Is there anything better than a happy reunion?
When Calgary drafted Vyshonne Janusas with the 38th-overall pick in the 2025 CFL Draft, there probably wasn’t anyone on the Stampeders roster happier than Clark Barnes.
The pair of receivers suited up together for three years at the University of Guelph.
Now, they get the chance to take field once again for the Red and White.
First, Janusas will have to earn his place on the team, and Barnes is more than willing to provide guidance to his fellow Gryphon alum.
“In all my years there except for one I was with Vyshonne,” said Barnes. “So, I’m really close to him, we’ve definitely been getting work in for a while, so I was very happy to see he’s coming over here.
“I’ll definitely take care of him, I’m glad he’s my rook this year.”
It wasn’t too long ago that Barnes was a rookie stepping onto the turf at McMahon Stadium for the first time. Two years later, the 24-year-old is thankful for the mentors who took him under their wings and is ready to return the favour now to Janusas.
“It’s almost surprising, it creeped up on me that I’m a vet now,” Barnes exclaimed. “I had guys like Hunch (Colton Hunchak) who’s back here helping us again, and Luther (Hakunavanhu) helped me out a lot, even Jalen (Philpot).
“It’s definitely good to be on the other side of it and to help out Vyshonne. It’s crazy how the tables turn so fast.”
And for Janusas, having Barnes to lean on as he tries his hand at the pro level is more than he could ask for.
“Honestly, it’s huge,” he admitted. “I feel like if I were to go anywhere else and didn’t have that connection with someone who I’m familiar with it would have been a little bit harder, and a little bit more of an adjustment because there isn’t somebody there who I can lean on and be comfortable with. It’s huge to have him around.”
That Janusas speed though 😮💨🏈 #LeaveYourMark pic.twitter.com/Wz5Sf42Zms
— GryphonFootball (@GryphonFB) October 12, 2024
In 16 games, Janusas made 71 catches for 1,010 yards and eight touchdowns. He also returned 30 kickoffs for 800 yards and one major. Last year, he established career highs with 37 catches and 546 receiving yards.
“I believe that I bring a lot to the table, not necessarily just in being a receiver but I like to consider myself a football player,” Janusas said. “Wherever the coaches need me on the field, I feel like whatever I’m asked, I’m able to perform at a high level and meet their expectations.”
Having had a front-seat to Janusas’ style of play, Barnes was less subtle when describing his teammate’s attributes – and gave a glowing review.
“He kind of reminds me of myself, honestly,” Barnes said. “He has a really well-rounded game, he’s a little bigger than me, too, so he can get down and dirty a little bit better than me.
“He gets the ball in his hands, he can make people miss, make big plays with the ball, he can bet you down deep, catch a ball over somebody’s head and can get you over the middle, so he has a great well-rounded game. You can attack a defence in all types of ways with him for sure.
“He’s a great pick. When in doubt, take the Guelph receiver,” Barnes added with a grin.
“Absolutely,” Janusas agreed. “I believe that (Calgary-born) Willem Arseneau, he’d probably be up next from the Gryphons.”
It’s no secret that Guelph receivers have taken the CFL by storm.
In addition to the Calgary duo, Ticat Kiondre Smith and Rider Kian Schaffer-Baker have made their mark on the league.
“It’s been a thing for the last few years where Guelph has produced pretty good receivers and I’m glad I can be the next one up,” Janusas said.