Other CFL Teams' Training Camps [Archive]

jerrym

05-22-2016, 02:18 PM

Familiarity is the theme of the Tiger Cats training camp at QB with a sprinkle of variety thrown in by the addition of International rookie Jake Waters and National Development QB Lucas McConnell.

All four quarterbacks that saw action in 2015 for the Black and Gold are back, including Zach Collaros, Jeremiah Masoli, Jeff Mathews and Jacory Harris. Jake Waters, a rookie out of Kansas State, will also be competing for a roster spot. ...
Heading into training camp, one of the biggest questions that surrounds the team is who will be the starting quarterback for the June 23rd opener against Toronto if Collaros isn’t ready? Austin and new offensive coordinator, Stefan Ptaszek, appear to have plenty of options and skilled assets to evaluate prior to the season’s start.
Jeremiah Masoli signed a two-year contract extension with the Tiger-Cats in the offseason. Masoli’s only playing time during the 2015 regular season came in the final game of the year against the Redblacks. However, Masoli was given the nod as the starter entering the playoffs, where he demonstrated impressive confidence in delivering passes and extending plays with his feet. In two playoff contests, Masoli tallied 490 passing yards to go along with a 70-per-cent completion percentage, adding one touchdown.
Jeff Mathews is entering his second season in the CFL. The 2015 campaign brought significant opportunity for Matthews to gain experience in the Canadian game. He was used mainly in short yardage situations early in the season, scoring six rushing touchdowns by season’s end. The Camarillo, California native was given the starting role following the injury to Zach Collaros in Week 13. He showed an ability to adapt to the Canadian game, posting a pass completion percentage of 66.7 in five starts. Mathews would also succumb to injury, suffering a concussion in Week 17 that ended his rookie campaign with the Ticats.
Jacory Harris saw reps in three games in 2015, including his only start in the final game of the regular season against the Redblacks. Last season brought Harris his first true taste of the CFL after being in the league for two seasons prior without seeing any snaps. Harris finished the season completing 13 of 23 passes for 160 passing yards. ...
[Jake Waters] comes to the Tiger-Cats with an impressive collegiate resume. Waters spent two seasons at Iowa Western Community College where he won a national championship and was named the 2012 NCJAA Offensive Player of the Year. He’d then go on to break numerous school passing records after joining Kansas State’s program, setting completion percentage (64.1%), pass efficiency (155.6), total offensive yards per game (260.2) and passing yards per attempt among quarterbacks with 500 or more attempts (9.09).
As part of the CFL’s QB internship program intended to develop Canadian university quarterbacks, Waterloo’s Lucas McConnell will be attending camp this year as well. The Warriors pivot will look to take as much experience away as possible during his time at the Tiger-Cats training camp before returning to Waterloo for his third season.

http://ticats.ca/preseason-primer-quarterback/

jerrym

05-22-2016, 04:49 PM

With an Official Roughrider Kickoff Party on May 27th, Green and White Fan Day on June 4th, and a Roughrider Street Festival and Co-op Tailgate Festival on June 12th, the Roughriders certainly know how to engage their fans during the training camp buildup to the regular season.

http://www.rodpedersen.com/2016/05/roughriders-announce-2016-training-camp.html

jerrym

05-22-2016, 11:42 PM

Here's the Bomber TC schedule.

Rookies report for medicals and Rookie Camp on May 25, 2016

Veterans report for medicals on May 28, 2016

Training Camp Practices start on May 29, 2016

http://forums.bluebombers.com/index.php?topic=44979.0

jerrym

05-23-2016, 09:00 PM

Down time at BC Lions training camps.

http://www.bclions.com/2016/05/23/quotables-down-time-at-training-camp/

jerrym

05-24-2016, 09:45 PM

The article accompanying this tweet includes the Redblacks TC schedule.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tomorrow: Rookie camp begins ✔️<br>Sunday: Main camp begins ✔️<br><br>It's 🏈⏰! <br><br>SCHEDULE ➡ <a href="https://t.co/9VM20X8KC7">https://t.co/9VM20X8KC7</a> <a href="https://t.co/hFF3a2ReRi">pic.twitter.com/hFF3a2ReRi</a></p>— Ottawa REDBLACKS (@REDBLACKS) <a href="https://twitter.com/REDBLACKS/status/735190055535415296">May 24, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

hugoagogo

05-24-2016, 09:50 PM

Eskimos start full camp on Sunday - all practices at Commonwealth Stadium unless extreme weather forces them to the indoor field. Fan day on Saturday, June 4th at Clarke Field (right next to Commonwealth)

http://www.esks.com/practiceschedule/

jerrym

05-25-2016, 01:18 AM

Head Coach Dave Dickenson talks about Calgary TC in this video.

http://www.stampeders.com/2016/05/24/dave-dickenson-pre-training-camp-press-conference/

jerrym

05-25-2016, 01:23 AM

Preview of Bomber LBs at TC.

http://www.bluebombers.com/2016/05/24/positional-preview-linebackers/

jerrym

05-25-2016, 01:25 AM

Ed Tait's Guide to Bomberf Rookie Camp.

http://www.bluebombers.com/2016/05/24/ed-taits-handy-guide-to-rookie-camp/

jerrym

05-25-2016, 01:31 AM

When the Roughriders take to the field at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon this Sunday, the training camp roster will bare very little resemblance to the one that opened training camp a year ago.
Of the 92 players they went to camp with in 2015, only 23 are still with the club.
Among the notably absent, fan favourites John Chick and Weston Dressler, who were unceremoniously dumped by Jones over the off-season. But according to Jones, who just won a Grey Cup with the Edmonton Eskimos last November, he's not here to win a popularity contest.
"Those were great guys, tremendous players, future hall of famers but unfortunately we have to do what is best for our football team. Every decision that we've made is to try and win a Grey Cup and unfortunately that's the direction that we went." said Jones. ...

"We want to see if can they adhere to our philosophy. Can they play fast, can they show up day in and day out and whether we are going to have a two a day or one a day."

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/saskatchewan-roughriders-camp-football-cfl-1.3598379

jerrym

05-25-2016, 01:43 AM

Bomber defensive back TC preview.

http://www.bluebombers.com/2016/05/23/positional-preview-defensive-backs/

jerrym

05-25-2016, 01:52 AM

Unlike QB, where all 4 quarterbacks from last year are back for the 2016 TC, there are guaranteed to be changes along the DL for the Tiger Cats.

The addition of defensive end John Chick will bolster the Tiger-Cats pass rush on a defence that, despite having a strong showing in most other statistical categories, ranked near the bottom of the league in quarterback sacks. Chick, along with Laurent, was one of the largest free agent signings in the CFL this offseason. Last year with the Roughriders, he racked up eleven sacks and 42 tackles. The experience Chick brings is a huge addition on a rather young defensive line.
Adrian Tracy started at defensive end in all six games that he played in last season and figures to slot in as the early favourite to start opposite Chick. Despite only playing a third of the season, Tracy still managed to post 15 tackles, two pass knockdowns and a fumble recovery. Training camp with give Tracy the opportunity to show Kent Austin and his crew that he can be a dominant player in the CFL and a potential season-long starter.
At the other defensive tackle position, the Tiger-Cats have some options. If they start an import, as the team did last season, Drake Nevis is a returning player with huge potential that spent 2015 on Hamilton’s practice roster. Recently signed Zach Anderson spent the previous three seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and set a career high in tackles in 2015 with 32. CFL rookie, Terry Redden, showed off his athleticism in a 2015 NFL preseason game, coming up with a one-handed interception and juking his way to a 13-yard return. Nevis, Anderson and Redden could all factor into Hamilton’s plans this season.
If the Tiger-Cats decide to start another Canadian at defensive tackle, former first overall pick Linden Gaydoshwill be back from injury after sitting out the entire 2015 season with a torn Achilles tendon and has the talent to fill that role. Michael Atkinson had four tackles in the right games he dressed in during the 2015 season. The former Boise State Bronco was a third round selection by Hamilton back in 2012 and will aim to use his familiarity with the defensive scheme to his benefit to earn a starting role. The dark horse in the race is Evan Gill who missed the entire 2015 season due to injury.
Delano Johnson enters into his third season in the CFL, previously spending time up the QEW with the Argonauts. With the Argos, Johnson totaled 14 tackles, one sack and a forced fumble. Hamilton also signed defensive lineman Kevin Dixon last week. Dixon played for the Stampeders in 2011 before spending some time with Seattle in the NFL. Johnson and Dixon are likely to compete for a spot behind Chick and Tracy at defensive end.
Returning national defensive end Everett Ellefsen, who suited up in three games for the Ticats in 2015, and newly signed Ricky Osei-Kusi from the Western Mustangs, add some Canadian depth to the unit.

http://ticats.ca/preseason-primer-defensive-line/

jerrym

05-25-2016, 01:56 AM

Winnipeg's ST also will see major change.

the special teams will look considerably different when the curtain lifts on the 2016 campaign. Gone are placekicker/punter Lirim Hajrullahu and leading returner Troy Stoudermire, along with some of the regulars on the return and cover units like Graig Newman, Lin-J Shell and Michel Pontbriand, as part of a not-so subtle overhaul.
Now, as much as the free agent additions of running back Andrew Harris and receivers Weston Dressler and Ryan Smith garnered a lot of attention this winter, it could be said that no addition was bigger than the signing of kicker Justin Medlock. ...

The other significant change will be in the return game, where Stoudermire was released (and has since signed with the Minnesota Vikings). It’s not that the Bombers were sour on Stoudermire – he led the team in kickoff and punt-return yards – but he did put the ball on the ground five times with fumbles (two of which were recovered by opponents) and the club does think it has some viable other options in Justin Veltung, who finished second to Stoudermire in both kickoff and punt return yardage, along with new faces Quincy McDuffie (ex of Hamilton), and former Florida star Solomon Patton, who was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ primary return man in 2014.
The other change doesn’t involve personnel, but is just as massive: O’Shea relieved special teams coordinator, Pat Tracey, of his duties during the season last year and the play of the units almost instantly spiked upwards. He’ll continue to be hands-on in that department, and has also brought aboard Paul Boudreau, who spent the last four years working with the St. Louis Rams special teams, to help.

http://www.bluebombers.com/2016/05/22/positional-preview-special-teams/

jerrym

05-26-2016, 03:35 AM

Former Argo Dominic Picard looks forward to Als TC.
http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016/05/23/im-eager-to-put-on-the-alouettes-uniform-for-the-first-time-dominic-picard/

jerrym

05-26-2016, 03:48 AM

Davaris Daniels of the Stampeders is another prospect trying to rebuild his career.

DaVaris Daniels is trying to turn his into tale of ‘See this!’ Daniels, the son of 15-year NFL veteran Phillip Daniels, is one of those cases.
A highly-regarded receiver prospect coming out of high school in Illinois, Daniels was well on his way to hearing his name called by an NFL team back in 2013, as he put up 745 receiving yards and seven touchdowns as a junior at the University of Notre Dame. The 6-foot-1, 203-pounder capped that season off with six receptions for a game-high 115 yards in the final BCS national title game, a 42-14 loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide.
It’s been mostly downhill and all over the place from there. In the summer of 2014, Notre Dame suspended five players and launched an investigation into allegations of academic cheating. Daniels was one of them, and he never played college football again. ...
To no one’s surprise, Daniels went undrafted after not playing at all in 2014.

http://www.calgarysun.com/2016/05/25/calgary-stampeders-rookie-camp-may-be-chance-to-revive-career-for-daniels

jerrym

05-26-2016, 03:51 AM

Here are five Calgary rookies worth watching at TC.
http://calgaryherald.com/sports/football/cfl/calgary-stampeders/calgary-stampeders-rookie-camp-could-provide-impactful-players-here-are-five-names-to-watch

jerrym

05-26-2016, 05:14 AM

Riders TC schedule is below.

http://www.riderville.com/2016/05/25/roughrider-training-camp-2016-times/

jerrym

05-26-2016, 05:18 AM

Here are several key players to watch at the Ottawa Redblacks TC.

http://lastwordonsports.com/2016/05/24/redblacks-training-camp-players-watch/

jerrym

05-26-2016, 03:03 PM

.@Wpg_BlueBombers Watch on #Periscope Coach O'Shea on Day 2 of #Bombers Rookie Camp. https://www.periscope.tv/w/1YpKkjqBMZMxj

jerrym

05-26-2016, 07:52 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"You've gotta focus on your craft."<br><br>🎥 | <a href="https://twitter.com/Juice7_MTB">@Juice7_MTB</a> on getting better every day at camp. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFLTC?src=hash">#CFLTC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RNation?src=hash">#RNation</a><a href="https://t.co/Gb7s1AmvUw">https://t.co/Gb7s1AmvUw</a></p>— Ottawa REDBLACKS (@REDBLACKS) <a href="https://twitter.com/REDBLACKS/status/735885609416298496">May 26, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

jerrym

05-26-2016, 09:03 PM

The Redblacks will face a challenge in defending their

If the Ottawa REDBLACKS want to think about defending their East Division title this November, the long road starts with three days in late May. ...
Most of the team’s 2016 draft picks are now under contract and were present at Wednesday’s first workouts, described by Head Coach Rick Campbell as an energetic first day.
“It’s typical of day one, there are people coming out here and flying around which is a good thing,” said Campbell. “The guys worked hard, we’ve kind of pushed them along on installation and making sure they’re learning stuff in the playbook.” The key, Campbell said, is getting the rookies a head start on install and also getting them up to speed on the CFL game before veterans arrive Sunday. With the short training camp and only two pre-season games, it’s only a matter of time before Ottawa’s season kicks off June 25 in Edmonton.
“What we do is install three days of training camp and when the veterans get here, they’ve already heard it and done it once,” said Campbell.
“I think we owe it to these guys as coaches to get these guys as ready as we can so they can compete with the older guys coming in on the weekend.”

http://www.cfl.ca/2016/05/26/rookie-redblacks-take-first-reps-td-place/

jerrym

05-26-2016, 09:29 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"You really start to get a feel for guys."<br><br>🎥 | <a href="https://twitter.com/REDBLACKSHC">@REDBLACKSHC</a> says rookies continue to impress on day two of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFLTC?src=hash">#CFLTC</a><a href="https://t.co/ssoN5CyC5E">https://t.co/ssoN5CyC5E</a></p>— Ottawa REDBLACKS (@REDBLACKS) <a href="https://twitter.com/REDBLACKS/status/735939408860352512">May 26, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

jerrym

05-26-2016, 09:39 PM

New Lions QB Greg McGhee is raring to go.

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"We're all here for the same goal: to make the team and win a Grey Cup.<a href="https://twitter.com/Greg_Mcghee2">@Greg_Mcghee2</a> is jacked for mini-camp 🏈 👊<a href="https://t.co/cIisvGCTep">https://t.co/cIisvGCTep</a></p>— BC Lions (@BCLions) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCLions/status/735944196700282880">May 26, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><iframe id="rufous-sandbox" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden; display: none; width: 0px; height: 0px; padding: 0px; border: none;"></iframe><iframe id="rufous-sandbox" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden; display: none; width: 0px; height: 0px; padding: 0px; border: none;"></iframe><iframe id="rufous-sandbox" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden; display: none; width: 0px; height: 0px; padding: 0px; border: none;"></iframe>

jerrym

05-26-2016, 09:41 PM

National draftee Brett Blasko: "I've been looking forward to this day since I started playing football"
<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"I've been looking forward to this day since I started playing football" 🏈<a href="https://twitter.com/BrettBlaszko">@BrettBlaszko</a> ready for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFLTC?src=hash">#CFLTC</a> 👊🏽<a href="https://t.co/TyDkHc2LUC">https://t.co/TyDkHc2LUC</a></p>— BC Lions (@BCLions) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCLions/status/735861540914499584">May 26, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

jerrym

05-27-2016, 01:33 AM

As the Bombers go to TC, here is a review of their DL.

The Bomber defensive line has undergone a significant makeover in the wake of last year’s 5-13 record, jettisoning three popular veterans in Bryant Turner Jr., Zach Anderson and Greg Peach. Turner and Anderson have both found work elsewhere in the CFL – with B.C. and Hamilton, respectively – but one of the club’s offseason objectives was to get bigger, meaner and quicker up front.
And, it’s worth noting here, much nastier against the run. Winnipeg was seventh in rushing yardage against last season, yielding 112.8 yards per game, and ninth the year before at a whopping 135.9.
Two of those new pieces were found the minute the CFL free agent market opened, as the Bombers added Canadian veteran Keith Shologan and import Euclid Cummings, both tackles, to go along with the steady Jake Thomas and Jamaal Westerman, who finished second in the league in sacks with 17.
Shologan, 30, is coming off a year in which he posted a career-high seven sacks, yet it’s not just his passport that made him attractive to the Bombers, but his run-stopping skills and his durability – he has started 114 of the 122 games he dressed for and missed only six due to injury.
Cummings, meanwhile, might just be the best interior lineman in the entire league, although you will get healthy arguments from fans across the league trumpeting their best. Cummings had eight sacks from the tackle position last year with the Toronto Argonauts and flashed an ability to go beast mode and completely dominate play at the line of scrimmage.
The Bombers also feel they landed a pair of intriguing prospects in the CFL Draft, selecting the athletic freak that is Trent Corney with their first pick and then adding a massive man-mountain in Rupert Butcher (6-5, 320) later in the proceedings. They provide the necessary depth for the team to go from starting just one Canadian along the D-line to two.
Now, it’s what happens at the other end spot that figures to be one of the riveting subplots to Bomber camp over the next few weeks. The team has some holdover talent from a year ago in Justin Cole, Nate Collins and Derrell Johnson, and has also been active over the winter in finding pieces like Adrian Hubbard and Emmanuel Dieke – both soaring into the stratosphere at 6-6 – along with Shayon Green, while adding Sam Scott, who had a stint with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats last year.

http://www.bluebombers.com/2016/05/25/positional-preview-defensive-line/

jerrym

05-27-2016, 01:39 AM

Another area the Bombers are looking to improve is their OL, starting in TC.

Drew Willy had already taken a season’s worth of hellacious shots last year before his year ended with a leg injury in August.
And before that it was (insert any Bomber quarterback’s name here dating all the way back to the last championship season in 1990) who would often finish each game checking to see if his limbs were still intact and questioning his career choices. ...
Now, while protecting the quarterback is a priority with every football team on the planet, protecting him while working with the Canadian ratio might be one of the most delicate balancing acts in all of sports. After all, 300-plus pound men with quick feet, a nasty streak AND a Canadian passport are as rare as unicorns and white whales.
Three consecutive drafts have given the Bombers two starters in Matthias Goossen and Sukh Chungh, along with potential depth in 2016 selections Michael Couture and Zach Intzandt. Veteran Jeff Keeping, added in free agency, provides a wealth of experience courtesy of 100 career starts across the line.
There are also four big behemoths from down south in rookie camp – all of them 6-3 or taller and north of 300 pounds – to go along with veteran left tackle Stanley Bryant, Jace Daniels – who started nine games last year before an injury cost him his season – and former B.C. Lion/Saskatchewan Roughrider Jermarcus Hardrick.The key piece to all of this might be Patrick Neufeld, who started 11 of the 12 games he dressed for a year ago. Now 27, Neufeld has struggled with injuries since the trade with Saskatchewan for Alex Hall that brought him to Winnipeg. But it’s his ability to play both guard and tackle that could be critical to the Bombers.
If he starts at tackle and stays healthy, the Bombers will use their next best American to Bryant at guard. If he is pegged for the guard spot, then an American will flank the right side of the offensive line, opposite Bryant at left tackle.
All of this is to say that the Bombers have finally stockpiled a variety of pieces, both Canadian and American, that could make the offensive line no longer a revolving door of talent.
And no one could be more thrilled with that development than Drew Willy & Co.

http://www.bluebombers.com/2016/05/26/positional-preview-offensive-line/

jerrym

05-27-2016, 02:36 AM

Stampeders TC on Day 1

A few of the “rookies” were actually players who were with the team last year but played six games or fewer and still qualified for rookie camp. Guys like Dexter Janke (http://www.stampeders.com/players/dexter-janke/), Cameron Ontko (http://www.stampeders.com/players/cameron-ontko-2/) and Randy Richards (http://www.stampeders.com/players/randy-richards-2/), not to mention ex-Dinos star Andrew Buckley (http://www.stampeders.com/players/andrew-buckley/), who is attending his third Stamps camp. ...
Within a week or so, the grind of camp will set in, the legs will get weary and the focus will be either on securing a starting job or a roster spot.
By the numbers: Including CIS development program quarterback Brett Hunchak, a total of 34 rookies took the field on Thursday

http://www.stampeders.com/2016/05/26/rookie-camp-day-1-recap/

jerrym

05-27-2016, 02:41 AM

More on development program QB Brett Hunchuk.

