The CFL is a complicated game for coaches and general managers because of the Canadian roster rule.
Half of the players have to be Canucks, so the trick is to find a place on the field for the non-imports.
The CFL requires that a minimum number of Canadians for each team must be on the field at all times.
The burning question is where do you play them?
Let’s start on defence.
The secondary on a CFL team is mostly Uncle Sam at corner and halfback.
These positions require cover speed and plenty of experience at the position.
American players start playing football shortly out of diapers and there are a lot of football players in the U.S.
The traditional exception to the rule is our safety position, which has been Canadian, but more Americans are taking the position as the speed of the game increases the pressure on the secondary.
Davis Sanchez is likely the best Canadian corner in the game — even as an old player.
Linebackers are a mix of Canadian and American players, but the ratio is always higher for American players.
The modern CFL linebacker game has gotten lighter and faster with outside guys who can also play in the secondary. Montreal’s Shea Emry is probably the best Canadian at the linebacker position right now in the CFL.
Inside guys at tackle and end on defence are a mix of Canadian and American.
The most likely position for Canadians is the tackle position, where bull strength is an asset and speed is optional, but desirable. Most Canadian tackles platoon inside to spell off the starters.
The best full-time Canadian tackle might still be aging Bomber tackle Doug Brown, with honorable mention to Argo Adriano Belli.
Ends are typically speed guys and American. Lion defensive end Brent Johnson is a part-timer, but he is the best Canuck until Rickey Foley comes back to the CFL field.
The offense in the CFL is a little easier to define by position.
The guard position is primarily a Canadian job in the CFL because the job requires less mobility in protection schemes. The centre is almost always a Canadian for the same reason.
Calgary has guard Demetri Tsoumpas and center Tim O’Neill as two of the best examples of Canadians.
The tackles are generally a blend of the biggest and best Canadians and the best American O- linemen on the team. The increased speed of the game has forced many teams to play imports at both tackle positions.
The best Canadians would be Montreal’s Josh Bourke and Hamilton’s Alexandre Gauthier.
The receivers on a team are a mix of Canadians and Americans, but the inside guys are typically Canadian because speed is not as big an issue — but it sure helps. Slotbacks pay a price at receiver because they are in the linebacker jungle. Rider Andy Fantuz is the best Canadian slotback, with honorable mention to Alouette Ben Cahoon.
Wide receivers are generally fast Americans, but Saskatchewan’s Robb Bagg is a Canuck wide-out with plenty of speed.
Tailbacks are fast Americans, but Calgary’s fleet-footed Canadian Jon Cornish can start on any team.
Lastly, fullbacks are always Canadian and quarterbacks are always American. One blocks and one lives longer because of the other guy’s blocks.
Jim Sutherland is a local freelance writer whose columns appear on Tuesdays and Fridays. He can be reached at mystarcollectorcar.com