Courtesy Winnipeg Free Press:

THE Winnipeg Blue Bombers had three 1,000-yard receivers in the CFL last year with Terrence Edwards (No. 2 overall), Derrick Armstrong (fourth) and Milt Stegall (seventh).

With rookie Romby Bryant and holdover Kerry Johnson lining up as targets for Kevin Glenn to start the 2008 campaign Friday night at Canad Inns Stadium against the Toronto Argonauts, how many passes can be caught this season?

“I think we’ve got some good receivers here,” head coach Doug Berry completely understated Tuesday, resisting salivating over the possibilities of Glenn hooking up with a now fortified group that called itself the best receiving corps in the CFL last season.

“But if we’re throwing catchable balls, I think we’ve got receivers that can make plays,” Berry offered. “If we’re as consistent this year as we were last year, then it should show up in the stats.”

Stegall, of course, is injured and won’t start the season. But Johnson, who was a holding penalty away from totalling a 100-yard game in his only appearance last season, and Bryant, another American who’s turned heads all training camp, ramp up the receiving corps.

Add the fifth pass-catcher to the group — Canadian Arjei Franklin — and Glenn has an armada through the air that most any QB would envy.

Berry said Johnson worked hard in the off-season after showing flashes last year and “in terms of his physical ability, he’s smoother. And I think that’s what happens when you have a better understanding of what you’re doing and that allows yourself to express yourself better.

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