Although Brett Hunchak’s football career is still in its infancy stage, the up-and-coming QB has been doing plenty of learning since first lining up behind centre.
Tabbed as this year’s invitee to Stampeders training camp as part of the CIS-CFL quarterback-development program, the native Calgarian was under the guidance of a familiar face when rookie camp got under way on Thursday morning.
Selected to attend the Dickenson Passing Academy in both his Grade 10 and Grade 11 years while attending Notre Dame high school, Stamps head coach Dave Dickenson (http://www.stampeders.com/dave-dickenson/) has had Hunchak on his radar dating back to 2011.
“It’s definitely good that we have somewhat of a personal relationship,” said Hunchak on participating in the Academy. “I have worked with him on a personal level like that, so it’s just great to (already) be comfortable around him and just talk to him like he’s any other coach. It was just the best time of my life.”
The former Alberta Senior Bowl standout was then named to the U-19 Team Canada squad that travelled down to Texas before making a trip overseas to the nation of Kuwait where the team earned a silver medal at the World Cup.
“It was such a cool experience,” Hunchak uttered. “With some of the coaches that we there, it was just great to learn a lot and play with the best of the best in the country.”

After graduating in 2013, the six-foot-four, 190-lb. pivot spent two years playing for the Calgary Colts of the Canadian Junior Football League. Then, when he decided to make the jump to CIS, Hunchak leaned on the Stamps offensive coordinator-turned-head coach for some words of wisdom.
“We always talked throughout the years and when I was looking to go CIS, he was one of the first guys I talked to,” remarked No. 5.
He ultimately decided to join the York Lions alongside his brother Colton, who he also threw passes to at Notre Dame and again on the international stage. The siblings have both completed one season at York and have four more years of eligibility remaining.
“I wouldn’t have picked any other school,” the signal-caller stated emphatically. “We love it out there and we’re just going to keep working. We’re definitely learning lots out there and we’re in a transition with a young team, so in the upcoming years we’ll be just fine, I’m sure.”
Hunchak now finds himself following in the footsteps of Andrew Buckley (http://www.stampeders.com/players/andrew-buckley/), who was selected as the collegiate quarterback to come to camp with the Red and White back in 2014. The following year, Buckley was drafted by the Stampeders and is now battling for a roster spot. Thursday’s rookie camp saw Hunchak and Buckley sharing the field in addition to veterans Bryant Moniz and Drew Tate, on hand to encourage the next crop of quarterbacks.

http://www.stampeders.com/2016/05/26/learning-along-the-way/

jerrym

05-27-2016, 02:44 AM

Head coach Dave Dickenson talks to the media after the first practice of 2016 rookie camp.

http://www.stampeders.com/2016/05/26/dave-dickenson-post-practice-may-26/

jerrym

05-27-2016, 01:49 PM

At the Calgary TC, Pierre-Luc Caron and Tim St. Pierre are fighting it out for the long-snapper position.

Pierre-Luc Caron is the opposite of his predecessor, as well as his competition.
Literally.
After officially moving on from longtime veteran Randy Chevrier in the off-season, it was no secret the Calgary Stampeders were searching for a permanent long-snapping solution.
They hope they’ve found one in Caron, who they plucked in the fifth round (42nd overall) in the 2016 CFL Draft earlier this month.
While there are many nuanced differences between every player that dabbles with the unique skill, the one fundamental deviation between Caron and Tim St. Pierre, the 30-year-old veteran he’ll be battling when main training camp opens Sunday, is the fact they spin the football with different hands.
Caron, contrary to the other two men, is a lefty.
“I don’t think it’s that much of a difference, you’ve just got to get used to it,” said Caron, who spent the majority of his college days snapping the football to current Montreal Alouettes kicker/punter Boris Bede with the Laval Rouge et Or. “For sure, if you have a right-handed long-snapper and the rep right after it you have a left-handed long-snapper, for sure, it’s harder. Once you know I’m a lefty, I think, it’s easy to catch the ball.”
One of the reasons the Stamps decided to part ways with the soon-to-be 40-year-old Chevrier was the fact he brought very little to any other area of the roster.
The Stamps believe they’ve solved that problem with the 22-year-old Caron.
“Athletically, when you looked at him in the Montreal regional (combine) in the linebacker drills, he didn’t look out of place,” Stamps special-teams co-ordinator Mark Kilam said of the 6-foot-2, 220-pounder. “He’s athletic, he can move around, and I like the fact he’s been a starter there for a little while. He’s a great cover player and he’s big enough to block.”

http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/football/calgary-stampeders/caron+feels+ready+take+over/11945209/story.html

jerrym

05-27-2016, 04:59 PM

Redblack DL Matt Acree discusses acclimating to the CFL and being ready to compete in TC.

http://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2016/05/26/acree-when-your-numbers-called-you-have-to-compete/

jerrym

05-27-2016, 10:16 PM

The Bombers are excited about the addition of Andrew Harris and looking forward to seeing him in action in training camp and the regular season. They are also high on National RB Pascal Lochard from the BC Lions

First and foremost, Harris was added because he is a dangerous threat out of the backfield, both as a ball carrier and a receiver. And for a Bomber offence that is looking for as many weapons as it can get to surround quarterback Drew Willy, Harris packs a heavy wallop.
A two-time CFL All-Star in 2012 and 2015, Harris was just 20 yards short of winning the league rushing title, finishing just behind Montreal’s Tyrell Sutton with 1,039 yards along the ground and seven touchdowns while adding another 53 catches for 484 yards and two more scores. And it’s those numbers as a receiver – averaging 59 receptions a season over the past four years – that could make Harris such an intriguing and dangerous part of Paul LaPolice’s new offence. ...
The club could use some stability at the position too, as both Cameron Marshall and Paris Cotton – one and two in rushing for the Bombers a year ago – are gone. As well, the Bombers have gone four straight seasons with a different running back leading them in rushing yardage (Chad Simpson in 2012, Will Ford in 2013, Nic Grigsby in 2014 and Marshall last year).
Now, lost in the hype of the Harris signing this winter – and it was considerable – was the quiet addition of another ex-Lions ball carrier, Pascal Lochard. The Bombers were big on the Laval bruiser during his draft year in 2014 and he’s dropped 15 pounds this winter to be ready if needed as a back up to Harris and not simply as a blocking back.
Two imports are currently wrapping up rookie camp with the Bombers in Carlos Anderson, the diminutive speedster who almost made the team last year as a returner before wrecking his knee, and Tim Flanders, who set 34 records at Sam Houston State before getting a look from both the B.C. Lions and Calgary Stampeders.
But with the Bombers going homegrown in the backfield and stacked with return candidates like Quincy McDuffie, Solomon Patton and Justin Veltung – who handled some of the return chores last year – landing a gig on the roster, let alone as the starting tailback, is putting the ‘long’ in long shot.

http://www.bluebombers.com/2016/05/27/positional-preview-running-backs/

jerrym

05-28-2016, 08:56 AM

Training camp primer: A team by team look

http://www.cfl.ca/2016/05/27/training-camp-primer-a-team-by-team-look/

jerrym

05-28-2016, 01:38 PM

Here's a review of the Eskimos as they enter training camp.

Let’s look at the mechanics of Edmonton’s offence, defence and special teams as it stands heading into training camp:
OFFENCE
Reilly returned from missing nine games with a knee injury to steer the Eskimos offence straight down victory lane. Double his numbers and he would have sat second in the CFL in both passing yards and touchdowns in 2015.
A big reason for last year’s success was the big men in front of him and the improvements made week after week along the offensive line. And the starting squad is set to return again this year. Left tackle Tony Washington, left guard Simeon Rottier, centre Justin Sorensen, right guard Matt O’Donnell and right tackle D’Anthony Batiste — the team nominee for most outstanding offensive lineman — have a chance. Canadian backups Andrew Jones, who joined the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and Brian Ramsay, who retired after 10 years to become executive director of the CFLPA, are the only deletions to a crew that has earned the utmost confidence from management, so much so that the Eskimos didn’t even bother drafting an o-linemen this year.
While everyone expected slotback Adarius Bowman to lead the charge and challenge for the CFL’s top receiving title once again, no one could have predicted the emergence of Derel Walker. The 2015 CFL most outstanding rookie joined Bowman among the top five in the league with 1,110 receiving yards despite spending the first third of the season on the Eskimos practice roster. It wasn’t until Bowman suffered a minor injury that Walker got his shot. And while the two are set to wreak havoc on opposing secondaries again this season, we can’t help but wonder who else they have hiding back stage. Their biggest loss on offence was seeing 2015 Grey Cup Canadian MVP wide receiver Shamawd Chambers follow his coaches to Regina in free agency. But GM Ed Hervey took his pound of flesh back across the provincial border in the form of veteran receiver Chris Getzlaf. ...
The Eskimos haven’t given up on White. Far from it. After all, he averaged 6.9 yards a carry in 2014 and was a lock to start again in 2015 until injury ended his season before it could even begin. This year, he will have to not only show that he has made a full recovery, but prove himself all over again to a new coaching staff. Meanwhile,
Bell showed he can be an adept — if not more compact — clone, averaging 5.6 yards a carry last year. But had injury challenges of his own. Towering over the group but still coming in at under six feet, Shavers enters his first Eskimos training camp as their starting running back in the Grey Cup, despite having been a late-season addition. McKnight is fresh off their Florida mini-camp looking to get his career back on track, having played three years in the National Football League with the New York Jets before finding himself entirely out of football for two of the past three years. The job is there for the taking for whoever wants it most, but the real winner out of this most impressive competition will be the team itself.
DEFENCE ...
Under former head coach and defensive co-ordinator Chris Jones, last year’s group led the league in allowing just under 19 points per game — which is the proverbial pot of gold in every CFL defensive co-ordinator’s dreams.
But the Eskimos were more of a nightmare for opposing offences, only made faster and more aggressive by early season injuries to key teammates on offence. The Bermuda Triangle of Almondo Sewell, Odell Willis and Marcus Howard returns to a defensive line adept at making downs disappear into thin air.
The defence was hardest hit by free agency, and not to other CFL teams, either. An unprecedented off-season saw three players join NFL clubs, with defensive end Willie Jefferson joining the Washington Redskins and standout defensive halfback Aaron Grymes going to the Philadelphia Eagles. But it’s WIL linebacker Dexter McCoil’s departure to the San Diego Chargers that represents the biggest void, as the Eskimos have to somehow fill the gap left behind by the 2014 CFL most outstanding rookie.
Fortunately, it appears they may have the answer in-house in the form of Deon Lacey.
The special-teams standout earned every opportunity afforded him on defence, filling in in a rotational capacity at defensive end or spelling off the linebackers. And when his time came, he didn’t shy away from the spotlight, either — as in the eyes of opposing quarterbacks during some of the more memorable moments in coin-toss history.
But if the eyes are a window into the soul, there is no questioning the drive or intensity of Lacey, who previous coaches said would run through a brick wall for his team and earned an impressive six sacks last year, despite only being involved in rotational duties. And don’t forget about Korey Jones, either.
The secondary, however, has become the primary concern in training camp as the Eskimos have to not only replace the speedy Grymes, but also find a solution for SAM linebacker Otha Foster’s defection across the Straw Curtain. That opens the door for the likes of Deion Belue and Kacy Rodgers, who will look to come off the practice squad like cornerback John Ojo did last year, on his way to becoming a CFL most-outstanding-rookie contender. ...
The emergence of a maturing six-foot-three, 220-pound Mike Dubuisson could end up giving the Eskimos an intriguing ratio option in the secondary as he gets set to enter his third CFL season. The Windsor product has shown an ability to play at either safety or defensive halfback. But for now, the lone Canadian-designated position is at safety. And that means there is a host of national talent looking to make sure incumbent starter Cauchy Muamba’s training camp is a competitive one. The seven-year vet will be up for the task, no doubt, after taking over the starting role from an injured Ryan Hinds and holding onto it after Hinds was healthy again. Hinds is now in Ottawa, while Muamba — whose younger brother and former first-overall draft pick, Henoc Muamba, could still potentially end up joining him in Edmonton this season — is coming off a solid Grey Cup start against the Redblacks.
SPECIAL TEAMS ...
The Eskimos have brought in former NFL speedsters Jacoby Ford and Joe McKnight into the mix this off-season, testing both out in Florida last month during mini-camp.
While Ford, a receiver/returner, ran a sub-4.2 second 40-yard dash ahead of getting drafted in the fourth round (108th overall) by the Oakland Raiders in 2010, it’s McKnight who better fits Lawrence’s jack-of-all-trades mould as running back/slotback/returner. And the 4.4-40 speed of the former New York Jets draft pick — who went four spots after Ford that same year — is nothing to shrug off, either.
Long-snapper Ryan King, who is being reunited on the roster with younger brother Neil, is back for a fifth season with his hometown Eskimos, who traded away the rights to fellow long-snapper Jorgen Hus to Saskatchewan last year.
Sean Whyte, who kicked his way into the hearts of Eskimos fans in relief of an injured Grant Shaw on the way to the Grey Cup, will handle place-kicking duties once again, while a healthy Shaw is set to punt and, likely, kick off.
With Deon Lacey likely taking more of a defensive role and spending less time on special teams, the Eskimos coverage teams are losing the services of the club record holder who posted 29 special-teams tackles in a season. At the same time, the free-agent acquisition of veteran Toronto Argonauts fullback Zander Robinson — who missed last season due to a knee injury in training camp — means the addition of a six-foot-five, 241-pound body on special teams.

http://edmontonjournal.com/sports/football/cfl/edmonton-eskimos/eskimos-go-into-training-camp-intent-on-keeping-ball-rolling

jerrym

05-28-2016, 02:34 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Potential <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bombers?src=hash">#Bombers</a> kick returner Solomon Patton has been moved to the retired list. Team is still two players above max.</p>— Kirk Penton (@PentonKirk) <a href="https://twitter.com/PentonKirk/status/736207019141562369">May 27, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

jerrym

05-28-2016, 02:45 PM

Mario Urrutia is not only a player at the Bombers TC, he was recently a football team owner.

Yes, the 6-foot-5, 232-pound receiver out of the University of Louisville was recently a co-owner — and receiver — with a Continental Indoor Football League franchise called the Kentucky Xtreme. Owning part of a team while playing for it is not something every 28-year-old football player does.
“Why not? I gotta have something after football, so I decided to branch off, get a little taste of the business world,” Urrutia said Monday. “It’s interesting. I’m learning a lot, but it’s fun.”
The Xtreme is no longer a concern, as its operations were suspended last month, but Urrutia has already moved on to another project. He said he will be the sole owner of the Professional Indoor Football League’s Louisville Firebirds, who are scheduled to begin play next season.
In the meantime, Urrutia has signed a contract with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, who are conducting a three-day mini-camp at IMG Academy, and he is expected to be at main camp in June. Urrutia missed the first day of the mini-camp on Sunday because he was attending Louisville and Winnipeg teammate Brian Brohm’s wedding, but the big man made a couple of spectacular grabs on Monday afternoon to get the attention of the Bombers coaching staff.
Glancing at the CIFL and PIFL websites, it’s clear they aren’t the most stable of football leagues. The Xtreme suspended operations on March 26, and there is no mention of the Louisville Firebirds on the PIFL site. That being said, it sounds like Urrutia is treating football ownership like a life-learning experience.
“I’m just taking a risk. Get out there. Why not?” Urrutia said. “You just gotta be fearless. I was interested. I was curious in doing other things, and the opportunity came about playing indoor ball. I stuck my neck out there and took a chance.”
He might not have a lot of time to get the Firebirds off the ground if he cracks the Bombers roster. Winnipeg would love a tall, fast receiver who can go up and get the ball to replace 2012 CFL rookie of the year Chris Matthews, who signed in the off-season with the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. Urrutia, who has tried out and played for teams in the NFL and UFL, and was the Arena Football League’s rookie of the year last year with the Utah Blaze, has the tools to at least give it a shot.
“He’s a big, physical receiver,” Brohm said. “He’s got good hands, and he can go deep. He’s a big play type of receiver. His 40 isn’t as fast on the track as it is on the field. Once he has the ball in his hands, he’s fast and he’s hard to catch. In college, we hooked up for a lot of big plays.”
That sounds a lot like Matthews.
If Urrutia doesn’t crack Winnipeg’s roster he can always go to his fall-back job of being an owner, worrying over the results that happen on the field and the bills that arrive in the mail. He said being an owner has “most definitely” changed his perspective as a football player.

http://www.torontosun.com/2014/04/14/winnipeg-blue-bombers-receiver-mario-urrutia-also-involved-with-football-ownership

jerrym

05-28-2016, 02:59 PM

This article reviews each team's situation as TCs open.

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/cfl-storylines-2016-1.3602329

jerrym

05-28-2016, 03:02 PM

Stampeders first round pick Alex Singleton discusses his TC experience.

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/cfl-storylines-2016-1.3602329

jerrym

05-28-2016, 03:09 PM

HC Dave Dickenson reviews Day 2 of rookie TC and discusses National QB Andrew Buckley.

http://www.stampeders.com/2016/05/27/dickenson-post-practice-scrum-rookie-camp-day-2/

jerrym

05-28-2016, 03:12 PM

Jason Maas discusses his new role as HC of the Eskimos and TC, as well as Ricky Ray and Henry Burris.

http://www.cfl.ca/2016/05/27/1-on-1-maas-back-at-home-in-edmonton/

jerrym

05-28-2016, 07:37 PM

OL Jake Silas is looking to get a starting job at Redblacks TC.

The 6-foot-7, 315-pound Silas, who spent last season on the Redblacks practice roster, has come into training camp with a purpose. With the departure of right tackle Colin Kelly to the NFL, there’s a job up for grabs.
“I’m a lot more comfortable. Having been here a year, you know the lay of the land,” said Silas, 24. “Coming in the first year, you’ve got a lot to learn. There were some adjustments to make. My goal this year is to compete for a starting spot.”

http://ottawacitizen.com/sports/local-sports/redblacks-offensive-lineman-loving-life-on-and-off-field

jerrym

05-28-2016, 07:41 PM

Mike Moore, the son of a former Ottawa Rough Rider QB, is trying to make the team at TC as a DL.

Back in 1995, when the Ottawa Rough Riders were wearing gawdawful ugly uniforms, one of their quarterbacks was Shawn Moore.
Twenty-one years later, Moore’s kid Mike is hoping to make the most of his opportunity to wear an Ottawa CFL uniform. The Redblacks signed the 23-year-old defensive lineman on the weekend and he was here for the team’s rookie camp, which wrapped up on Friday.
“I’ve never been to Canada, it’s just another opportunity to play football,” said Moore on Friday. “I talked to (my dad) and he talked about how this was such a great city. He didn’t really tell me any stories, but I’m going to try and get it out of him.”
Ottawa was one of three stops for the elder Moore in 1995 — he also spent time in Winnipeg and Calgary — and with the Rough Riders, he completed 43-of-84 passes for 559 yards and a touchdown. An 11th-round draft choice of the Denver Broncos in 1991, he would go on to coach at Virginia following his playing days.
The younger Moore says he didn’t get any pressure from his dad to play football.
“I started playing in seventh grade,” he said. “I was more of a basketball player. I didn’t grow (as tall) as the basketball players, so football was the sport to go to.
“(My dad) wanted me to make sure I didn’t play because he wanted me to play. He wanted me to play because I wanted to play.”
The Redblacks discovered Moore, while taking a close look at one of his Virginia teammates, Brockville’s Trent Corney, a former Ottawa Sooner. Corney was selected ninth overall in the CFL draft by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

http://ottawacitizen.com/sports/football/cfl/son-of-ex-rough-riders-qb-looks-to-earn-spot-on-redblacks

jerrym

05-28-2016, 07:47 PM

GM Marcel Desjardins reviews the Redblacks as TC opens Sunday.

