensive lineman Shawn Lemon was a welcome addition for Montreal's defense this year with nine sacks. Lemon has bounced around the CFL and various arena/indoor teams since 2011. The Montreal defense forced nine turnovers in the East final to punch their ticket to the championship game.

This article first appeared on FanNation G5 Football Daily and was syndicated with permission.

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