9 CFL players to watch this season

The 2016 CFL season kicks off on Thursday when the Argonauts host the rival Hamilton Tiger-Cats in their new home at Toronto's BMO Field.

Here's a look at a player to watch from each of the league's nine teams.

B.C. Lions — Jonathon Jennings (QB)  

Jennings entered the 2015 season as the Lions' third quarterback but quickly rose to the top of the depth chart following injuries to Travis Lulay and backup John Beck. Jennings started six games for the Lions, passing for 2,004 yards and 15 touchdowns and leading B.C. into the playoffs. Coach Wally Buono, who's back on the sidelines for B.C., appears ready to go with the 23-year-old as his starting QB while the veteran Lulay waits in the wings and can step in if needed.

Calgary Stampeders — Jerome Messam (RB)

After long-time running back Jon Cornish retired, the Stamps' backfield is now Messam's for the taking. According to CFL.ca, on the first day of training camp Messam made clear that he is not "trying to fill anybody's shoes" and that he is not the "next Jon Cornish." He simply said, "I'm the first Jerome Messam."

Edmonton Eskimos — Adarius Bowman (WR)

Bowman led the CFL with 93 catches last season and was second in receiving yards with 1,304. He also hauled in four passes for 73 yards and a touchdown in Edmonton's 26-20 Grey Cup victory over the Ottawa Redblacks. Eskimos quarterback Mike Reilly took to Twitter when the team locked up his favourite target for two more seasons. 

Saskatchewan Roughriders — Darian Durant (QB) 

The health of the Roughriders' quarterback remains a big question this year. Although he has said he feels 100 per cent, Durant has missed the majority of the last two seasons with elbow and Achilles injuries, including being knocked out in the 2015 season opener. Durant is entering his 10th season with the team and staying healthy will be key to his team's success — without the 33-year-old, the Riders finished a CFL-worst 3-15 last season. 

Winnipeg Blue Bombers — Andrew Harris (RB) 

The Blue Bombers are looking to rebound from a 5-13 season that saw them miss the playoffs for the fourth straight season and sixth time in seven years. However, Winnipeg has reason for optimism after signing Harris in free agency. The Winnipeg native spent his first eight CFL seasons with the Lions but will now join his hometown team. Harris finished second in rushing yards (1,039) in 2015 and picked up 484 receiving yards and nine total touchdowns. 

Hamilton Tiger-Cats — Chad Owens (WR) 

After six seasons with the Toronto Argonauts, Owens decided it was time to move on. The former Most Outstanding Player signed a one-year deal with the rival Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Known as the "Flyin' Hawaiian," the 34-year-old adds to the TiCats' speedy receiving unit that already featured Brandon Banks. Owens played in 13 games last year for the Argonauts, hauling in 570 yards worth of catches. It's safe to say the Tiger-Cats were thrilled with their off-season acquisition. 

Toronto Argonauts — Ricky Ray (QB) 

A new-look Argonauts team will take the field for the CFL season opener but there will be a familiar face under centre. Ray has battled shoulder injuries since 2013 and had surgery in November 2014 but now says he is throwing without pain for the first time in two years. With no experienced backup quarterback on the roster after Trevor Harris (33 TD throws last year) signed with Ottawa, Toronto will go as far as Ray will take them. 

Ottawa Redblacks — Henry Burris/Trevor Harris (QBs) 

Even though Burris was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Player last season after passing for the most yards (5,693) in the league, he may still have some competition. Former Argonauts quarterback Harris led the CFL in touchdown passes last season and was signed by Ottawa over the off-season. Burris is still No.1 on the depth chart after leading the Redblacks to their first ever Grey Cup appearance, but if the 41-year-old struggles early there may soon be a quarterback controversy brewing in the nation's capital. 

Montreal Alouettes — Vernon Adams Jr. (QB) 

Adams may not make the Alouettes' opening-week lineup but he does have Als fans buzzing after arriving via trade from the B.C. Lions.

The former Oregon Ducks pivot was one of the NCAA's most exciting talents, passing for 26 TDs with only six interceptions last season. Adams Jr. is behind several Montreal quarterbacks with CFL experience, including newly acquired starter Kevin Glenn. However, following a 6-12 record in 2015 where no Montreal quarterback thrived in the starter's role, Adams Jr. may be given an opportunity if Glenn fails to move the ball.