Coming off three days of rookie camp and with Day 1 of full training camp Sunday morning at TD Place, here’s what Desjardins has to say about his team, position by position:
OFFENSIVE LINE
“The O-line will be interesting in terms of the bigger picture. Do we go Canadian or American at right tackle, for instance? We have very good options for both. We’ll have to see how not only that position plays out, but how the ratio plays out at other positions. Colin (Kelly, who left for the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers) is a loss, but we signed Tommie Draheim. Also, Jake Silas has come back and he’s been very good, then we have some Canadians who are going to be taking reps there as well.”
QUARTERBACK
The CFL’s most outstanding player, the soon-to-be-41-year-old Henry Burris, is back — joined by a very capable backup, Trevor Harris, who led the Toronto Argos through much of last season. Danny O’Brien and Brock Jensen are waiting in the wings.
“We have two bonafide starters and two very good backups behind those guys. I don’t know if there’s a team in the league that would be in a better place than we are quarterback-wise right now.” But how much time will Harris see? “To be determined. I don’t think it will be any different from what it has been in previous years. Trevor knows that. It’s Henry’s team and we’ll go from there. We haven’t gone through camp yet, so there’s no expectation to have Trevor take X number of snaps per game.”
RUNNING BACK
“We’ve got a guy we didn’t have at this point last year in our incumbent, William Powell, who we’re very happy with. Canadian-wise, we have a couple of good options behind in terms of Kienan Lafrance and even (Brendan) Gillanders can be a tailback, then we have LaVance Taylor here as the only other American. Travon Van is more of a receiver running back, a hybrid. So I count him in with the receivers. At fullback, we’ve got Gillanders and Patrick Lavoie, two very good football players.”
RECEIVERS
“The only opening right now, for lack of a better term, is the position Maurice Price occupied last year. Similar to the offensive line, we have good options, both American and Canadian. How that plays into the ratio will be determined. We’ve got some good American rookies, not that they’ve taken reps at the Z position, but we’ve got Tyler Shoemaker, Juron Criner, John Harris — we have options. We’ve also got Khalil Paden, who hasn’t played much, but who’s a very good football player and will have a chance to be that guy.”
DEFENSIVE LINE
“We lost a few starters, but we feel very good with Zack Evans starting for us. We have Moton Hopkins back, Aston Whiteside’s kind of an unknown right now in terms of how healthy he’s going to be, even though he’s been cleared. The other end spot that was occupied by a Canadian (Capicciotti), do we have to make that a Canadian spot? We don’t know. We’ve got Arnaud Gascon-Nadon, Nigel Romick and we have Andrew Marshall in that mix. For the D-line, receiver and O-line, those are the three positions where we have to figure out how that ratio plays out. Kendall Montgomery, Ladarius Owens and Cory Henry have done well in terms of edge guys. In the interior, Matt Acree, Jake Ceresna — those are potential interior guys. There are options there, for sure.”
LINEBACKER
“(Along with Antoine Pruneau), we have Damaso Munoz, David Hinds and Malik Jackson. They’re going to get pushed — there’s Manny Rodriguez, Burton De Koning, maybe even a couple of the Canadians could push for backup spots. I don’t know how much turnover there will be there. I’m very comfortable with the guys we have.”
DEFENSIVE BACKS
“We lost two of our most-of-the-season starters in Jovon and Brandyn. But Forrest Hightower played a lot for us and we feel he’s going to step in and run with it. We had Brandon Sermons and Jeff Richards last year, so they’ve been around a bit already.”
SPECIAL TEAMS
Neither kicker Chris Milo or punter Ronnie Pfeffer started last season with the Redblacks. But with no competition in camp, it looks like both will have jobs, giving Ottawa a more settled situation.
“The kicking game at this point last year was still a big uncertainty. That’s something that at least as of right now in our minds is a non-issue for us. It’s really our return game that we need to find the right answers to. Obviously the returner is part of that, but the actual blocking and the effort put forth and understanding what we’re trying to accomplish — all those things are a big part of having success with your return game. Our cover teams late last year were certainly a lot better than they were in the early stages of the season. When we drafted this year, whether it’s Kevin Jackson or Mikael Charland or whether it’s Arto Khatchikian — all of those guys will have a chance to be on the roster to contribute with special teams body types — they’re more athletic than some of the D-end body types we’ve had in the past. With (new special teams) coach (Bob) Dyce, there’s a good chance we’ll break a couple (of returns for touchdowns) this year.”

http://ottawacitizen.com/sports/local-sports/redblacks-gm-desjardins-breaks-down-the-roster

jerrym

05-28-2016, 07:53 PM

Below is Rod Pedersen's review of the Roughriders as they start TC.

http://www.riderville.com/2016/05/26/rods-blog-may-26th/

AngeloV

05-28-2016, 10:50 PM

Below is Rod Pedersen's review of the Roughriders as they start TC.

http://www.riderville.com/2016/05/26/rods-blog-may-26th/

Yeah, I read that yesterday. People from other cities get mad at him for being overly bias for the Riders, but at least he admits it. What do we get in Toronto? Guys like Simmons being overly negative.

jerrym

05-29-2016, 11:56 AM

The article on the third day of Blue Bomber TC focuses on C J Wilson, an eight finger DB trying to make the team.

http://www.bluebombers.com/2016/05/27/rookie-camp-day-3-recap/

jerrym

05-29-2016, 12:00 PM

Below is Trent Corney's Rookie Camp Journal for Days 1-3.

http://www.bluebombers.com/2016/05/25/rookie-camp-journal-day-1/

http://www.bluebombers.com/2016/05/26/rookie-camp-journal-day-2/

http://www.bluebombers.com/2016/05/27/rookie-camp-journal-day-3/

jerrym

05-29-2016, 12:03 PM

The Bombers released their depth chart as regular TC starts.

The Bombers released their depth chart for the opening of camp on Saturday and there were no surprises, just as there were no guarantees the depth chart will look the same once the regular season opens.
For the moment, at least, Sam Hurl is listed as the starting middle linebacker ahead of former NFLer Kyle Knox and veteran Bomber Ian Wild; Matt Bucknor is listed as a starting cornerback ahead of Randle; and Jace Daniels is listed as the starting left guard. All three of those positions are expected to see a fierce battle for the starting job.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/football/bombers/bombers-ready-to-kick-off-training-camp-381225461.html

jerrym

05-29-2016, 12:12 PM

John White will be fighting for his job in Edmonton at TC after missing last year with an Achilles tendon injury.

Last year, John White came into Edmonton Eskimos training camp as the man. The coaching staff and management put so much faith in him that he was the only veteran American running back on the roster. That’s how confident they were in his ability to pick up right where he left off a sophomore CFL season that saw him earn 6.9 yards per carry in 2014. What they couldn’t foresee was an injury that ended his 2015 season before it could even begin, announcing White ruptured his left Achilles tendon early on in training camp. ...
This time around, White will have his work cut out for him in a training camp packed full of competition looking to establish themselves in the backfield, including: Shakir Bell, who took over running back duties in White’s absence as a rookie last year; Akeem Shavers, who started at running back in the Grey Cup; and former New York Jets running back Joe McKnight.
“We’ve got some great backs coming in to compete, it should be a fun camp,” White said. “You’ve got to take it with a grain of salt, it’s just competing.
“It doesn’t come any harder than that and at the end of the day, we’re a team and we’re going to push each other.”
If you’re wondering if the Eskimos brass still has confidence in White’s ability, you only have to look to the contract extension he signed 10 days ahead of free agency back in February.

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/sports/healthy+edmonton+eskimos+running+back/11950148/story.html

jerrym

05-29-2016, 12:28 PM

Below is a tale of two players - one who had to send messages every week last year to get an invite to Redblacks TC and one who the Redblacks would love to have in TC because of his NFL experience, if he can pass a medical.

Two F-words —family and football — mean everything to Tyler Shoemaker, who wouldn’t take no for an answer from the Ottawa Redblacks.
To keep his football dream alive, Shoemaker sent weekly messages to Redblacks GM Marcel Desjardins through the 2015 CFL season. It paid off. The 27-year-old receiver out of Boise State is in Ottawa’s rookie camp at TD Place this week, though he’s been slowed through the first two days by blisters on his foot, plus calf cramps.
“(In 2014), I was coming out of Kansas City (Chiefs camp) and I talked to Marcel. I was waiting on some NFL opportunities. After being out of football and working (doing transportation logistic sales in Idaho), I found my passion for football again.
“I was in contact every week last year during the season.' ... “As soon as the season was over, I was bugging Marcel every chance I got. When’s the next workout, when’s the next tryout?’ ”
Finally, the RedBlacks agreed to sign Shoemaker and bring him to camp. ...

The Redblacks are still waiting for a medical report on DL Amobi Okoye, who will not play here unless he gets clearance from doctors. Okoye, who will turn 29 in early June, was taken 10th overall by the Houston Texans in the 2007 NFL draft. He played four seasons in Houston and two with the Chicago Bears before being stricken with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, an autoimmune syndrome that caused severe convulsions. He was placed in medically induced coma for three months before being released in August 2013.
“There’s nothing new at this point,” said Desjardins on Thursday. “We’re just waiting for medical records and trying to do our due diligence. Every day that goes by where he’s not here doesn’t help his situation. I would say we’d hope to know by early next week at the latest. We want to review all the medical records first, then if it’s deemed there’s either no risk or minimal risk, we’d fly him up here (to check him out).”

http://ottawacitizen.com/sports/football/cfl/perseverance-pays-off-for-new-redblacks-receiver-shoemaker

jerrym

05-29-2016, 12:31 PM

The Roughriders are adding and dropping quite a few bodies at TC.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have made the following transactions:
Add to the Roster
National offensive lineman Kadeem Adams (6.04 – 290 – Western)
National defensive back Troy Adams (5.10 – 175 – Northeastern)
National defensive back Joel Brtka (5.11 – 175 – Burlington Jr.)
International wide receiver Marquez Clark (5.11 – 190 – Central Oklahoma)
International wide receiver Ricky Collins (6.00 – 198 – Texas A&M-Commerce)
International offensive lineman Will Corbin (6.06 – 305 – Appalachian State)
International defensive back Justin Cox (6.00 – 187 – Mississippi State)
International defensive back Johnnie Dixon (5.11 – 194 – Pearl River)
International offensive lineman Kennedy Estelle (6.06 – 290 – West Alabama)
International defensive back Kentrell Everett (6.02 – 190 – Western New Mexico)

International defensive back Qudarius Ford (5.08 – 170 – South Alabama)
National fullback Marvin Golding (6.01 – 235 – Saint Mary’s)
National linebacker Dillon Grondin (6.00 – 230 – Windsor Jr.)
International quarterback Jacob Huesman (6’2 – 228 – Tennessee-Chattanooga)
National wide receiver Kyle Kawamoto (6.00 – 180 – Okanagan Jr.)
National defensive lineman Kalonji Kashama (6.04 – 259 – Eastern Michigan)
International defensive lineman A.C. Leonard (6.02 – 250 – Tennessee State)
National wide receiver Randy Roseway (6.00 – 180 – St. Francis Xavier)
International defensive back Rollins Stallworth (6.04 – 210 – Stanford)
International defensive lineman Ino Vitale (6.05 – 305 – Southwest Baptist)
International defensive back Xavier Walker (6.03 – 208 – Middle Tennessee)

Delete from Roster
International wide receiver Etauj Allen
International linebacker Curtis Brown
International defensive back Victor Dean Jr.
International offensive lineman Kamalie Matthews
International wide receiver Devrin Young

Move to Retired List
International defensive back David Barks
National defensive lineman Rory Connop
International wide receiver Armanti Edwards

International offensive lineman Darryl Johnson

http://www.riderville.com/2016/05/29/riders-transaction-may-29th/

jerrym

05-29-2016, 12:35 PM

Here's a preview of Roughrider's TC.

http://globalnews.ca/news/2725960/saskatchewan-roughriders-2016-training-camp-preview-defense-special-teams/

jerrym

05-29-2016, 12:43 PM

The following article discusses who is likely to be the key playmaker for the Riders out of TC. It mentions two former Argos, as well as others. Curtis Steele is not likely to be the key playmaker in the writer's opinion, but he foresees John Chiles becoming Durant's prime target.

Tailback Jerome Messam was the Roughriders’ best offensive player in 2015, even though he finished the season with the Calgary Stampeders after a trade-deadline deal. Messam, a national player, ended up rushing for 1,006 yards.
Are any of the Roughriders’ new ball-carriers capable of reaching the 1,000-yard milestone? That is debatable.
Curtis Steele, a veteran CFLer, will be first on the depth chart when the Chris Jones-coached Roughriders begin their training camp Sunday in Saskatoon. But, at 29, Steele has yet to establish that he can be a go-to ball-carrier.
If Steele does not deliver, perhaps one of the other prospective tailbacks will prove to be a revelation. Remember that Kory Sheets arrived at training camp in 2012 with absolutely no fanfare. He proceeded to light it up for two seasons, concluding his time with Saskatchewan by being named the most valuable player in the 2013 Grey Cup game.
As for the current receiving corps, there are some questions following three departures of note.
Weston Dressler and Chris Getzlaf both had multiple 1,000-yard receiving seasons in green and white. Ryan Smith finished nine yards shy of four figures during his breakout season of 2015, in which he was a rare bright light for a 3-15 team.
Smith and Dressler are now employed by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Getzlaf is a member of the Edmonton Eskimos. ...
Naaman Roosevelt sparkled for the 2015 Roughriders once the belated decision was made to actually play him. It will be interesting to see if he can excel over a long and gruelling 18-game season.
Rob Bagg is back and you know that he will be reliable — in addition to being the only familiar target for quarterback Darian Durant, who has missed the better part of the past season and a half due to injuries. For all Bagg offers, on and off the field, he is not a game-breaker.
Free-agent signee Shamawd Chambers, formerly of Edmonton, is blessed with size, skill and a Canadian passport. But he has not yet had a season that reminds anyone of, say, Getzlaf. Nonetheless, the Roughriders will look to Chambers and 2015 first-round draftee Nic Demski to provide Canadian content and timely plays.
Clarence Denmark was a perennially productive receiver with the Blue Bombers, who nonetheless released him during the off-season. At 30, he should be a contributor, but is he still of 1,000-yard calibre?
The most intriguing new arrivals, at least in this appraisal, are Kendial Lawrence and John Chiles. Lawrence is a superb all-around performer who can influence a game as a rusher, receiver and kick returner. It would not be surprising if he evoked memories of the versatile Corey Holmes, who was phenomenally popular in Riderville.
Chiles could very well be the key to the aerial attack if he can reprise his 2013 form. Three years ago with the Toronto Argonauts, Chiles registered nine touchdown receptions in only 11 games. He quickly became Ricky Ray’s preferred six-point source and demonstrated sure hands and an ability to finish a play. ...
Rest assured that the dutiful Durant has seen the film. He will likely ensure that Chiles sees the football. The gut feeling here, emanating from a not-inconsiderable midsection, is that Durant and Chiles will provide a season’s worth of smiles.

jerrym

05-29-2016, 12:49 PM

Here's a report on Calgary's Day 2 of TC.

At the end of two days of rookie camp, Stampeders head coach Dave Dickenson (http://www.stampeders.com/dave-dickenson/) had a two-word assessment: Mission accomplished.
No jobs were won or lost on Thursday or Friday as 32 players, many of them spending their first few hours in Canada, were given the opportunity to get used to the spacious dimensions of the CFL field, the rule variances from the U.S. game and Calgary’s Rocky-Mountain altitude (and comparatively thin air).
“The guys are getting more comfortable, getting more communication and fewer mental errors,” said Dickenson. “So far, we’ve had exactly what I want. We’ve got a clean bill of health, guys are getting better, they’re getting a good foundation of knowledge.
“They’re competing yes, but I’m more concerned with them feeling comfortable and healthy when they get to go against the vets.”

http://www.stampeders.com/2016/05/27/rookie-camp-day-2-recap/

jerrym

05-29-2016, 12:52 PM

Ridge Wilson, who was at Argo's TC last year, is now in Calgary's TC.

After his college playing days were over, Wilson signed with the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs in 2013 as an undrafted free agent. Waived by the club in May of the following year, the Louisville, Ky., native then joined the Toronto Argonauts but failed to crack their opening-day roster.
“I have a little bit of experience being in the mini-camp I had with them so I’m kind of used to the one yard off the ball,” remarked Wilson on his familiarity with the CFL game after his brief stint with the Double Blue. “But I ain’t gonna lie – it kind of changes up my rushes and my moves that I try to do. In the States, you usually make a move off your second step, but up here it’s gotta be on your third or fourth (step). So I’m still trying to get used to that and still go 110 percent.”
A first-team all-conference selection and the Gulf South Conference’s defensive player of the year following his senior campaign, the 25-year-old is feeling confident about his ability to return to top form. ...
“Camp has been good,” expressed Wilson, who signed with the Stamps on May 6. “I’m just trying to get my legs back under me. I haven’t been on a field for training camp since 2014, so I’m just trying to get back as close as I can to that.”

http://www.stampeders.com/2016/05/29/student-of-the-game/

jerrym

05-29-2016, 01:02 PM

As Rider TC starts, Regina Leader Post writer Murray McCormick foresees Chris Jones as building around Durant (surprise!) with former Argo Brett Smith as #2 QB.

Chris Jones has devoted countless hours and scouted hundreds of players in preparation for the opening of the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ training camp.
The Riders’ general manager, head coach and vice-president of football operations will take another step toward rebuilding the CFL team when training camp begins Sunday, 9 a.m., at the University of Saskatchewan’s Griffiths Stadium.
And what does he want to see when the new-look Roughriders hit the field?
“We’re looking for buy-in,” Jones said earlier this week. “We sell the fact that we have fun every day when we come here. We are going to work and it’s how we make our living, but we make it fun. It’s all about football.”
With that in mind, here are five things to watch during training camp:
THE ANNUAL DARIAN DURANT WATCH
Saskatchewan’s franchise quarterback eased some concerns about his health with a strong showing at the team’s mini-camp in Vero Beach, Fla., in early April. Durant remains a key to the Riders’ season because, when healthy, he’s among the league’s top quarterbacks. What bears watching is how Durant adjusts to another new system, this time with Stephen McAdoo as the offensive co-ordinator. McAdoo favours a ball-control offence, which may suit Durant. Jones has also brought in Jarious Jackson as the quarterbacks coach, which should prove to be an inspired decision. The veteran quarterback has enjoyed his best seasons when the team has employed an assistant coach whose primary responsibility is the quarterbacks.
WHO WILL CARRY THE CLIPBOARD?
Brett Smith, who had a 1-7 record while filling in for Durant in 2015, appears to have the inside track on being the No. 2 quarterback. The Riders like the fact that Smith gained experience last year and felt during the off-season that he was a better option than many of the free-agent backup quarterbacks who were available. Smith needs to work on staying in the pocket and establishing drives, but he can keep plays alive with his mobility. B.J. Coleman emerged from a group of 10 quarterbacks at the Riders’ mini-camp while exhibiting a strong arm and catching on to the nuances of the Canadian game. Coleman should continue to push Smith for the backup role in training camp.

http://leaderpost.com/sports/football/darian-durant-is-again-front-and-centre-at-the-saskatchewan-roughriders-training-camp

jerrym

05-29-2016, 01:04 PM

The Stampeders are likely to start changing their defensive approach in TC to be more aggressive in order to match their new Defensive Coordinator's persona.

http://www.canada.com/sports/football/cfl/expect+calgary+stampeders+defence+take/11950137/story.html

R.J

05-29-2016, 04:36 PM

Five CFL Training Camp storylines to watch
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/cfl-55-yard-line/five-training-camp-storylines-to-watch-142810809.html

jerrym

05-31-2016, 12:26 AM

Calgary TC Day 2

WHO WASN’T THERE
The Stamps made one roster move Monday, releasing WR Josh Harper and adding defensive end Ja’Gared Davis, a 6-foot-1, 238-pounder out of Southern Methodist University … HB Brandon Smith, who has been away from camp the first two days to attend a wedding, is expected to show up in Calgary on Tuesday … DBs Jamar Wall and Joe Burnett were given Monday afternoon off, handing DB Travis Manning some reps at halfback and Michigan State product Mylan Hicks some time at SAM linebacker … The Stamps are taking it slow with third-year LB Max Caron, who still hasn’t practised through two days due to a leg muscle injury. Caron’s first two CFL seasons have ended in training camp with Achilles tears.
WHO RETURNED
WR Anthony Parker, who missed Sunday’s afternoon session, sat out Monday morning, as well, but returned in the afternoon. ...
PLAY OF THE DAY
With pads on in the afternoon, QB Andrew Buckley threaded the needle to hit Lemar Durant with a seed over the middle that drew a ‘Nice throw, Andrew’ from head coach Dave Dickenson.
PLAYER OF THE DAY
DT Micah Johnson only has one gear — full speed — and that was on display Monday afternoon when he (accidentally) hammered WR Chleb Ravenell in the open field during the team period.

http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/football/calgary-stampeders/stampeders+training+camp+report/11953185/story.html

jerrym

05-31-2016, 12:36 AM

In Riderville, Durant is raring to go after having missed so much time the last two seasons.

