The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are deep in the early stages of training camp, and while it’s still too soon to draw major conclusions, one name that keeps coming up is Jerreth Sterns — a third-year pro who’s making waves in his first season with the team.
Despite being listed at just 5-foot-9 , the 25-year-old receiver has already caught the attention of Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros , who praised his football IQ, consistency, and ability to adapt quickly to the CFL game.
A Fresh Start for Sterns
Sterns spent the last two seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, where he totaled 83 receptions for 941 yards and three touchdowns over 23 games. Before that, he had brief stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams, gaining experience at the NFL level.
He joined the Bombers midway through the 2023 season and now appears poised to make a real impact after getting comfortable in the Canadian game.
“I’ve always been slept on because of my size,” Sterns said. “But I don’t even notice it when I’m playing. I think I’m just as strong, just as capable as anyone else.”
Collaros Takes Notice
It didn’t take long for Sterns to catch the eye of Winnipeg’s starting QB.
Collaros spoke highly of Sterns’ understanding of the offense and how he communicates during plays — something not every young receiver shows this early.
“He’s a pro,” Collaros said. “He learns it quick. He communicates what he’s seeing out there with me. His talent speaks for itself. He’s fast, gets in and out of cuts well, and has done everything at a high level.”
After starting camp on the second team, Sterns has since moved into first-team reps alongside stars like Nic Demski and Brady Oliveira — a sign that coaches are taking him seriously.
Even more telling? After a rare miscommunication led to an interception, Sterns immediately broke down what went wrong with Collaros — impressing the veteran signal-caller.
“He was spot on with it,” Collaros added.
From Underdog to Impact Player
Sterns’ journey to the field wasn’t straightforward.
Coming out of high school, he played quarterback due to his athleticism and his coach’s triple-option system. He originally committed to Army but switched gears when Houston Christian offered him a shot at playing receiver — a position he hadn’t played much before college.
At Western Kentucky in 2021, Sterns exploded onto the scene: 1,902 receiving yards, 150 catches, and 17 touchdowns — winning the NCAA triple crown (leadership in receptions, yards, and touchdowns).
That production earned him some NFL looks, but now in the CFL, he’s proving he can be a consistent contributor despite his frame.
“I want to do whatever it takes to help us win,” Sterns said. “Block a guy twice my size? Jump ball? I’ll give it my all either way.
System Savvy and Route Smarts
What sets Sterns apart isn’t just speed or stats — it’s his feel for the game.
Coaches have been working him into the offense in multiple ways — from short routes to screen passes and even occasional deep shots. Sterns’ ability to uncover quickly and run precise patterns has made him a reliable option, especially in tight coverage.
Head coach Mike O’Shea also noted that feedback from quarterbacks like Collaros matters when evaluating receivers.
“You talk to the quarterbacks and see how easy it is to throw to guys,” O’Shea explained. “Sterns is showing he knows his stuff.”
The Bombers’ wide receiver group is stacked with competition.
With key departures like Kenny Lawler and Drew Wolitarsky , plus others leaving for NFL opportunities, there are plenty of open spots. With 18 receivers at camp , Sterns knows he’s got to keep producing.
And with preseason games set to begin May 24 against the Saskatchewan Roughriders , the next step is simple: translate practice success into live action.
If he keeps impressing, the undersized but dynamic receiver could find himself in a meaningful role come regular-season kickoff.
While it’s only early in training camp, Jerreth Sterns has already built a head of steam
His work ethic, football smarts, and versatility make him a player to watch — not just for fans, but for the coaching staff and quarterback room alike.
Could a player once overlooked for his size become a key piece of the Bombers’ passing attack?
If his start in Winnipeg is any indication, that might be exactly what happens.
