Blue Bombers long snapper Ian Leroux enjoying his time in the CFL

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“If you woke me up in the middle of the night, I would be able to long snap,” Leroux told The Winnipeg Sun.

Published Jul 15, 2025 • 3 minute read

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Laval’s Ian Leroux (48) was selected by the Blue Bombers in the fourth round, 37th overall, of the 2024 CFL draft. Frank Gunn/THE CANADIAN PRESS Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn /Winnipeg SunArticle content

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Ever since Ian Leroux replaced injured long snapper Mike Benson in time for the Blue Bombers second game of the season, the Laval University product is delivering the football with a ferocious rate of precision.

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“If you woke me up in the middle of the night, I would be able to long snap,” Leroux told The Winnipeg Sun.

The trio of Leroux, holder/punter Jamieson Sheahan and kicker Sergio Castillo is 8-for-8 in field goals and 10-for-11 in point after touchdowns opportunities in three games.

The trio was 3-for-3 two weeks ago in Calgary. The Bombers host the Stampeders on Friday night at the stadium.

“For Leroux to come in Week 2 of the season, dialed in the way he has been, you can’t ask for anything more,” Castillo said on Tuesday.

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As a brief refresher for point of reference, Benson injured his hip during the season opener against the Lions. The team brought Leroux back to town after re-signing him on June 16. Originally, the Bombers sent Leroux home after cutting him at the completion of main camp.

Benson did not participate in Tuesday’s workout session at the stadium.

Leroux was selected by the Blue Bombers in the fourth round, 37th overall, of the 2024 CFL draft

The 26-year-old says the entire hand to turf sequence happens fast. Precision and timing are paramount in the millisecond the ball departs Leroux’s hand until it’s on the turf laces up and ready for launch between the wickets.

“We are trying to do the entire sequence in 1.3 seconds,” Leroux said. “This is our average.”

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In that brief moment in time, accuracy and rate of delivery are key elements to a successful boot for either three or one.

“It is all calculated,” Castillo said. “But here is the thing: there are times when I am going to be off a bit but because there is a good snap and a good hold from Sheahan, it makes my job much easier. I have had a couple of mishits but because there is a good snap and a good hold, that helps me out a lot.”

Leroux prefers to collect his paycheque in anonymity. If no one is calling into a football call-in show to complain about a wide right or wide left shank, well a lot of work goes into staying anonymous on a continual basis.

“It is all about rhythm and routine,” Leroux said.

“Leroux is doing all the stuff he needs to be doing to be a pro,” Blue Bombers special teams coordinator Mike Miller added.

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Every professional kicker has his own particular setup going on. Castillo is pleased the Quebec City resident can deliver when the moment arises.

“(I want) something that is tight with a great location, where Jamieson doesn’t have to move, along with 12 o’clock laces. That is money. Every long snapper wants to be like that.”

The position is both mentally and emotionally demanding. It takes thousands of snaps to master the muscle memory required to perform at a high level, which is something the Bombers ask of every player.

“I have been doing this for a long time,” Leroux said. “It is not the snap; it’s more the moment that is harder to deal with. During a game you have moments that are very important and then you PAT’s that are routine. You have to get that out of your head (and think) like it is Monday morning, and we are just snapping in routine.”

Leroux credits the Rouge et Or program for his ability to handle the pressure of the onrushing opponent and the moment.

“In Laval we had great attendance and played in big games and won two Vanier Cups,” he said. “(Laval was) a great preparation for the bigger stage.”

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