Durant knows all about comebacks. He went through a similar scenario a year ago after missing the final nine games of the 2014 season (including one playoff contest) with a torn tendon in his right elbow.Durant made it through a mini-camp and training camp in 2015 before rupturing an Achilles tendon against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. That experience inspired Durant in 2016.
“It’s tough initially,” said Durant, 33. “As time passes, you realize that you have to attack the road ahead of you. That was my motivation and just knowing that I was getting another opportunity. I needed to take it upon myself and to make sure that I put myself in the best position possible. It was tough, but it was something that I’ve been through and hopefully I can make it through again.”
On Sunday, Durant didn’t appear to suffer any ill effects from surgery to repair his damaged Achilles. He rolled out with confidence during all the drills and delivered the ball with velocity.
Durant looked and sounded like his old self throughout the morning session. He has made so many strides since the injury that he didn’t think about it Sunday.
“This is a game of reactions and you can’t think about the what-ifs and you have to just react,” Durant said. “Hopefully your body holds up. I did a great job this off-season of putting stress on my legs and things like that to make sure they can hold up in these situations.”
Chris Jones, the Riders’ general manager and head coach, was pleased with what he saw out of Durant.
“When he steps on the field, he makes everyone on this football team play better,” Jones said. “He’s an awful tough competitor and we’ve gone against each before. He’s one of those special guys.”
Receiver Rob Bagg, who is heading into his ninth season with the Riders, was impressed after Durant’s first practice.
“He definitely looks a little bit leaner and more athletic,” Bagg said. “He threw the ball around and maybe missed some throws that he normally hits. I don’t think he’s thrown to a lot of receivers in a while. All things considered, he did very well.”

http://thestarphoenix.com/sports/football/cfl/saskatchewan-roughriders/after-missing-most-of-past-two-seasons-durant-eager-to-return-and-lead-roughriders

jerrym

05-31-2016, 01:06 AM

Calgary is looking at five players in the hopes it can find one to improve its return game.

From Larry Taylor to Jock Sanders to Tim Brown and just about everywhere in between.
Finding a capable return man who can stay healthy has been a serious problem for the Calgary Stampeders.
“I think since Larry left it’s always been a position where we’ve tried to identify guys,” Stamps special-teams co-ordinator Mark Kilam said Monday. “It’s a difficult position to find players because you have to get them in the game to truly evaluate them. And then once you get them in the game, they have to stay in the game. That’s another issue with those guys. Because they, sometimes, take some hits, they also wear down.”
Two days and four practices into training camp, the Stamps have been giving at least nine different players the opportunity to catch kicks and punts.
While receivers Anthony Parker, Marquay McDaniel, Greg Wilson, and Lemar Durant have been getting some reps, the answer is likely to come from a five-pack of unprovens. Skye Dawson, who fumbled twice in the return game in last November’s West Final loss in Edmonton, is one of them.
The other four are all running backs — Tory Harrison, Roy Finch, Reggie Whatley and Lache Seastrunk — with varying levels of experience.
Finch, who has a 100-yard kick-return TD on his resume from his days at the University of Oklahoma, and Whatley, who holds the Middle Tennessee State school return for kick-return average, have oodles of it.
Harrison and Seastrunk, meanwhile, may have the skill-set. “I only did it a couple times, but when I started being their guy (in the backfield), they didn’t want me to get hurt so they just took me off of it completely,” Seastrunk said of his return experience at Baylor. “Get the ball in my hands. I’ll make it work.”
Last year, Brown’s 8.7-yard average on punt returns was ninth in the CFL, while his 23.4-yard average on kick returns was third in the league.
Big plays, however, were lacking in both areas. Head coach Dave Dickenson is looking for someone to come up with a big play or two during the upcoming exhibition season and make it easy on the coaching staff.

http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/football/calgary-stampeders/stampeders+sorting+through+return/11953119/story.html

jerrym

05-31-2016, 01:10 AM

One of the five players being looked at as main returner in Calgary in Roy Finch.

The 5-foot-7, 175-pounder’s expectations are high.
“In the return game, I want to be special,” Finch said Monday morning, following a training camp practice that featured a whole lot of special-teams work, as the Stamps are just beginning the process of sifting through a number of kick-return options.
Since starring in Norman, Okla., for the Sooners (2010-13), Finch almost cracked the New England Patriots roster in 2014, before heading north for a short stint with the Ottawa RedBlacks, which ended after 24 carries for 95 yards and nine receptions in five games.
Finch arrived in Calgary last week with a different perspective on his latest professional opportunity.
“You don’t realize how important something is to you until you lose it,” Finch said, thoughtfully, as a late-May training camp wind howled through McMahon Stadium. “For me to continue to put the work in to gain it back is important to me. That’s how I feel about this opportunity. It’s a golden opportunity to be with a great organization and to be with the best team, in my eyes, in the CFL. They’re always a game away from the championship, and that’s the type of atmosphere and organization you want to be a part of.”

http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/football/calgary-stampeders/small+stature+finch+could+have/11953114/story.html

jerrym

05-31-2016, 01:18 AM

Jerome Messam is not simply going to be hand Cornish's job.

For the past two seasons, the running back position has been a weekly guessing game of, ‘Is Jon Cornish going to play?’
The Calgary Stampeders are hoping to slightly alter that question now that No. 9 is comfortably retired.
Instead of wondering if their oft-injured former star tailback is going to be on the field, the Stamps are hoping to pose the question of ‘Who’s going to get the football?’ to opposing defences on a weekly basis.
“We just had our meetings yesterday and Dave (Dickenson) repeated it: ‘Hey, we’re always the leading rushing team in the CFL,’ Stamps quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell said on the second day of training camp Monday at McMahon Stadium. “That’s a big thing. We might not have the leading rusher in the CFL, but we’re going to have guys that add up to it.”
Thanks to the double-whammy of an offensive line devastated by injuries as well as a banged-up ball-carrier once again in Cornish, the Stamps fell to fourth in the CFL in rushing last season, averaging 96.6 yards per game. Following years of going the feature-back route, the Stampeders may become a running-back-by-committee situation. Not because they don’t have a guy capable of carrying the load, either. Jerome Messam, coming off his second career 1,000-yard rushing season, can do that. He just may not be needed to.
Tory Harrison, 28, who caught five touchdown passes in his rookie year last season, is also expected to play a role, while former Baylor University star Lache Seastrunk, 25, lurks and could be the wildcard in the Stampeders’ ground game plans.
“I’m just going to come in and be me,” said Messam, who’ll have a significant role in his first full season in Calgary, after coming over from the Saskatchewan Roughriders at the trade deadline last fall. “Play well and pick up where he left off and be a solid back and one that’s reliable. “I’m really focused. I’m just happy that my body feels great and everything else will fall into place. As long as I’m healthy, I’m not worried about the production.”
While Cornish and Messam were born only five months apart, their respective workloads up to the age of 31 are much different.
Cornish retired with 1,026 carries on his hall-of-fame resume, while Messam has lugged the football only 614 times in his six CFL seasons. With the nagging injuries that plagued the nimble 6-foot-3, 245-pounder now, hopefully, a thing of the past, Messam has a good feeling about 2016.
“I’m just trying to be the best, man, and be great,” Messam said. “I want to make the CFL hall of fame one day. “I’m excited just to be able to be with a team where we have so many weapons and defences can’t really key in on one thing. If everyone stays healthy, the sky’s the limit for this team. Dickie’s offence is very powerful and, when ran correctly, I think, we can put up a lot of numbers.”
Behind a healthy offensive line, the numbers will be there. For somebody. But the feature-back in football is dying a slow death, and after more than a decade of one guy doing most of the heavy lifting in Calgary — before Cornish it was Joffrey Reynolds — the depth chart may dictate otherwise.

http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/football/calgary-stampeders/jerome+messam+among+number+calgary/11952859/story.html

jerrym

05-31-2016, 01:21 AM

Former Argo QB Trevor Harris says he's learning the Redblacks' offence quickly in this interview.

http://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2016/05/30/harris-on-tc16-day-two-i-felt-like-i-saw-things-a-lot-better/

jerrym

05-31-2016, 01:26 AM

DBs Antoine Pruneau and Jermaine Robinson, WR Chris Williams and rookie OL Jason Lauzon-Segun give their impressions of Redblack TC so far below.

http://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2016/05/30/williams-pruneau-robinson-and-seguin-on-day-two-at-tc16/

jerrym

05-31-2016, 02:05 AM

Review of Roughrider DBs in TC:

Heading into training camp, there are only a handful of familiar faces, and of those who are returning, it doesn’t add up much experience.
Where it is most evident, is with the defensive backfield. Of the over 15 or so defensive backs in camp, only three (Matt Webster, Dan West and Tyree Hollins) are remaining from the end of the 2015 season. There is a familiar face returning to the Green and White in Graig Newman, a few CFL vets and a whole lot of fresh faces to the Canadian game.
After the first couple of days of practice, one thing is for certain: all of the defensive backs must be able to play multiple positions, sometimes in the same game. For example; Newman has seen time at safety, boundary half and field corner. So, for this story, there will be no assigning of positions.
Here’s how things shake down:
The vets (*Indicates International Player):
*Tyree Hollins (2nd year SSK/2nd year CFL)
*Darrius Brooks (1st year SSK/3rd year CFL)
Matt Webster (3rd year SSK/3rd year CFL)
*Ed Gainey (1st year SSK/5th year CFL)
Tevaughn Campbell (1st year SSK/2nd year CFL)
*Johnnie Dixon (1st year SSK/4th year CFL)
Graig Newman (3rd year SSK/5th year CFL)
Dan West (2nd year SSK/5th year CFL)

No one has more than five years of CFL experience and Graig Newman is the elder statesman at 30 years old. Darrius Brooks returns from a couple of seasons in the NFL, and will be looked to as the playmaker in the backfield. In his two seasons with the Calgary Stampeders (2012-13), Brooks had five interceptions.
The four Canadians will fight for a regular rotation in the backfield but all will make a difference on special teams. Tyree Hollins, Ed Gainey and Johnnie Dixon will need to step up early to improve a Rider secondary that had only ten total interceptions for the season in 2015.
CFL Rookies:
Troy Adams (Northeastern)
*Johnathan Shuler (Austin Peay)
Joel Brtka (Niagra {Jr})
*Justin Cox (Mississippi State)
*Xavier Walker (Middle Tennessee)
*Rollins Stallworth (Stanford)
Troy Adams, Johnathan Schuler and Justin Cox were all at mini-camp in Florida, Cox and Shuler both spent time in the NFL last season. Rollins Stallworth is a former receiver with the Stanford Cardinals.

http://www.riderville.com/2016/05/30/coors-light-training-camp-2016-defensive-backs-breakdown/

jerrym

05-31-2016, 02:11 AM

In typical Chris Jones fashion, he continues to add and drop players quickly. Post #54 already had numerous additions and deletions from the roster. Day 2's changes were not as great, but still significant.

ROSTER MOVES
Add:
International defensive lineman Tony Criswell (6’8 – 250 – Missouri)
International running back Johnta Hebert (5’10 – 195 – Prairie View)
International defensive lineman Jonathan Newsome (6’3 – 247 – Ball State)
Did not participate:
Jorgen Hus (suspended – personal)
Spencer Moore (personal)
Eric Norwood (injured)
Xavier Walker (day-to-day)
Released:
National defensive back Kwame Adj.
International running back Malcom Cyrus
OVERVIEW
Day two of training camp was another spirited day as the players put the pads on for the first time. The intensity seemed to rise to another level again. All turn to the trenches as the offensive and defensive lineman engaged in one on one battles.
With the pace of the day high, first year Rider Head Coach Chris Jones was pleased to get through the required reps under the allotted time.
PLAYERS OF THE DAY
First-year receiver Qudarius Ford got a reaction from the morning crowd as he made an impressive diving catch to haul in a 40-yard reception for the would-be touchdown.
The defence answered back as rookie defensive back Marte Sears broke up what appeared to be a sure catch with a flying Superman like leap.

jerrym

05-31-2016, 02:24 AM

A look at Bombers' receivers entering TC:

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers said au revoir to two veteran receivers this offseason in Nick Moore and Clarence Denmark and bonjour to two other veteran receivers, both formerly of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, in Weston Dressler and Ryan Smith.
All four put up respectable numbers, especially given the quarterback injuries both here in Winnipeg and west of us in Regina. ...
But as we turn our attention to receivers for the second-last of our positional analysis series leading up to main training camp, the potential impact of the additions of Dressler and Smith to the Bomber receiving corps goes much deeper than just the black and white of their statistics.
The Bombers want to surround Drew Willy and give new/old offensive coordinator Paul LaPolice as many sure things as possible with their attack.
Smith has just 24 CFL games under his belt, but has already proven to be a gritty and reliable target. Dressler, meanwhile, is a future hall of famer who has five 1,000-yard seasons to his credit. Both know how to get open consistently, find the end zone, and serve as security blankets for any quarterback.

The Bombers do return two starters from last year’s squad in Darvin Adams and Rory Kohlert. Adams, scooped up from the Toronto Argonauts in free agency last winter, is morphing into a reliable deep threat, having pulled in 61 passes for 839 yards and five TDs last year, but could also get a look inside in the five-receiver set.
Kohlert, the Canadian starter, finished last year with 32 receptions for 395 yards and a TD – his lowest totals in three years – but is still just 28 and has proven to be a favourite of Willy when the two have been on the field together. He’ll likely begin camp lining up at the wide-side wide receiver position.
Kohlert will get pushed by Addison Richards, the University of Regina product drafted last year who missed much of the season due to injuries. Julian Feoli-Gudino, Kris Bastien, and 2016 draft pick Alex Vitt all figure to be in the mix behind Kohlert on the depth chart.
But it’s what the Bombers do with the other vacant receiver position that may be one of the interesting battles in training camp. Justin Veltung, who doubles as a kick returner, had 17 catches for 189 yards and a pair of TDs last year in seven games, while Kevin Cone made one start. They’ll be pushed by what looks to be a deep crew of new receiver faces in Jace Davis, Julian Talley, Quincy McDuffie, Gerrard Sheppard and Thomas Mayo.

http://www.bluebombers.com/2016/05/28/positional-preview-receivers/

jerrym

05-31-2016, 02:30 AM

Chris Getzlaf's move to Edmonton gives the Eskimos a valuable Canadian receiver in TC.

Getzlaf’s career path has headed west to the Edmonton Eskimos, where he’s expected to be a steadying veteran presence among the Canadian-trained receivers.
“I look at it as a great opportunity to get out there and show I’ve still got it,” said Getzlaf. “I’m coming to a great organization with a great history. I’ve got a lot to prove on a team coming off a Grey Cup win.” ...
On the plus side, Getzlaf has landed on his feet in an established program. There’s no major rebuilding project in the works for the Eskimos. Newly-minted head coach Jason Maas has a proven record showing he knows how to direct an effective offence.
“I’m blessed to be able to come to a team that has everything in place to make another run at another Cup,” said Getzlaf.
“It’s been absolutely fortunate on that side of it. I haven’t had to deal with a lot of injuries that have kept me out. Last year was a tough one for me. The year before, I was only out for three games. That’s pretty small on the big scale of things.”
Having appeared in 10 games last season on a team that had also lost quarterback Darian Durant proved to be a less than ideal situation for all concerned.
“It was real draining to say the least,” said Getzlaf. “I hadn’t been used to anything like that. It’s hard to sit back and watch what’s going on like that.”

http://www.cfl.ca/2016/05/30/getzlaf-aims-make-mark-different-green/

jerrym

05-31-2016, 02:39 AM

Entering TC, Drew Willy remains the Bombers' key man.

While Willy’s name is written in ink atop the Bomber depth chart – he is a lock as the No. 1 pivot – he is also coming off an injury-shortened season that was shut down early last August. He declared himself 100 per cent healthy as far back as January, but as the curtain rises on another campaign, the focus won’t just be on Willy – as it always is on quarterbacks across the CFL – but also keeping him upright and healthy.

And here’s why: over the last two years, the Bombers have gone 12-24 overall, but are just 2-10 in games in which Willy doesn’t start. A year ago the club was 3-4 and still very much in the playoff picture when he was injured and went 2-11 after his exit. More numbers just to hammer home Willy’s importance: he was No. 2 in the league with a 106.6 passer rating (Toronto’s Trevor Harris was at 115.4) when he was injured, a figure that still ranked second best when the year ended.

After trotting out Brian Brohm and Robert Marve for two starts each after Willy’s injury – all of them losses – the Bombers traded a seventh-round draft pick to the Edmonton Eskimos for veteran Matt Nichols. And after the former Eastern Washington star went 2-5 under some trying circumstances after being parachuted into Winnipeg, GM Kyle Walters locked him up after the season before he could hit the free agent market. That leaves the Bombers with a solid one-two at the top of the QB depth chart and without the uncertainty they brought into the 2015 season at the position.
Two other additions from last year round out the Bomber QB spot and will be scrapping for the third spot on the roster. Dominique Davis was scooped up by the Bombers following his release from the Calgary Stampeders last summer and started in the club’s regular season finale, a loss in Toronto. And while Davis’ numbers weren’t jaw dropping – 16 of 25 for 169 yards with no TDs and no interceptions – there were some flashes. The fourth QB in camp is Bryan Bennett, who began his college career at Oregon before transferring to Southeast Louisiana as he was behind future Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota on the Ducks’ depth chart.

http://www.bluebombers.com/2016/05/29/positional-preview-quarterbacks/

jerrym

05-31-2016, 01:00 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Day 1 in 60 seconds. 🕖 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RidersTC?src=hash">#RidersTC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFLTC?src=hash">#CFLTC</a><a href="https://t.co/FDyZfsD5Jn">https://t.co/FDyZfsD5Jn</a></p>— Sask. Roughriders (@sskroughriders) <a href="https://twitter.com/sskroughriders/status/737300394842329091">May 30, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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ArgoGabe22

05-31-2016, 05:00 PM

Corby just announced his retirement. Perhaps this was why he fell into the 6th round. He may have had something else planned.

R.J

05-31-2016, 05:27 PM

Corby just announced his retirement. Perhaps this was why he fell into the 6th round. He may have had something else planned.
That sucks; I felt he was a good player with a lot of potential.

R.J

05-31-2016, 08:32 PM

Nine questions from CFL training Camps
http://www.tsn.ca/talent/nine-questions-from-cfl-training-camps-1.498704

Riders adjusting to new mood, new coaching staff
http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/riders-adjusting-to-new-mood-new-coaching-staff~881416

LaBatte on intensity of first full practice under Chris Jones
http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/labatte-on-intensity-of-first-full-practice-under-chris-jones~881632

Buono happy with productive camp so far
http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/buono-happy-with-productive-camp-so-far~881431

Ferguson: Masoli's starting to separate himself a little bit"
http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/ferguson-masoli-s-starting-to-separate-himself-a-little-bit~881480

hugoagogo

06-01-2016, 02:49 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6TML-tcrYs

jerrym

06-01-2016, 04:19 AM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bombers?src=hash">#Bombers</a> sign 6-foot-3 receiver Lestar Jean. Defensive lineman Cameron Henderson has retired.</p>— Kirk Penton (@PentonKirk) <a href="https://twitter.com/PentonKirk/status/737275184269266946">May 30, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

jerrym

06-01-2016, 04:55 AM

Calgary TC Day 3

WHO WASN’T THERE
Starting centre Pierre Lavertu was a spectator, but Dickenson says it’s nothing to worry about … RB Tory Harrison missed his second straight practice with an illness … HB Brandon Smith is expected to show up in Calgary on Tuesday and should be back at practice at some point Wednesday.
WHO RETURNED
DBs Jamar Wall and Joe Burnett both returned after sitting out Monday’s late session for maintenance purposes. ...
PLAY OF THE DAY
The lone session provided a pair of plays to highlight and both were authored by the defence. First, LB Glenn Love picked off Drew Tate in the first team period, and then rookie CB Tommie Campbell intercepted Bo Levi Mitchell.
PLAYER OF THE DAY
At the age of 28 with 37 games of NFL experience under his belt, Campbell is putting that to good use early in camp, and does not look out of place. Overall, the defensive backfield group has been really good and that might make for some tough decisions later on down the line.

http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/football/calgary-stampeders/stampeders+training+camp+report/11955606/story.html

jerrym

06-01-2016, 04:59 AM

Former Argo Dan Federkeil discusses last year's injury and his future at Stampeder TC.

http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/football/calgary-stampeders/healthy+stampeders+federkeil/11955481/story.html

jerrym

06-01-2016, 05:05 AM

Progress report on OL rookie Quinn Horton at Stampeder TC.

http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/football/calgary-stampeders/calgary+stampeders+rookie+horton/11955298/story.html

jerrym

06-01-2016, 05:20 AM

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"We're ready to get some unfinished business done."<br><br>🎥 | <a href="https://twitter.com/Millz2BeMade">@Millz2BeMade</a> is itching to get the season started.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFLTC?src=hash">#CFLTC</a><a href="https://t.co/ArCRCA4aMw">https://t.co/ArCRCA4aMw</a></p>— Ottawa REDBLACKS (@REDBLACKS) <a href="https://twitter.com/REDBLACKS/status/737703594720296962">May 31, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

jerrym

06-01-2016, 05:33 AM

Rookie DB Dior Mathis "can see why Ottawa was in the championship game last year".

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"I love it out here. I love my teammates."<br><br>Former <a href="https://twitter.com/WinTheDay">@WinTheDay</a> DB Dior Mathis feels at home in Ottawa. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFLTC?src=hash">#CFLTC</a><a href="https://t.co/3cIWYc5OVx">https://t.co/3cIWYc5OVx</a></p>— Ottawa REDBLACKS (@REDBLACKS) <a href="https://twitter.com/REDBLACKS/status/737726133009944576">May 31, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><iframe id="rufous-sandbox" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden; display: none; width: 0px; height: 0px; padding: 0px; border: none;"></iframe>

jerrym

06-01-2016, 05:53 AM

Just arrived former NFLer Lestar Jean is trying out for the Bomber receiver corp.

The newest member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers made his first appearance on the practice field. Former NFL receiver, Lestar Jean took part in Tuesday’s workout at Investors Group Field after he signed with the club on Monday. ...
Jean, 28, appeared in 27 games with the Houston Texans from 2012 to 2013. He made 10 catches for 186 yards with one touchdown in the regular season. He also had four touchdowns in pre-season games. Jean also spent time with the Minnesota Vikings in 2014 and was with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats briefly at the end of last season. But it’s been more than two years since he appeared in a game.
“It’s been a long time,” Jean said. “I was out of football. Now I’m back playing football, so it’s like I know what I have to do.” ...
At 6′ 3″ Jean is a big target and he’s been pencilled in at slotback on the Bombers depth chart.
“Obviously he’s got a little ways to go to pick up everything but he seemed to be running around out there,” head coach Mike O’Shea said. “He offers a pretty big target. He seems to offer a fairly decent catch radius too. So we’ll see how that progresses.” ...
Jean is just grateful for another opportunity to resurrect his football career. “Cause it could be over,” Jean said. “It’s not guaranteed but you try to extend it as long as you can.”
Weston Dressler, Ryan Smith, Darvin Adams and Rory Kohlert will likely take four of the Bombers starting receiver jobs leaving just one starters job for the other 12 receivers in camp.

http://globalnews.ca/news/2733206/first-practice-with-winnipeg-blue-bombers-for-former-nfl-receiver-lestar-jean/

jerrym

06-01-2016, 05:58 AM

Day 3 of Bomber TC includes interview with Maurice Leggett who loves the city and wants to stay permanently as well as info on injuries and who stood out:

Who stood out: Bomber fans have seen running back Andrew Harris torch their own team before, so having him on their side this year will be a relief. Harris looked good Tuesday, putting his smash-mouth style to work. Wide receiver Darvin Adams also made some impressive snags in one-on-ones. He could be in line for a big year.
❚ Injury notes: Defensive back Johnny Adams and offensive lineman Patrick Neufeld both missed Day 3 of training camp with ailments. O’Shea said it was nothing serious but was coy on when they’d be back on the field. Linebacker Shayne Gauthier also pulled up lame with an apparent leg injury.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/football/bombers/bombers-leggett-all-in-for-winnipeg-381466961.html

jerrym

06-01-2016, 06:03 AM

Review of the Riders' Offensive Line in TC:

http://www.riderville.com/2016/05/31/69790/

jerrym

06-01-2016, 06:05 AM

Day 3 of Roughriders' TC recap:

ROSTER MOVES
Activate:
National fullback Spencer Moore
Number change:
Dillon Grondin is now wearing #76 and has moved to linebacker
#48 Marvin Golding has moved to linebacker
Did not participate:
Justin Capicciotti (day-to-day)
John Chiles (day-to-day)
Jorgen Hus (suspended – personal)
Jeff Knox Jr. (day-to-day)
Jonathan Newsome (day-to-day)
Eric Norwood (injured)
Xavier Walker (day-to-day)
Released:
National linebacker Nehemie Kankolongo
OVERVIEW
The players returned to the field for Day 3 of training camp and for the second day in a row the pads were on. The competition continues to intensify as the single practice session of the day included an extended one-on-one period and game like situations during teams period.
Coach Jones watched intently as the offensive and defensive lines battled it out in one-on-ones as he nominated a handful of defensive players to take reps as offensive linemen.
PLAYS OF THE DAY
Veteran receiver Rob Bagg made an impressive diving catch along the sidelines on a deep corner route during the one-on-one period.
During the full team period, rookie Canadian defensive back Joel Brtka from the Burlington Braves junior football program jumped in front of a pass to the flats for an impressive interception.

http://www.riderville.com/2016/05/31/69763/

jerrym

06-01-2016, 06:08 AM

Video interview with Chris Jones on Day 3 of Rider TC:

http://www.cfl.ca/2016/05/31/jones-seeking-right-mix-in-riderville/

jerrym

06-01-2016, 06:18 AM

Assistant HC Mike Benevides discusses Eskimo defence on Day 3 of TC.

http://www.esks.com/2016/05/30/esks-tc-asst-head-coach-defensive-coordinator-mike-benevides/

R.J

06-01-2016, 02:08 PM

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/new-confidence-apparent-in-lapolice~882048
http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/bombers-oc-lapolice-excited-to-return-to-sidelines~881698

R.J

06-01-2016, 04:03 PM

Esks HC Jason Maas discusses his O-line, John White & tensions boiling over in today's session
http://omnyapp.com/shows/ched/june-1-eskimos-hc-jason-maas

jerrym

06-02-2016, 03:40 AM

New faces hope to turn the Bombers around

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/new-faces-look-to-turn-bombers-around%7E882169

jerrym

06-02-2016, 03:44 AM

Redblack HC discusses Canadian depth.

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">All about 🇨🇦 content. <a href="https://twitter.com/REDBLACKS">@REDBLACKS</a> talks practice tempo and Canadian depth as <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFLTC?src=hash">#CFLTC</a> progresses.<a href="https://t.co/8eBDfD89Cw">https://t.co/8eBDfD89Cw</a></p>— Ottawa REDBLACKS (@REDBLACKS) <a href="https://twitter.com/REDBLACKS/status/738042981886742529">June 1, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

jerrym

06-02-2016, 03:48 AM

Nick Taylor discusses the teammates' help he's getting.

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">From <a href="https://twitter.com/FIUHoops">@fiuhoops</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/Vikings">@Vikings</a> to YOW.<br><br>Nick Taylor says his teammates are helping him settle into the Nation's Capital.<a href="https://t.co/6ewELcCEkQ">https://t.co/6ewELcCEkQ</a></p>— Ottawa REDBLACKS (@REDBLACKS) <a href="https://twitter.com/REDBLACKS/status/738026291387998208">June 1, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

jerrym

06-02-2016, 03:53 AM

In Winnipeg TC, Matt Bucknor knows he's not guaranteed a job.

Blue Bombers’ defensive back Matt Bucknor is coming off what was probably his best season as a professional, but with a lot of competition in the secondary at this year’s training camp he’s not taking anything for granted. “Never. There’s no given,” said Bucknor. ...
Demond Washington is the only starter from the secondary not back from last season. Bucknor is listed atop the depth chart at the field side cornerback position where he started every game the last two seasons. But Chris Randle has moved back to defensive back after playing at linebacker last season and they’ve also brought in a number of DB’s with NFL experience. ...

Bucknor, 30, is entering his fifth season in the CFL and third with the Bombers. The Canadian was second on the team with three interceptions in 2015 but feels he still has room to grow.
“For me I humble myself right,” Bucknor said. “I’m always trying to learn something new. There’s always something to learn. When I get into the meeting room and get out onto the field it’s just an opportunity to make the team and that’s my approach.”
With a sudden influx of Canadian starters through free agency the Bombers could opt to use an all American secondary instead which would leave Bucknor as the odd man out.

http://globalnews.ca/news/2735578/winnipeg-blue-bombers-matt-bucknor-not-taking-starters-job-for-granted/

jerrym

06-02-2016, 04:01 AM

An assessment by Ed Tait of the Bombers season based on what he's seen in TC so far. I would say its a pretty optimistic assessment, but I do think they will improve significantly.

here’s one man’s take based on the first couple of sessions at Winnipeg Blue Bombers training camp this week:

Even with the football gods having had this franchise in their crosshairs for years, if not decades now, it’s hard not to imagine how the 2016 Bombers edition won’t be in the playoff discussion come early November.

It took new receivers Weston Dressler and Ryan Smith, both ex of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, roughly five minutes into the first practice session Sunday before they had the fans in attendance cheering their every catch.

Homegrown running back Andrew Harris not only gives the Bombers a proven piece in the backfield – the club has had four different players lead them in rushing in as many years – but he’s exactly the kind of dual threat new offensive coordinator Paul LaPolice will feature prominently in the new attack.

The Bombers moved on from Lirim Hajrullahu, who was so solid in 2014 but suffered through an absolute nightmare last year, by adding the most-accurate kicker in Canadian Football League history in Justin Medlock.

And a healthy Chris Randle will move back to the secondary from the linebacker position while Keith Shologan and Euclid Cummings, coupled with Jamaal Westerman, mean the defensive line figures to be much more stout at the point of attack.

Those changes don’t represent a minor tinker, but an overhaul for a franchise desperate to field a winner.

“It feels a lot different than last year,” said linebacker Khalil Bass. “Everybody feels like we should win instead of just wanting to win. There’s a winning mindset coming in here on the first day.

“We all said it to each other, the coaches don’t need to harp on it. It’s got to come from us. We were in there welcoming each other back and everyone was saying, ‘Let’s go get it this year.’”

http://www.metronews.ca/views/winnipeg/view-from-the-300s/2016/05/31/winnipeg-blue-bombers-headed-down-the-playoff-path.html

jerrym

06-02-2016, 04:05 AM

After a long rehab, National sophomore Bomber Addison Richards hopes to have a much better TC and year.

http://www.bluebombers.com/2016/06/01/196252/

jerrym

06-02-2016, 04:08 AM

Day 4 of Riders TC:

ROSTER MOVES
Activate:
National long snapper Jorgen Hus
Did not participate:
Justin Capicciotti (day-to-day)
John Chiles (day-to-day)
Jeff Knox Jr. (day-to-day)
Eric Norwood (injured)
Xavier Walker (day-to-day)

OVERVIEW
The Riders returned to the field for Day 4 of training camp and the intensity from the players continued.
The competition was fierce as players spent a large chunk of the first practice engaged in one-on-one blocking and tackling drills.

PLAY OF THE DAY
Second year receiver Nic Demski hauled in a deep pass from rookie quarterback Jacob Huesman before sprinting over 75 yards for a huge gain during the team period.

http://www.riderville.com/2016/06/01/riders-training-camp-presented-by-coors-light-day-4-report-2/

jerrym

06-02-2016, 04:11 AM

An assessment of the talent looking to become the Riders' DL.

http://www.riderville.com/2016/06/01/69931/

jerrym

06-02-2016, 04:19 AM

Fights broke out in Eskimo TC.

http://edmontonjournal.com/sports/football/cfl/edmonton-eskimos/tempers-flare-fists-fly-at-edmonton-eskimos-training-camp?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

jerrym

06-02-2016, 04:22 AM

Video recap of Day 4 of Eskimos TC:

http://www.esks.com/2016/06/01/esks-tc-day-4-recap/

jerrym

06-02-2016, 04:24 AM

Eskimo TC depth chart:

http://d3ham790trbkqy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2016/06/June-1-Depth-for-web.jpg

http://www.esks.com/2016/06/01/june-1-depth-chart/

jerrym

06-02-2016, 04:33 AM

Alex Singleton has the advantage of being considered a National although he was never in Canada until Calgary's TC.

http://www.stampeders.com/2016/06/01/northern-trajectory/

jerrym

06-02-2016, 04:37 AM

HC Dave Dickenson and DB Fred Bennett discuss Day 4 of Calgary's TC in the video below.

http://www.stampeders.com/2016/06/01/training-camp-update-june-1/

jerrym

06-02-2016, 04:39 AM

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congrats Stamps HC & former Montana star Dave Dickenson for being on 2017 ballot for College Football Hall of Fame <a href="https://t.co/bWCXqUdtTw">pic.twitter.com/bWCXqUdtTw</a></p>— Calgary Stampeders (@calstampeders) <a href="https://twitter.com/calstampeders/status/738226866113392640">June 2, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

jerrym

06-02-2016, 04:42 AM

Fancy footwork:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Speed feet from <a href="https://twitter.com/justcallmeKJ_">@justcallmeKJ_</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFLTC?src=hash">#CFLTC</a> <a href="https://t.co/YLLoBuesq6">pic.twitter.com/YLLoBuesq6</a></p>— Calgary Stampeders (@calstampeders) <a href="https://twitter.com/calstampeders/status/738028173359616000">June 1, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

jerrym

06-02-2016, 04:59 AM

Marquay McDaniel remains the constant in a changing Calgary receiving core.

http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/football/calgary-stampeders/marquay+mcdaniel+constant+within/11957903/story.html

jerrym

06-02-2016, 01:33 PM

Double click on Bomber TC depth chart to enlarge it.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Updated <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bombers?src=hash">#Bombers</a> depth chart and roster with their first preseason game less than a week out. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFLTC?src=hash">#CFLTC</a> <a href="https://t.co/4ozfAnmT62">pic.twitter.com/4ozfAnmT62</a></p>— Darrin Bauming (@DarrinBauming) <a href="https://twitter.com/DarrinBauming/status/738349550285389824">June 2, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><iframe id="rufous-sandbox" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden; display: none; width: 0px; height: 0px; padding: 0px; border: none;"></iframe><iframe id="rufous-sandbox" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden; display: none; width: 0px; height: 0px; padding: 0px; border: none;"></iframe>

jerrym

06-02-2016, 01:49 PM

Below is a description of the fight for receiver positions in Calgary.

When the 2015 season ended, Kamar Jorden and Greg Wilson went their separate ways.
Jorden went to MoTown, then Philly, then back again, training in Detroit, as he always does.
Wilson went to the opposite coast, back home to the Bay Area to hone his craft heading into his second CFL season.
While different in that sense, both Calgary Stampeders receivers maintained the exact same goal throughout the winter months: Earn a starting job in 2016.
Jorden, 27, has been around.
The flashy 6-foot-3 Philadelphia native has been the next man up a couple times since he originally signed with the Stamps in the fall of 2013, only until hamstring issues put him down.
Wilson, meanwhile, was the star of the 2015 spring season, finding his way into six games as a rookie last year and producing 20 receptions and a touchdown on only 27 targets.
Both have oodles of talent.
Neither has had much opportunity.
Until now.
That fact isn’t lost on either of them.
“It’s definitely important for me,” said Jorden, who’s had a stellar camp through four days while splitting reps with Bakari Grant in Eric Rogers’ old boundary slotback spot. “I know the opportunity I’ve got and I know people are expecting somebody to step in with Eric and Jeff (Fuller) gone. I’m kind of just looking in the mirror and making sure I’m ready to come out here and just prove to everybody what I can do.”
Labelled as a deep threat — he might be much more than that — Wilson has been dabbling at both wideout spots with the second-teamers.
“It is a big opportunity and I’m just trying to make as few mistakes as possible and be that reliable guy so when it comes down to it, the coaches will always trust me,” Wilson said.
“I’m trying to solidify myself around here.”
Marquay McDaniel is the only receiver with a starting job locked down, at this point.
There are five Canadian receivers who are proving passports don’t matter.
Grant was imported via free agency from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, so he’ll have a role.
That leaves Jorden, Wilson, 32-year-old veteran Joe West, sophomore Skye Dawson, and unprovens Carlton Mitchell, Jamal Nixon, DaVaris Daniels and Chleb Ravenell fighting it out for not only targets, but precious roster spots.

http://calgaryherald.com/sports/football/cfl/calgary-stampeders/jorden-wilson-eyeing-big-roles-in-calgary-stampeders-offence

jerrym

06-02-2016, 01:54 PM

Calgary has a plethora of QBs in its coaching staff and is adding more.

A passel of passers with piles of miles in the CFL.
The QB queue:
Atop the Calgary Stampeders’ organizational flowchart sits John Hufnagel, 64, a Canadian gridiron mainstay (1976-96, 2008 until whenever he wants).
One rung down is head coach Dave Dickenson, 43, with 17 years’ worth of league expertise.
Now here’s Ryan Dinwiddie, 35, part of this brand of football since 2006.
“You’ve got Huff – he’ll pull plays from 1980, 1970, every now and then,” says Mitchell, the locals’ current ball-slinger. “And you’ve got Dave doing the same thing. And now we have Dinwiddie. When you got those different ranges of age, it’s pretty big.
“You’ve got the CFL in your hands from the last 30, 40 years. It’s pretty amazing.”
To that mix, Mitchell adds Marc Mueller – star quarterback, then coach, at the University of Regina – now in his third year as Stamps staffer.
The latest link in the historical chain is Dinwiddie, who, after three years on the Montreal Alouettes’ sidelines, was hired to serve as quarterback coach (a position that Dickenson, officially and otherwise, held since 2010).
Mitchell approves.
Because this is one huddle that cannot get too crowded.
“The more quarterbacks you can have on your team, the better,” says Mitchell. “Dinwiddie was with (offensive co-ordinator Anthony) Calvillo last year, so you get to pick his brain, saying, ‘How did Calvillo see the game?’ Then you’ve got Dave and Huff. You’ve got Mueller. When you’ve got that many guys seeing a defence, seeing film, it’s pretty easy to come up with pretty good plays.

http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/football/calgary-stampeders/scott+cruickshank+dinwiddie+joins/11957996/story.html

jerrym

06-02-2016, 02:01 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Asstistant V.P. of Football Ops, John Murphy spoke to Rider Media in Day 4 of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RidersTC?src=hash">#RidersTC</a>.<br><br>🎥: <a href="https://t.co/j9tCMpcd0R">https://t.co/j9tCMpcd0R</a><a href="https://t.co/jVTzjsD6C8">https://t.co/jVTzjsD6C8</a></p>— Sask. Roughriders (@sskroughriders) <a href="https://twitter.com/sskroughriders/status/738153137706393600">June 1, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

jerrym

06-02-2016, 02:03 PM

2013 Rider Rookie of the year Levi Steinhauer in action at Rider TC.

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CityMJ?src=hash">#CityMJ</a> product Levi Steinhauer in action at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RidersTC?src=hash">#RidersTC</a> today <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash">#CFL</a> <a href="https://t.co/iSNALVDPgH">pic.twitter.com/iSNALVDPgH</a></p>— Marc Smith (@MarcSmith18) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarcSmith18/status/737674465010585603">May 31, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><iframe id="rufous-sandbox" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden; display: none; width: 0px; height: 0px; padding: 0px; border: none;"></iframe>

jerrym

06-02-2016, 02:21 PM

QB B J Coleman discusses Rider TC.

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">B.J. Coleman spoke to Rider Media following practice in Day 3 of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RidersTC?src=hash">#RidersTC</a><br><br>Read more--><a href="https://t.co/qfSa0dayDD">https://t.co/qfSa0dayDD</a><a href="https://t.co/8htviK0JSK">https://t.co/8htviK0JSK</a></p>— Sask. Roughriders (@sskroughriders) <a href="https://twitter.com/sskroughriders/status/737795105608761344">May 31, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

R.J

06-02-2016, 04:48 PM

15 position battles you need to know about
http://www.cfl.ca/2016/05/31/15-position-battles-you-need-to-know-about/

jerrym

06-02-2016, 10:29 PM

Bomber first draft choice Trent Chorney talks about Day 5 of TC including the help he got from former Argo Chad Rempel.

http://www.bluebombers.com/2016/06/0...journal-day-5/ (http://www.bluebombers.com/2016/06/02/training-camp-journal-day-5/)

jerrym

06-02-2016, 10:55 PM

Five Stampeder newcomers to watch:

RB Lache Seastrunk
Seastrunk is one of the players vying for what seems to be an open running back job now that Jon Cornish has retired. Jerome Messam is the frontrunner for the job, but there will likely be a backup dressed every game, so that means a nice change of pace would be good for the Stamps offence. Listed at 5-foot-9, 200-lb., the former sixth-round NFL draft pick is a bit of a bowling ball, but size never stopped anyone from succeeding at the job in the CFL.
WR Juwan Brescacin
The second-round draft pick joins a group of Canadian receivers that have some high expectations this season. Barring an injury, the 6-foot-3, 227-pounder will be in a grooming role during his first season, similar to what happened with Lemar Durant in 2015. The Northern Illinois product is big enough to be a fullback, but if he can prove to be valuable in the pass game, especially in the slot, there should be a role for him in the offence. Size matters in the receiving corps when it comes to Canadians, and the Stamps are building that with Durant and Simon Charbonneau-Campeau.
DL Quayshawne Buckley
So Buckley isn’t exactly a newcomer, as he spent the final portion of 2015 on the practice roster, but he’s yet to suit up for the team. ... That apprenticeship should serve Buckley well during camp as he’s been given a taste of the Canadian style of game enough to know what’s expected of him. There’s always room for someone who can be a wall on the defensive line, and the 6-foot-3, 305-pound tackle provides just that, along with a little bit of quarterback pressure thrown in, at least that’s what his resume says from Idaho.
RB Roy Finch
Tim Brown is gone, so there is an open competition for a new return specialist. Finch could be that guy, as he’s small in stature and big on heart, the perfect combination for many a returner in CFL history. ... At 5-foot-7, 175-lb., Finch will remind a lot of people of Larry Taylor, and that isn’t a bad thing as the former Stampeder had a decent career at a position where longevity is extremely difficult. Returns will have a huge focus during pre-season games, as the Stamps still have Skye Dawson back after he took over the role from Brown last year.
LB Taylor Reed
With Juwan Simpson now a guest coach instead of an active player, there will be a new man in the middle for the Stamps. Stamps fans should be familiar with the favourite to win that job, free-agent signing Taylor Reed, a two-year veteran with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. ... Reed put together two solid seasons with the Ticats on defence. Last season, in 18 games, he recorded 81 tackles and a pair of sacks, following up an eight-sack, 60-tackle rookie season. No one can step in and become the vocal presence that Simpson was for so many years in this defence, but there’s a good chance Reed can take over by making some big plays.

http://3downnation.com/2016/06/01/five-stampeders-newcomers-keep-eye/

jerrym

06-02-2016, 11:01 PM

No one except Durant can be casual about their job in Riderville under HC Chris Jones.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have an open door policy as training camp continues in Saskatoon.
Head coach and general manager Chris Jones said it before camp began and he reiterated this week the door to every job on the final 46-man roster and practice roster is open and up for grabs during this year’s training camp.
In reality, you can likely scratch one job off that list as it would take a Herculean effort from one of the other quarterbacks to dethrone franchise pivot Darian Durant as the team’s starting slinger, even then, that might not be enough. After that though, the open approach to training camp is a fresh change that was badly needed in Saskatchewan.
This camp is the first since 2012 where it legitimately feels like jobs are up for grabs, even if you have a history of performance with the team. Over the last few years, Corey Chamblin favoured his veteran players and more or less stuck to the roster he had in mind before camp as the season began. That was never more evident then it was last year when ageing veterans like Taj Smith were clearly beat out by younger players but still they remained as starters to open the season. It wasn’t just veterans who got the benefit of the doubt either, Rory Connop was forced into starting at defensive tackle when he clearly wasn’t ready.
This year, you get the feeling that tough decisions will be made if Jones’ hand is forced. Fans often wonder why players like Clarence Denmark are taken off the “scrap heap” so to speak. Denmark is an example of a player who is brought in to set the bar and if someone surpasses him then you make the change and the team is better off. Jones, it appears, won’t be afraid to make those decisions. It’s heartless and cold, but that’s the name of the game. As Jones has said, he’s here to compete and win, not make friends.
At the same time, these possible changes are easy for a head coach and general manager in their first year with a team. Save for a few free agents, Jones has no loyalty or history with most of these players. During his first season with the team, Chamblin released veteran defensive back and fan favourite Lance Frazier. Jones may have similar decisions ahead of him this year.
The true test of Jones will be if he continues to make similar decisions however long he remains in Saskatchewan. Right now, there’s no reason to believe he won’t and he will have to if he wants to build the sustainable success president and CEO Craig Reynolds is looking for.

http://3downnation.com/2016/06/01/chris-jones-taking-open-approach-riders-training-camp/

jerrym

06-02-2016, 11:03 PM

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Follow the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Esks?src=hash">#Esks</a> on snapchat (edmesks) for more up close training camp videos. <a href="https://t.co/AZxOipCf5q">pic.twitter.com/AZxOipCf5q</a></p>— Edmonton Eskimos (@EdmontonEsks) <a href="https://twitter.com/EdmontonEsks/status/738408823988178944">June 2, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

jerrym

06-02-2016, 11:06 PM

Day 5 of Eskimo TC:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Esks?src=hash">#Esks</a> are prepared for both their mock game and Fan Day. Get all the details from day 5 of training camp here: <a href="https://t.co/ch5UqBNbiF">https://t.co/ch5UqBNbiF</a></p>— Edmonton Eskimos (@EdmontonEsks) <a href="https://twitter.com/EdmontonEsks/status/738513087037382660">June 2, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

jerrym

06-02-2016, 11:16 PM

Odell Willis comments on Eskimo TC and his life:

When the CFL season kicks off with a Grey Cup rematch June 25 at Commonwealth Stadium, Odell Willis will have reached a milestone of sorts. This will be his fourth season with the Edmonton Eskimos for the defensive end. That’s as long as Willis has been at any stop in his career. Now entering his eighth CFL season, Edmonton is starting to resemble home after stops in Calgary, Winnipeg and Saskatchewan.
He’s seen the bad times in Edmonton when he arrived in 2013 on a team that finished 4-14. He’s been part of a core group that reached the good times in 2015. He was instrumental in the 2014 turnaround season for the franchise, a defensive beast that helped earn him his second CFL All-Star nomination.

Willis has come a long way from his dirt-poor upbringing in rural Alabama.

He has never forgotten his roots, the life he left behind to ply his trade in a foreign and sometimes frozen country. It’s given him an appreciation of how far he’s come as he has given back to the community without much fanfare. How far the group has come in three short years is not lost on Willis.
“It’s a good locker room with good leaders at TC and now we’re at the top,” Willis said. “When I first got here, we had nothing. This year, we’re trying to defend our crown. We started from there and now we’re here. This league is all about the fans,” said Willis. “I like the fans because they get me going. Why not bring the game to the fans? They pay good money for the seats. Why not give them a chance to interact as close as possible.”
Willis has never been shy about stepping into the stands after a big win and giving fans an up-close-and-personal contact. A couple of years back, a fan had a T-shirt printed up that declared Willis to be the Mayor of Commonwealth. It could have been a huge marketing deal but Willis had other ideas.
This off-season, he started giving back more than he ever has and that gave him a different level of satisfaction. “That was cool, but this off-season I was trying to do more for the kids,” Willis said. “I can entertain the folks when I’m between the lines but this year I had my first football camp, which I thought was really cool. The feedback I got from the parents took my attention off trying to make money off T-shirts and stuff like that. “I redirected my attention toward the kids. I had a camp this year and next year, I’m going to have many more. I have a facility now that can help me have camps.” The Odell Willis camps were a personal initiative, something he did in Edmonton on his own time without imposing on the Eskimos.
“This was just me giving my personal time to the community,” said Willis. “At the end of the day, I’ve had my time. Why not give what I have to kids, which is our future?”

http://www.esks.com/2016/06/02/202741/

jerrym

06-02-2016, 11:27 PM

Uriah Grant, who was on PR last year, comments on 2016 Stampeder TC in this video:

http://www.stampeders.com/2016/06/02/grant-read-for-action/

jerrym

06-02-2016, 11:28 PM

Video comments of HC Dickenson on Day 5 of Calgary TC:

http://www.stampeders.com/2016/06/02/dickenson-post-practice-comments-june-2/

jerrym

06-03-2016, 08:04 PM

A video interview with Darian Durant:

http://www.riderville.com/2016/06/03/june-3rd-darian-durant-1-on-1/

jerrym

06-03-2016, 08:06 PM

Below is a review of the Riders' linebackers.

f healthy, the trio of Jeff Knox Jr., Greg Jones and Otha Foster would be one of the best units in the CFL. The rest of the group is finished off with great athletes at the SAM spot, and also some help from the defensive line.
Before we get to the listed linebackers currently at camp, one thing to keep on the top of mind regarding a Chris Jones defence: he will show no hesitation on playing his most athletic defensive lineman to play a regular rotation at linebacker. So, while this will be a “who’s who” listed at linebacker, the Rider defensive front-seven will show a myriad of looks.

Your Linebackers:
Jeff Knox Jr (2nd SSK/2nd CFL)
Otha Foster (1st SSK/3rd CFL)
Greg Jones (1st SSK/3rd CFL)
Marte Sears (1st SSK/1st CFL)
Samuel Eguavoen (1st SSK/1st CFL)
Dillon Grondin (1st SSK/1st CFL)
Kevin Francis (1st SSK/1st CFL)
Jones, Knox and Foster may sound like a limited-law practice, but the only justice they hope to serve will take place in the heart of this defence. Their combination of size, strength and athleticism will make these three the focus of any opposition.
Jeff Knox Jr. is coming off a rookie season that began with him at the 11th spot on the depth chart at the beginning 2015’s Training Camp and ended with Knox collecting the Riders Top Rookie, Top Defensive Player and Most Outstanding player awards. Knox also set a Rider record for defensive tackles with 114. Another season like this, and he will be receiving strong looks from down south in the NFL.
A player that has a ring already is Greg Jones. The former New York Giant played 22 regular season games and won a Super Bowl with the G-Men in 2012. In his second season in the CFL, Jones was named an East Division All-Star via his 98 defensive and 17 special teams tackles.
The final piece of this puzzle is Otha Foster. Many in the CFL slate him as the most underrated defensive player in the league. He was overshadowed by a group of star players in Edmonton with huge personalities, but in Saskatchewan, Foster will be able to shine and make his mark on this team almost instantly.
The four other players on the roster are all in their first CFL season. Marte Sears opened up many eyes at mini-camp in Florida with his size, strength and athletic ability. Sam Eguavoen was a star linebacker at Texas A&M, Kevin Francis will play at both linebacker and defensive back while Dillon Grondin is the lone Canadian at linebacker.

http://www.riderville.com/2016/06/03/coors-light-training-camp-2016-linebackers-breakdown/

jerrym

06-03-2016, 08:07 PM

A video interview with Nic Demski:

http://www.riderville.com/2016/06/03/nic-demski-1-on-1/

jerrym

06-03-2016, 08:09 PM

Chris Jones talks about Day 6 action but refuses to comment on the #1 draftee St. John (who wants a trade) situation:

http://www.riderville.com/2016/06/03/june-3rd-coach-jones-media-availability/

jerrym

06-03-2016, 08:13 PM

Dickinson video comments on Day 6 action in Calgary:

http://www.stampeders.com/2016/06/03/dickenson-post-practice-comments-june-3/

jerrym

06-03-2016, 08:17 PM

Stampeder DL in action at TC on Day 6:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">D-line 💪🏾 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFLTC?src=hash">#CFLTC</a> <a href="https://t.co/uBHQX4kTiF">https://t.co/uBHQX4kTiF</a></p>— Calgary Stampeders (@calstampeders) <a href="https://twitter.com/calstampeders/status/738825319575093252">June 3, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

jerrym

06-03-2016, 08:20 PM

QB Drew Tate discusses his role as backup QB in Calgary:

Often times, a backup quarterback refuses to wear his role as a badge of honour.
But rather than interpreting it as a personal slight, Drew Tate (http://www.stampeders.com/players/drew-tate/) is just fine with once again being second-in-command to Bo Levi Mitchell (http://www.stampeders.com/players/bo-levi-mitchell/), the reigning West Division finalist for Most Outstanding Player.
Always preparing as if his name will be called despite knowing full well that Mitchell is the top dog, Tate re-upped with the Stamps in January and is once again committed to doing whatever it takes to win as a team.
“That comes with being a backup quarterback,” Tate said on always lending a helping hand to Mitchell in particular. “Just being there and being that extra guy with another set of eyes. Just whatever information I can help him (with) or (quarterbacks coach) Ryan (Dinwiddie) or (head coach) Dave (Dickenson) – any of the guys, really, on offence. Like Dave said yesterday, it’s a big family, so whatever I can to do help. And just stay ready.”
The former Iowa Hawkeye with the second-most attempts, completions, yards and touchdowns in school history had a short stint with the NFL’s St. Louis Rams in 2007 which preceded two seasons in Saskatchewan.
He then inked a deal with the Red and White in 2009, and, despite making a mere 12 starts in 111 career games for Calgary, Tate has managed to find other ways to contribute on the field. He led the league with 10 rushing touchdowns in 2014 as a short-yardage sneaker and currently serves as the field-goal holder on special teams.
Asked if he feels overshadowed or underappreciated considering his undeniable contributions, Tate refused to entertain that thought. In fact, he feels more comfortable than perhaps ever before with where he sits on the depth chart.
“Well I tried the starting gig and I only lasted two games,” reminisced No. 4 with a sly sense of humour, referring to the 2012 and 2013 campaigns when he was named the go-to guy out of the gate only to then suffer early-season injuries. “So I much prefer the backup role now.”

http://www.stampeders.com/2016/06/02/an-a/

jerrym

06-03-2016, 08:23 PM

Sukh Chungh discusses Bomber TC and its Canadian depth:

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"With the exertion, you drop a little bit of weight (during training camp)." - Sukh Chungh on the demands of TC.<a href="https://t.co/QPVfmEA8qr">https://t.co/QPVfmEA8qr</a></p>— Blue Bombers (@Wpg_BlueBombers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wpg_BlueBombers/status/738815265371086848">June 3, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

jerrym

06-03-2016, 08:25 PM

Quincy McDuffie discusses how his return game might help the Bombers:

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"That's a huge asset I bring to any team - my return capability." - Quincy McDuffie<a href="https://t.co/CU6cNNjK5U">https://t.co/CU6cNNjK5U</a></p>— Blue Bombers (@Wpg_BlueBombers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wpg_BlueBombers/status/738813511795499009">June 3, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

jerrym

06-03-2016, 08:29 PM

Trent Chorney's journal diary on Day 6 of Winnipeg TC:

http://www.bluebombers.com/2016/06/03/196885/

jerrym

06-03-2016, 08:38 PM

Devon Bailey of the Eskimos has suffered the first concussion of the Edmonton TC. HC Maas also discusses how much more seriously concussions are dealt with today.

Edmonton Eskimos training camp didn’t last a week before seeing its first concussion of 2016.
Canadian receiver Devon Bailey missed the last two days to undergo league-mandated concussion protocol.
“Shoot, we all realize that injuries are a part of our game, it’s a fast-paced, collision sport,” said Eskimos head coach Jason Maas. “You hate to see anybody out for an extended period of time. You hate to see anybody injured.
“And when you’re talking about concussions in this day and age, you hate to feel like it may affect him down the road. So you want to monitor him and make sure he’s OK before he comes back.”
While no timeline was given projecting the return of the six-foot-five, 202-pound St. Francis Xavier product to action, the club said every precaution is being taken before the sixth-overall draft pick in 2014 is cleared to play.
“You always take those things very seriously and make sure he’s OK before he gets back,” Maas said. “It’s unfortunate because we’re all about competition as well, and you’ve got to be out here to compete with your teammates.
“But at the same time, that’s a serious injury and we don’t take that lightly.”
Unfortunately, that hasn’t always been the case prior to Maas’s retirement as a player in 2010.
“When I was a player back in high school and college, ’concussion’ wasn’t a big word,” he said. “Your bell was rung, as they used to say, and you were dizzy. Now, they’ve taken it to a whole other level with the rest of the stuff that’s been diagnosed when guys get multiple concussions.
“So it’s a totally different day and age, but we understand that and we respect that. So when a guy gets one or feels the symptoms of one, you take it seriously because you know it can affect him long-term.”

http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/06/02/edmonton-eskimos-move-mock-game-to-day-before-fan-day

jerrym

06-04-2016, 04:10 PM

Although this article argues that age may not be a major concern for sack leaders in the CFL, in the case of Charleston Hughes injuries are as he prepares for the regular season in TC.

When all is said and done, calling Charleston Hughes the greatest pass-rusher in Calgary Stampeders history may not be a stretch. ... Heading into his ninth CFL season, all in Red & White, the 32-year-old defensive end sits tied for second on the franchise sack list with 72.
Hughes is going to leave Stu Laird in his dust this summer, and set his sights on Will Johnson’s all-time franchise record of 99. ...
“I don’t see myself slowing down no time soon,” said Hughes, who’s in the midst of another vocal training camp at McMahon Stadium, getting under the skin of the offence for every miscue during team periods. “I mean, I can play as long as I want, really. I don’t feel myself slowing down at all. I’ve still got stuff to learn and I can still improve on what I’ve done. No way. I don’t even see it. I can’t even see the end.”
Unfortunately, Hughes hasn’t seen the end of the past two seasons, either. In 2014, he missed seven games down the stretch with a foot/ankle injury, returned for the West Final, hurt his other leg, and then disappointingly sat out the Grey Cup win. Last year, it was a freak broken hand in practice that ended his season after 15 games and 10 sacks. When he’s been on the field, there’s no doubting Hughes’ production, as the 6-foot-1, 239-pounder has notched 47 sacks and forced 13 fumbles in his last 60 games.
“That’s really uncontrollable,” Hughes said of the missed time. “You can’t control injuries or when they happen or at what point, all you can do is keep taking care of your body, keep playing football, and keep moving on. I’ve had a setback two years in a row, but I still finished with double-digit sacks so I’m still proud of my performance, it’s just that the main objective now is to finish out the season.”
He’s 28 sacks away from becoming the first-ever Stampeder to hit triple digits for his career, but if you talk to any of the young defensive linemen, Hughes is more than just numbers. The cerebral nature of his game often goes unnoticed. First-year defensive line coach Corey Mace had no problem calling him his assistant. “I know a lot of stock goes into the sacks that the man gets, but what he does for the D-line and what he does for the defence and this team, that’s the most important thing,” Mace said. “Even when he’s been injured and guys have to step up, all the other guys have been really good players for us and, behind the scenes, that’s Hughesy coaching them up well. On paper, he’s great. Off the paper, he’s even better.”
One look at the CFL sack leaderboard from 2015 shows age shouldn’t be a concern, as six of the 10 players on the list were 30 or above, including 33-year-old league leader John Bowman with 19 of them.

http://calgaryherald.com/sports/football/cfl/calgary-stampeders/stampeders-charleston-hughes-cant-even-see-the-end-of-already-great-career

jerrym

06-04-2016, 04:17 PM

In Stampeder TC, it is starting to look like National Quinn Smith could be stepping up to the next level.

Heading into his third CFL season, big things are expected from Smith.
He knows it, too.
With fellow Canadian defensive tackle Junior Turner still sidelined by off-season shoulder surgery — he won’t be ready to start the season — Smith has been getting the majority of the first-team reps.
“He’s had a hell of a camp,” said first-year defensive line coach Corey Mace, who just recently got married in Jamaica. “This is the strongest camp he’s had since he’s been a pro. He’s taking advantage of the reps that he’s getting with Junior not practising, and I don’t expect anything but big things. You’re starting to see the wheels turning in his brain and his mind and how he understands the game and that’s exciting as a coach.”
The outside expectations for Smith are high, but they still don’t match his own.
“Your rookie season, you’re learning,” Smith said. “Your second season, you’re kind of building off of that. Your third year is kind of time to show what you’ve got. There’s no excuses anymore. You’re not a rookie, you’re not a sophomore, you’re a full pro now — not that I wasn’t before — and you know what to expect. There’s no surprises anymore. I’ve got to show the player I’m going to be for the next five, 10 years. There’s no Youngblood anymore.”

http://calgaryherald.com/sports/football/cfl/calgary-stampeders/stage-is-set-for-quinn-smith-in-his-third-season-with-calgary-stampeders

jerrym

06-04-2016, 08:15 PM

QB Reilly and HC Maas comment on one focus of Eskimos TC has been getting plays off quickly, including the no huddle offence in this video.

http://www.cfl.ca/2016/06/03/esks-no-huddle-offence-a-need-for-speed/

jerrym

06-04-2016, 08:18 PM

Many CFL cities, not just Toronto, will have difficult choices to make among their receivers.

http://www.cfl.ca/2016/06/03/catching-on-talented-receivers-face-difficult-odds/

jerrym

06-04-2016, 08:26 PM

Justin Veltung talks about the return game and adapting to the waggle.

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"That's my favourite thing to do to be honest. Punt returning, kick returning." - Justin Veltung<a href="https://t.co/e7mxyOV3p5">https://t.co/e7mxyOV3p5</a></p>— Blue Bombers (@Wpg_BlueBombers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wpg_BlueBombers/status/739189499394068481">June 4, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

jerrym

06-04-2016, 08:31 PM

O'Shea comments on each of the Bomber draft picks.

Bombers coach Mike O’Shea offers an update on each of the club’s draft picks:

Trent Corney, DE, 9th overall:
“He gets off the ball well, he’s very athletic. He can win the one-on-one battle. He’s got tremendous speed. He’s what we thought he was.”

Michael Couture, OL, 10th overall:
“He has got good solid technique. We’ve put him at three different positions already. At school he played multiple positions so that kind of versatility is what we’re counting on.”

Taylor Loffler, SB, 19th overall:
“In the meeting room he seems to pick up everything very quickly. He’s not afraid to communicate. There was one meeting I sat in there and it was very apparent he had no issues communicating with the veteran guys, guys that he had just met, and letting them know how the defence was supposed to be run there. He had no problem jumping in and helping guys out and no problem, either, listening to other guys talk. He’s certainly got a more veteran presence for a first-year CFL guy.”

Shayne Gauthier, LB, 28th overall:
“A hard-nosed, tough football player. He plays linebacker the way it’s supposed to be played. He is a good, good football player and I really like the way he plays the game.”

Zach Intzandt, OL, 37th overall:
“He’s picked up the techniques that Bob (Wylie) and Marty (Costello, the O-line coaches) have given him. He’s improved markedly since he’s been here. He’s a big, physical specimen. He doesn’t look like he’s over 300 pounds, but he’s a 300 pounder.”

Rupert Butcher, DL, 46th overall:
“There’s a guy who’s improved. Every single rep that guy’s gotten better. From the first time seeing him at rookie camp until now I think he’s shown the most amount of improvement amongst anyone.”

Alex Vitt, Rec, 55th overall:
“He’s a tough guy. He’s going to have to carve out his niche on special teams to start. He’s in with a good group of receivers, but certainly hasn’t looked out of place. Where he’s going to have an opportunity to shine is when we get him on the field for special teams. We want to see, and it’s hard in training camp because we’re not tackling and putting guys on the ground, is what we saw on film from the U of M: him knocking guys down and playing a real physical game.”

Frank Renaud, LB, 63rd overall:
“He’s coming off a knee injury and is doing very well. You just see if he wasn’t wearing a knee brace, if he was further along that guy could be in the CFL for a number of years, too. He’s a hard-nosed guy. I’d like to see him in a game situation because I think he’s a hitter.”

http://www.bluebombers.com/2016/06/02/checking-in-on-the-new-kids/

jerrym

06-05-2016, 08:26 PM

The Stampeders have attempted to address their return coverage problems of last year.

Covering kicks was an obvious problem for the Calgary Stampeders last season.
Over the winter, they took numerous steps to address that.
“I feel like we stacked the deck a little bit to try to make an improvement there,” Stamps special-teams co-ordinator Mark Kilam said Sunday morning. “That was an area that we struggled with last year and, I think, there was conscious effort in the off-season about that. We feel really good about some of the guys we have out here and we’re going to have some tough decisions.”
In free agency, the Stamps signed veteran linebacker James Green, a University of Calgary product, away from the Ottawa RedBlacks.
In the draft, the Stamps keyed on more special-teams depth, adding linebacker Alex Singleton (first round), defensive back Jean-Philippe Bolduc (fifth round), long-snapper Pierre-Luc Caron (fifth round), and defensive end Michael Kashak (sixth round).
Stamps head coach Dave Dickenson feels the depth in that area is as good as he’s ever seen it.
“That’s a position that we’re probably as deep as we’ve ever been — a lot of good Canadians,” Dickenson said.
“I feel like some of the better teams have those linebacker-type bodies — bigger, thicker, tougher to block. At times, we’ve had good speed, but maybe not as tough of physical matchups. We thought we’d try to do that.”
Punter Rob Maver, whose net punting average of 34.5 yards last season was eighth in the league due to some of the coverage issues, has liked what he’s seen in the first week of training camp.
“You look at our roster this year, and there’s a lot more special-teams bodies,” Maver said. “A lot more guys are going to be able to do what they need to do under the new rules. We have a lot of fast, strong, athletic linebackers and those are the body types that are going to help us cover a lot better this year.”

http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/football/calgary-stampeders/special+teams+depth+season+focus/11966482/story.html

jerrym

06-05-2016, 08:31 PM

Five job battles at Calgary's mock game.

QB Andrew Buckley vs. QB Bryant Moniz
One of the more intriguing third-string quarterback battles in some time, it’s the former University of Calgary star against the Hawaiian incumbent. There’s a chance the Stamps may simply opt to keep four quarterbacks, but the pre-season performances will go a long way in determining which one is in a uniform on gamedays. Command of the huddle and efficiency are on Buckley’s side, while Moniz has experience and noteworthy mobility.
RB Lache Seastrunk vs. RB Roy Finch
The Stamps know what they have in big, bad Jerome Messam, and change-of-pace back Tory Harrison is still dealing with a stomach virus, so expect to see a lot of these two ball-carriers. While they’re battling for an RB roster spot, they’re also two of the options in the kick-return game. Throw running back Reggie Whatley into this mix, as well.
LB Cameron Ontko vs. LB Maleki Harris
These two guys both had cups of coffee last season, but now they’re fighting to get on the roster full time. Dickenson noted Saturday that the linebacker competition has been heated and they’ll likely have to cut a solid football player. There’s a host of American linebackers — rookie Jared Brackens and 26-year-old veteran Glenn Love are also battling — fighting for spots.
DB Mylan Hicks vs. DB Osagie Odiase
Hicks has been taking most of his reps at SAM linebacker behind veteran Joe Burnett during the first week of camp, while Odiase has been mainly at halfback. There’s not a whole lot of room for rookies in the secondary, and the Stamps will have some tough choices when they’re paring down the defensive back depth chart in a couple of weeks. Both of these guys, in addition to second-year man Ciante Evans and rookie Travis Manning, will be looking to make plays.
WR DaVaris Daniels vs. WR Carlton Mitchell
The first week of camp hasn’t done much to provide clarity in the receiving corps. Marquay McDaniel, Lemar Durant, Bakari Grant are roster locks, but who knows after that. The Canadian contingent — Simon Charbonneau-Campeau, Anthony Parker, and second-round rookie Juwan Brescacin — are safe, but who knows how big their roles will be. After that, there’s American veteran Joe West, second-year burner Greg Wilson and silky smooth slot option Kamar Jorden. That doesn’t leave much room for new blood, and guys like Mitchell, Daniels, Jamal Nixon, Skye Dawson, Chleb Ravenell and Canadian sophomore Matthew Norzil will have to do something with their targets. There’s currently 15 receivers still on the roster.

http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/football/calgary-stampeders/five+battles+watch+during/11965661/story.html

jerrym

06-05-2016, 08:39 PM

This article discusses why Taylor Reed and Bakari Grant jumped as free agents to Calgary.

http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/football/calgary-stampeders/stampeders+taylor+reed+sets+aside/11965659/story.html

jerrym

06-05-2016, 08:42 PM

Rob Maver and Rene Paredes don't have to worry about competition so they are pushing themselves in Calgary's TC.

One year ago, Rene Paredes and Rob Maver both had competition.
Paredes was trying to stave off rookie Tyler Crapigna, while Maver was competing with his own body, after a hellacious off-season health-wise.
This time around, it’s a competition-free training camp for the Calgary Stampeders kicking duo.
“I feel like I’m having the best camp that I’ve had so far,” said Maver, who, last off-season, got sick with a 106-degree fever on a vacation to Mexico and then developed a cellulitis infection in his kicking foot a few months later. “I had a really productive off-season, which was, obviously, the polar opposite of last year. I was able to work out and do the things that I wanted to do. When you’re able to assess your technique instead of worrying about being 25 pounds underweight, it provides me with a lot more clarity about what I needed to work on.
“I feel like I’m a much better punter now than I was last year at this point.”
Paredes, meanwhile, rebounded from an off-year in 2014 to nail 41-of-47 field goals and re-establish himself as one of the premiere kickers in the CFL.

http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/football/calgary-stampeders/stampeders+kicking+rene+paredes/11966452/story.html

jerrym

06-05-2016, 08:45 PM

Weston Dressler comments on Bomber TC.

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"We've had that timing pretty good since the start of camp." - <a href="https://twitter.com/WestonDressler7">@WestonDressler7</a> on the chemistry with <a href="https://twitter.com/Drew_Willy">@Drew_Willy</a>.<a href="https://t.co/4Bj0O3wT9x">https://t.co/4Bj0O3wT9x</a></p>— Blue Bombers (@Wpg_BlueBombers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wpg_BlueBombers/status/739511816930222080">June 5, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

jerrym

06-05-2016, 08:51 PM

Draftee Trent Chorney discusses what he has learned in Winnipeg's TC and how he's starting to feel comfortable.

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"It definitely feels good to be able to do well against some of the really good, experienced guys." - Trent Corney<a href="https://t.co/HmgyPM3kTb">https://t.co/HmgyPM3kTb</a></p>— Blue Bombers (@Wpg_BlueBombers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wpg_BlueBombers/status/739509976729714688">June 5, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

jerrym

06-05-2016, 08:59 PM

The Bombers have added Fred Williams, Emmanual Dieke, and Andrew Robinson to their TC roster.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the additions of International receiver Fred Williams, International defensive end Andrew Robinson, and International defensive lineman Emmanuel Dieke.
Williams (6-0, 190, St Cloud State, April 15, 1988 in Milwaukee, WI) has spent the past two seasons on the Kansas City Chiefs practice roster. He played two seasons in the Arena Football League prior to that, where he hauled in 137 passes, 32 of which resulted in touchdowns.
Robinson (6-1, 230, Wisconsin-Platteville, March 18, 1993 in Acadia, WI) posted 43 tackles, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and three blocked punts in his senior year, earning himself the Defensive Player of the Year honor in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. He was named to the First-Team All WIAC in three of his four seasons with the Pioneers.
Dieke (6-6, 280, Georgia Tech, September 23, 1990 in Jackson, MS) was with the club earlier in training camp, before suffering an injury. He signed with the New York Giants in 2014 following a four year career at Georgia Tech. He moved on to sign with the Miami Dolphins later that year, spending the 2014 season on the Dolphins practice roster. Dieke played in 49 games with 25 starts at Georgia Tech. He totalled 72 tackles (41 solo), five sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. As a senior in 2013, he started all 13 games and had a career-high 28 tackles (15 solo) and one sack.

http://www.bluebombers.com/2016/06/05/197092/

jerrym

06-05-2016, 09:03 PM

Former Argo QB Brett Smith talks about his second year in Riderville.

http://www.riderville.com/2016/06/05/june-5th-brett-smth-media-availabilily/

jerrym

06-05-2016, 09:05 PM

On Day 7 of TC, Chris Jones is not happy with what he saw in the Riders mock game.

http://www.riderville.com/2016/06/04/june-4th-coach-jones-media-availability/

jerrym

06-05-2016, 09:08 PM

A review of Riders' Day 7 of TC:

ROSTER MOVES
Did not participate:
Dylan Ainsworth (day-to-day)
Justin Capicciotti (day-to-day)
Marcus Davis (day-to-day)
Johnny Dixon (day-to-day)
Jeff Knox Jr. (day-to-day)
Brendon LaBatte (day-to-day)
Eric Norwood (injured)
Jordan Reaves (day-to-day)
Matt Vonk (6 game injured list)
MOCK GAME HIGHLIGHTS

Markus White was laid out on a great block by running back Terrance Cobb early in the scrimmage
Levi Steinhauer now playing at fullback picked up his first catch playing on that side of the ball
The first score of the game was a 26-yard pitch and catch from Darian Durant to Naaman Roosevelt. That drive set up by a Tre’ Von Armstead fumble recovery.
Former Stanford Cardinal receiver now turned defensive back, Rollins Stallworth had an interception that ended up on a Tyler Crapigna field goal, his third of the game.
The defensive backfield continued to shine when Samuel Eguavoen made a leaping grab for an interception.
Brett Smith had a great drive snuffed out by a halfback option pass that was intercepted at the two-yard line.
Smith’s first drive of the second half of the mock game saw him connect with Alec Lemon on a deep pass to the one-yard line.

http://www.riderville.com/2016/06/04/riders-training-camp-presented-by-coors-light-day-7-report/

jerrym

06-05-2016, 09:12 PM

Who's not playing on Day 7 of Eskimo TC:

Not Practicing
#81 WR Devon Bailey (concussion protocol)
#84 WR Andrew Johnson
#38 LB Adam Konar
#25 FB Mike Miller
#28 FB Aaron Milton
#8 S Cauchy Muamba

http://www.esks.com/2016/06/04/day-7-training-camp-recap/

jerrym

06-05-2016, 09:20 PM

The Eskimos TC mock game revealed a Marc Trestman influence, as is the case with many other teams, in terms of coaches who were with him at one time in Montreal.

Fans got a sneak preview of the Edmonton Eskimos highly touted new offence in action during a mock game on the weekend.
And as much as it’s the brainchild of offensive co-ordinator Jason Maas – who in his first year at the helm, helped a fledgling Ottawa RedBlacks franchise all the way to an appearance in the Grey Cup last year – its roots reach well back into the annals of CFL-dom.
In fact, the more you look at the group Maas has assembled under him as a first-year head coach in Edmonton, along with the coaching staff that paved the way before them, quarterback Mike Reilly may feel like he’s running footloose through six degrees of Marc Trestman. ...
Chief among them is Scott Milanovich, who was offensive co-ordinator and quarterbacks coach under Trestman before becoming head coach of the Toronto Argonauts in 2012. That season, Milanovich gave Maas his first coaching job overlooking the quarterbacks, including former teammate Ricky Ray – freshly traded from Edmonton – on the way to hoisting the Grey Cup.
Steven McAdoo coached the Argos offensive line that year on the way to being named offensive co-ordinator of the Eskimos in 2014-15, under then head coach Chris Jones, who co-ordinated Toronto’s defence in 2012-13. By now, if you aren’t at least a handful of tabs deep into Wikipedia links, your football IQ is better than most.
But Reilly is fully aware of the history of the offence he ran all the way to last year’s Grey Cup, which looked suspiciously similar – although far from exact – in philosophy to what venerable RedBlacks quarterback Henry Burris was doing while leading the league with 5,693 passing yards.
“It is,” Reilly said with a chuckle when posed with the Kevin Bacon question. “It’s interesting because they’re all very similar and they’re all very different in their own way. And although I have a background with two years in that type of system, as well as do the rest of our veteran receivers and offensive linemen – there’s still quite a bit of difference.
“You can tell with, as you say, each degree of separation you get, things change more and more drastically because everybody that has worked under the system likes and appreciates it but also has little tweaks they feel will work a little bit better. So things certainly do change.” ...
The Eskimos got theirs with the hiring of receivers coach Carson Walch, who cut his teeth in the CFL coaching as an offensive assistant to Trestman in Montreal in 2010. A bright young mind, Walch became the Als receivers coach before following Trestman to Chicago as an offensive quality control coach.
“It’s a very similar offensive structure, philosophy, how we go about protecting the quarterback and making sure the ball gets out of his hand,” said Walch. “There’s a lot of science when it comes to receivers, the passing game, the depth of routes. The first time I met with coach Maas, I met him down at the Senior Bowl and we were speaking the same language.
“It’s been easy, it’s been comfortable but we have a lot of work ahead. I loved my time in Montreal, it was great being with coach Trestman, being with coach Milanovich, coach (Marcus) Brady, so I knew the talent in this league and was excited to get back.”
At the same time, Walch isn’t about to rest on any of the past accomplishments of Calvillo and Co.
“I think it’s tough to emulate what Anthony did and that’s just a credit to Anthony, I mean, the guy worked his butt off every day making sure he was on top of things,” he said. “The system they had in place there, it was something that was really special in Montreal. But that’s in the past and we’re looking forward to the future here in Edmonton.
“From what I’ve seen from our quarterback, his work ethic, he’s ready to go. He’s locked in and it’s always important that you have a guy in the room like that that can lead your team.” ... “This has kind of been an interesting blend during training camp,” he said. “There’s been times I’ve felt like a rookie and trying to learn new stuff on the fly and there’s times when I feel like a veteran that knows this offence like the back of his hand. “So just as it is for any other older guys, for me, it’s going to continue to be a work in progress. But I feel like, as a group, we’ve done a nice job so far.”

http://edmontonjournal.com/sports/football/cfl/edmonton-eskimos/edmonton-eskimos-revamped-offence-has-familiar-elements-from-around-the-league

R.J

06-07-2016, 02:17 PM

Andrew Harris: "There's a lot more on the line being a hometown kid"
http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/harris-there-s-a-lot-more-on-the-line-being-a-hometown-kid~885431

R.J

06-08-2016, 11:27 AM

Victor Dean Jr. adjusting to being a defensive back with the Saskatchewan Roughriders
http://leaderpost.com/sports/football/cfl/saskatchewan-roughriders/victor-dean-jr-adjusting-to-being-a-defensive-back-with-the-saskatchewan-roughriders

Riders add former Cardinals quarterback
http://cjme.com/article/682086/riders-add-former-cardinals-quarterback

Scraps break out on day 10 of Roughriders training camp
http://cjme.com/article/683644/scraps-break-out-day-10-roughriders-training-camp

Calgary Stampeders O-lineman Wilson deals with all-star expectations
http://calgaryherald.com/sports/football/cfl/calgary-stampeders/calgary-stampeders-o-lineman-wilson-deals-with-all-star-expectations

Stampeders training camp report: Day 10
http://calgaryherald.com/sports/football/cfl/calgary-stampeders/stampeders-training-camp-report-day-10

jerrym

06-10-2016, 02:03 AM

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"I thought I was playing at a very high level before I got hurt last year." <a href="https://twitter.com/Drew_Willy">@Drew_Willy</a> knows what he's capable of.<a href="https://t.co/zhVTUmCFgK">https://t.co/zhVTUmCFgK</a></p>— Blue Bombers (@Wpg_BlueBombers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wpg_BlueBombers/status/740295759002632194">June 7, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

jerrym

06-10-2016, 02:08 AM

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"There’s a lot to be happy about & there’s always stuff to correct, it’s the first exhibition game.” - Coach O'Shea<a href="https://t.co/PK6OGcUtHY">https://t.co/PK6OGcUtHY</a></p>— Blue Bombers (@Wpg_BlueBombers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wpg_BlueBombers/status/740777294424244224">June 9, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

jerrym

06-10-2016, 02:13 AM

Bomber first draft choice Trent Chorney TC diary following his first pre-season game:

That was a lot of fun. It’s always good to win because we didn’t win a ton of games at Virginia and I can already tell this team has some pretty good players.
I felt like I played a good game but I’m just thrilled to be around all my happy teammates and being around the feeling of winning again. That’s the most important thing.
I was on the starting punt and punt-return teams and was on those units three or four times in a really short span. I came to the sidelines and told the kickers, ‘Wow, man, I’m tired. I’m really winded right now.’ It’s different, but if you play well on defence you can get off the field real quick. My pass rushing is starting to get better and if I can improve that it will help a lot. It was cool to get credit for two sacks.
I actually got to return a kick, too. I haven’t done that since high school. I’m not going to lie, when I caught the ball I was pretty scared because I had no idea what to do. Actually, to be honest, for a moment there when I first caught it I wanted to be a hero. I thought for a split second, ‘Trent, you got this. You can take this back to the end zone.’ And then when I started running there were three guys coming at me in a hurry and I didn’t know what to do to out-maneuver all of them so I just tried to get some yards. I didn’t want to fumble the ball.
Overall, that was a really fun experience. My mom and dad texted me right away after the game and said how proud they were to see me on TV. All that work I’ve done in practice started to come together in the game. To have it pay off, even if it’s just a preseason game, makes me feel really good. That’s my first pro game ever and I think it went pretty well.

http://www.bluebombers.com/2016/06/09/197886/

jerrym

06-10-2016, 02:16 AM

Calgary TC on Day 11:

WHO WASN’T THERE
All three offensive line casulaties – LG Shane Bergman (head/neck), C Pierre Lavertu (head/neck) and C/G Karl Lavoie (knee) – didn’t practice yet again.
WHO RETURNED
S Josh Bell was back in the fray after sitting out Tuesday’s workout.
NEWS OF THE DAY
The Stamps signed a trio of bodies Wednesday morning, including 26-year-old offensive lineman Cam Thorn, a player with 36 games of CFL experience on his resume from his time with the B.C. Lions, who selected the Guelph University product in the seventh round of the 2013 CFL Draft.
“He’s played in the league, he’s not a rookie, but we felt like he was somebody that, at least, could have some veteran plays under his belt and could make some calls, so he was our guy we were looking for,” Stamps head coach Dave Dickenson said.
Cameron White (Grambling State) was also added to the group of receivers battling for jobs, while defensive back Demetrius White (USC), who suited up in one game for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers last year, was also signed.
PLAY OF THE DAY
SB Marquay McDaniel has made his mark as a medium-yardage guy. He’s the chain-mover. And a two-point convert specialist. But he can take it deep, too. McDaniel found a seam down the middle of the field Wednesday afternoon, QB Drew Tate hit him in stride, and all anyone saw was the back of No. 16’s jersey.
PLAYER OF THE DAY
Sophomore DB Ciante Evans looked good in coverage and picked off QB Andrew Buckley during afternoon skeleton drills.

http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/football/calgary-stampeders/calgary+stampeders+training+camp/11973716/story.html

jerrym

06-10-2016, 02:19 AM

Cameron White considers himself lucky to be alive, never mind being in Stampeders TC.

http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/football/calgary-stampeders/calgary+stampeder+hopeful+dodged/11976149/story.html

jerrym

06-10-2016, 02:23 AM

Calgary may have got a better than usual fourth rounder in Roman Grozman.

His 6-foot-4, 315-pound frame intrigued CFL scouts, but Grozman fell to the fourth round in last month’s draft and into the lap of the Calgary Stampeders.
This is where that already-compelling narrative is starting to take another fascinating turn.
After dabbling inside and at left tackle in college, Grozman was easily projectable as a guard in the pros.
Apparently, the 23-year-old can play a little centre, too.
And, potentially, play it well.
“He’s been better than, I think, we imagined,” Stamps head coach Dave Dickenson said Thursday morning. “We were happy where we got him (in the draft) — we thought he’d be gone. With our injury situation, he’s been a blessing. We really didn’t see a centre, but we think he can do it. He’s in there with the (starting unit), making all the calls and doing a good job.”
One by one, interior offensive linemen have been dropping like flies since training camp started 13 days ago.
First, it was starting centre and West Division all-star Pierre Lavertu going down with a neck problem.
Left guard Shane Bergman followed with his own head/neck ailment.
This week, it was 2015 first-round pick Karl Lavoie, who missed all but one game of his rookie season with a knee injury, needing some time off with another knee issue.
Out of necessity more than anything, Grozman found himself snapping the football to Bo Levi Mitchell, which is exactly where he’ll be Saturday in the exhibition opener against the Edmonton Eskimos at McMahon Stadium (7 p.m., News Talk 770).

http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/football/calgary-stampeders/stampeders+roman+grozman+will/11976357/story.html

jerrym

06-10-2016, 02:26 AM

Stampeder TC on Day 12:

WHO WASN’T THERE
Two-a-day practices. They’re done. Gone for another year … The downed trio of offensive line starters — LG Shane Bergman (head/neck), C Pierre Lavertu (neck/shoulder) and C/G Karl Lavoie (knee) — didn’t practise yet again … Veteran FB Rob Cote, who sat out the mock game but has been on the practice field this week, will sit out Saturday’s game against the Eskimos for precautionary reasons. Now in his 10th CFL season, the Cochrane product deserves the break … DT Junior Turner (shoulder) and OL Brad Erdos (shoulder) are still on the injured-veteran exempt list.
NEWS OF THE DAY
With the Edmonton Eskimos expected to play starting quarterback Mike Reilly on Saturday in the exhibition opener at McMahon Stadium, Stamps head coach Dave Dickenson also confirmed Bo Levi Mitchell will get some reps. While the plan wasn’t set in stone, Mitchell will see no more than one quarter of action, leaving the rest of the game to Drew Tate and the QB3 battle between Bryant Moniz and Andrew Buckley.
“We’ll just plan on playing everybody,” Dickenson said. “Certainly, not tons of snaps for the vets. We’ve got a healthy competition for the No. 3 (role), so we’ve got to give them enough reps so we make the best decision.”
PLAY OF THE DAY
It was more of a misplay, but second-year LB Maleki Harris knew exactly what to do after dropping an easy interception off the arm of Moniz in the team period, immediately hitting to the turf for some pushups.
PLAYER OF THE DAY
Entrenched as the starter at left tackle since his solid five-game cameo to finish out last season, OL Derek Dennis was busy Thursday, taking reps with the first-team in his normal spot and then shifting to right guard to gobble up some second-team reps for the banged-up unit of hogs.

http://calgaryherald.com/sports/football/stampeders-training-camp-report-day-12

jerrym

06-10-2016, 02:29 AM

Kendal Lawrence comments on Rider's TC.

http://www.riderville.com/2016/06/09/kendail-lawrence-1-on-1/

jerrym

06-10-2016, 02:31 AM

Rider TC on Day 11:

ROSTER MOVES
Did not participate:
Tim Agbaje (day-to-day)
Dylan Ainsworth (day-to-day)
Justin Capicciotti (day-to-day)
Victor Dean Jr. (day-to-day)
Johnny Dixon (day-to-day)
Xavier Fulton (day-to-day)
Matt Knight (day-to-day)
Jeff Knox Jr. (day-to-day)
Brendon LaBatte (day-to-day)
Graig Newman (day-to-day)
Eric Norwood (injured)
Alex Ogbongbemiga (day-to-day)
Matt Vonk (6 game injured list)
Devrin Young (7-10 days)

http://www.riderville.com/2016/06/08/71754/

jerrym

06-10-2016, 02:35 AM

Video of HC Chris Jones comments on June 9:

http://www.riderville.com/2016/06/09/june-9th-chris-jones-media-availability/

jerrym

06-10-2016, 02:37 AM

DB Marte Sears, a former QB, comments on Riders' TC.

http://www.riderville.com/2016/06/08/marte-sears-jr-1-on-1/

jerrym

06-10-2016, 02:41 AM

June 9th Edmonton Eskimo Depth Chart.

Non-practising:
81 – Devon Bailey (concussion protocol)
38 – Adam Konar
84 – Andrew Johnson
28 – Aaron Milton
8 – Cauchy Muamba
9 – Patrick Watkins
June 9 Depth Chart and Roster
http://d3ham790trbkqy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2016/06/Edmonton-Eskimos-2016-Depth-Chart-Training-Camp-Day-12-June-9-DRAFT-e1465485626250.jpg (http://d3ham790trbkqy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2016/06/Edmonton-Eskimos-2016-Depth-Chart-Training-Camp-Day-12-June-9-DRAFT-e1465485626250.jpg)

http://www.esks.com/2016/06/09/june-9-depth-chart/

jerrym

06-10-2016, 02:46 AM

Eskimo TC Day 11 also includes a video of HC Maas comments:

Not Practicing
#81 WR Devon Bailey (concussion protocol)
#27 S Mike Dubuisson
#84 WR Andrew Johnson
#38 LB Adam Konar
#28 FB Aaron Milton
#8 S Cauchy Muamba
#9 CB Patrick Watkins
Quotable
Eskimos Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator Jason Maas on the competition level: “I think the competition all over the field has been great. Every single day someone is stepping up and making plays.”

http://www.esks.com/2016/06/08/day-11-training-camp-recap/

jerrym

06-10-2016, 02:49 AM

HC Maas TC comments on Day 12:

http://www.esks.com/2016/06/09/esks-tc-day-12-recap-2/

jerrym

06-11-2016, 01:03 PM

Former BC Lion National OL Cam Thorn, who was cut just before Lions TC, is trying to make the Stampeders in their TC.

After a pair of seasons with the B.C. Lions, the big offensive lineman was cut loose just prior to Leos camp a couple of weeks ago.
“It was kind of a last-minute thing,” Thorn said. “Which is fine.
“It’s part of being a pro athlete. You have to respond to the circumstances you’re given.
“You can sit and sulk and try to figure out why they did it. Or you move on and think ‘what can I do to get better?’ ”
If you’re an offensive lineman without a home, it only makes sense to keep an eye on the Calgary Stampeders, a team that has seen its o-line ravaged by injuries the past few seasons.
The Red & White will have four hoggies – Pierre Lavertu, Karl Lavoie, Shane Bergman and Brad Erdos – watching from the sidelines when the team makes its pre-season debut on Saturday against the defending Grey Cup champion Edmonton Eskimos (7 p.m. at McMahon Stadium, 770 News Talk).
“Every o-line gets banged up,” Thorn said. “It comes down to luck and who you have.”
The Lions converted Thorn from defence to offence three years ago. It’s a move he said helped him crack the pros.
“For me, it was the best decision to make a pro football team,” Thorn said. “I had the size although I did have to bulk up a bit.
“You’re Canadian, you’re aggressive off the ball, you have that fast-twitch muscle. (Pro teams) also draft the athlete. They’re not just drafting the (position).
“They see you’re athletic, and they think you can fit better in an o-line scheme, so they think about all that.”

http://calgaryherald.com/sports/football/cfl/calgary-stampeders/b-c-lions-castoff-seizes-calgary-stampeders-o-line-opportunity

jerrym

06-11-2016, 03:48 PM

Five positional battles to watch in Calgary:

Roster spots, jobs and livelihoods are on the line and the Stampeders have a number of intriguing battles going on.
Here are five to watch:
Bo Levi Mitchell will play sparingly — less than one quarter, for sure, and perhaps as little as one or two series — and veteran backup Drew Tate will get his work in, but all eyes will be on the QB3 battle that’s been brewing between these two guys. Buckley, 22, is trying to prove he’s ready for the pro stage after going back-to-back on the Hec Crighton stage, while Moniz, 27, is hoping to prove he can do more than hold a clipboard. The two pre-season games are going to decide this job battle, because practice reps have not.
Everyone loves a long-snapping battle, right? While it may not be the sexiest position on a football field, it can have a huge impact on games when things go awry. Even though they managed to go on to win the Grey Cup, the accessories to the kicking game were all over the place in 2014 — both snapper and holder were a revolving door — and it was proved just how important that continuity is last season when Randy Chevrier and Drew Tate held down those spots full-time last season and Rene Paredes nailed 41-of-47 field goals. Caron, a 2016 fifth-round pick out of Laval, has been the better than the 30-year-old St. Pierre during camp, but let’s see how it goes when the lights are on.
It feels like just yesterday that West and former teammate Maurice Price were the rising stars within the Stamps receiving corps. But that was 2012 and this is 2016, and West, who has never really been able to establish himself, is being pushed in a big way. When the 32-year-old West is healthy and involved in the offence, he’s been, as evidenced by his eight catches for 106 yards in a touchdown from the boundary wideout spot in last November’s West Final loss, very productive. While West is going to have some sort of role, Daniels inched his way into the conversation with an impressive mock game last weekend, and the 6-foot-1, 203-pounder now has a chance to double down and give the coaches something to think about heading into next Friday’s exhibition finale in Vancouver. There are a number of other young receivers in this mix, too.
Don’t expect Charleston Hughes to play much against the Esks, which will leave a whole lot of important defensive end reps for the host of players battling to start opposite No. 39 in two weeks. Beltre is the incumbent, and thanks to his excellent special-teams work, his roster spot is not in jeopardy. His starting status on the edge, however, is completely up for grabs. Davis has been tough to block during training camp one-on-ones, which has the coaching staff eagerly awaiting the 6-foot-1, 238-pounder’s CFL debut. They aren’t the only options, though, as Brandon Boudreaux, Brandon Thurmond, Ridge Wilson and Josh Francis will all be trying to make an impression.
These two cover corners have been going back and forth all training camp. McDonald, 30, knows the system and has been solid early on, but the 6-foot-3 Campbell, 28, has been the one coming up with the big plays, picking off at least three or four passes during team periods and skelly drills. There’s a whole lot of depth in the secondary, which will make for some tough decisions, but neither of these guys are going anywhere but to Vancouver for Week 1. The only question will be who earns the starting assignment?

http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/football/calgary-stampeders/calgary+stampeders+edmonton/11978723/story.html

jerrym

06-11-2016, 04:39 PM

Video preview of Calgary-Edmonton game:

http://www.stampeders.com/2016/06/10/its-game-day/

jerrym

06-11-2016, 04:47 PM

Video interview with rookie LB Dillon Grondin on TC difference from Canadian Junior football.

http://www.riderville.com/2016/06/10/dillon-grondin-1-on-1/

jerrym

06-11-2016, 04:54 PM

A Chris Jones is never in rebuild mode. For him victory is the only thing as the following video testifies.

http://www.riderville.com/2016/06/09/in-it-to-win-it/

jerrym

06-11-2016, 04:56 PM

Chris Jones discusses TC as Riders prepares for first preseason game.

http://www.riderville.com/2016/06/10/june-10th-coach-jones-media-availability/

jerrym

06-11-2016, 05:37 PM

Former Argo Curtis Steele is ranked first amongst the tailbacks competing for a job because of his three years experience as an Argo but in a Chris Jones world that could change quickly.

The competition for the starting tailback job with the Saskatchewan Roughriders has a less competitive aspect.
The four players — Curtis Steele, Terrance Cobb, Matt Walter and Johnta Hebert — are all in a spirited training-camp battle for the position with the CFL team. They are also roommates and have become friends. “All of the running backs room together and we all talk about the offence,’’ Steele said Thursday. “We keep each other on our toes by quizzing each other in the morning and before we go to bed at night. We all know that our job is to be on the field and compete.’’ Steele and Cobb both know that, come the end of training camp, the Riders will have to decide who their starter will be. That means any number of the running backs could be sent packing. “You make good friends here and you don’t worry about that kind of thing,’’ Cobb said. “You let the GM and the coaches do their jobs. If you get too tied up in that stuff it tightens you up. You don’t want that kind of pressure on yourself. You just have to work and let whatever happens happen.”
Chris Jones, the Riders’ general manager and head coach, doesn’t have a depth chart for any of the positions in training camp. He prefers to let players sort that out with their performances on the field.
However, Jones added that Steele is first among the tailbacks due to his three years of experience with the Toronto Argonauts. In 2013, Steele’s first season with the Argonauts, Jones was the defensive co-ordinator and Stephen McAdoo was the offensive line coach.
McAdoo is now the Riders’ offensive co-ordinator and there are many similarities between the offence Toronto ran and what the Riders operate. That familiarity has given Steele a slight edge over the other running backs.
“It helps because I’m not doing as much thinking and I’m just lining up and playing,’’ said the 29-year-old Steele, who is 5-foot-11 and 189 pounds. “That’s because I did the same thing with Toronto’s offence.’’ Steele went into the Argonauts’ training camp with high expectations, but was often sidelined by injuries. By the time he recovered, the Argonauts had already installed other players in the position. Injury-free, Steele may be looking at his best opportunity to be a starter with the Riders. “We have some great backs here and I feel like I’m still competing each day,’’ Steele said. “In Toronto they felt like they had the guys and it was always about them. I’m always up for a challenge.’’
Cobb, 26, is familiar with the Riders because he attended training camp with them in 2015. The 5-foot-11, 220-pound Cobb underwent surgery before the first pre-season game to repair some screws in a foot and was among the final cuts. He re-signed with the Riders in the off-season and is enjoying the opportunity to land a job in 2016. “I felt I didn’t get a chance to put my best foot forward (in 2015) because I was injured,’’ Cobb said. “When they called me and offered me the deal, I jumped at the chance.’’
Cobb was given a big chance when he received the majority of the tailback repetitions during Saturday’s Green and White game.
“I wanted to show them what I could do because I thought it was a great opportunity to get my keys and let the coaches know that they could trust me in that group,’’ Cobb said.
Steele was rested because Jones knows what the running back can do. That may change when the Riders play host to the B.C. Lions on Saturday in the first pre-season action for both teams.
“It’s very important for me to be on the field and try to take one to the house,’’ Steele said. “I want to make sure I’m blocking and also looking after all of my responsibilities.’’

http://leaderpost.com/sports/football/roughriders-tailbacks-keep-training-camp-competition-in-perspective

jerrym

06-11-2016, 05:40 PM

Denmark is starting to fit in with the Riders.

Clarence Denmark is slowly adapting to football with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
It has been an adjustment for the veteran receiver because everything is new for him with the Riders. Denmark spent his previous five CFL seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and is used to the rhythms and routines of their training camps.
“It’s exciting just to get something new going,’’ Denmark said after Wednesday’s practice at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. “It’s a challenge to get in here and compete every day.’’
It’s a challenge that the 30-year-old Denmark felt he needed to refresh his CFL career.
“It was necessary and it was time for a change,’’ said Denmark, who is 5-foot-10 and 189 pounds. “I just needed to get the love of the game, the winning and all of that stuff back.’’
The native of Jacksonville, Fla., was looking forward to rebounding in 2016 with the Blue Bombers from what was a down year for him in 2015.
That didn’t turn out as Denmark and defensive lineman Bryant Turner Jr. were both released on March 22 due to financial reasons. Denmark signed with the Riders on May 13 and Turner joined the B.C. Lions on April 6.
“It’s pro football,’’ Denmark said. “At the end of the day, I had a good long ride and I saw the good side of things for a long time. That’s how it comes and you have to deal with it like a pro.’’

http://leaderpost.com/sports/football/clarence-denmark-slowly-settling-in-with-the-saskatchewan-roughriders

jerrym

06-11-2016, 05:47 PM

In the 2016 Rider TC, Levi Steinhauer has been switched from DE to fullback.

Former Saskatchewan Huskie Levi Steinhauer is showing off his different skill sets by switching from his usual defensive end position to playing fullback at Saskatchewan Roughriders training camp.
“It was last Wednesday night at about 10:30. (The coaches) knocked on my door and told me I was the guy they were looking for, handed me an offensive playbook and asked me if I wanted to play fullback,” said Steinhauer, who spent four seasons with the Huskies before joining the Riders.
“I said, ‘Hell yeah, let’s do it,’ and it just kind of went from there.”
The 25-year-old from Moose Jaw is coming off a couple of seasons that ended prematurely because of injuries.
Steinhauer suffered a torn left ACL last July in a game against the B.C. Lions that ended his season. In 2014, a torn pectoral muscle sidelined him for the last nine games of the season.
“I’m feeling great. Both the injuries I’ve had have healed up 100 per cent,” he said.
Playing fullback is something completely new for Steinhauer, who is also a long snapper.
“I’ve never played offence in my life,” he laughed. “I’ve played offensive tackle in high school, but I say that doesn’t really count.
“It has been a lot to take in,” Steinhauer admitted. “But the guys we’ve got in the running back room have helped me a lot — Spencer Moore, Curtis Steele — all those dudes in there have helped me out a ton.
“I just have to be in my playbook every day, learn my stuff and make sure I know what I’m doing when I get my chance.”
Riders head coach Chris Jones said Steinhauer, at 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds, fits the bill to become a fullback.
“We want depth behind Spencer Moore and we know what (Steinhauer) can do as a snapper and what he can do defensively,” Jones said. “If you look on our roster there is not a lot of body types that mimic the fullback position so we just want to be prepared.”
Steinhauer knows being proficient at more than one position enhances his chances of making the opening day roster.
“I felt that I was playing pretty decent on defence those first few days but, especially with Chris Jones, he wants versatility,” he said. “So when they came to me and asked if I wanted to move over it was a definitely a no-brainer for me. Whatever I can do to make this team I will do.”
Steinhauer said the toughest part of learning a new position is the mental side of it.
“I’ve played defence my whole life so a lot of the little intricacies on defence you already know,” he said. “When I come over to the offensive side of the ball I don’t know those (little things).
“A lot of it for me is being in the playbook, learning the terminology and the little intricacies. There are still plays they are calling that I’m drawing up in my head, but day by day it gets a little faster and I calm down a little more and put those plays together a lot quicker.”
While he has to change his focus from sacking the quarterback and making tackles, he’s not yet dreaming of scoring a touchdown.
“I just come out here every day, know my stuff, execute my role and I’ll let those things fall into place,” Steinhauer said. “If they happen, they happen. If they don’t I’m not going to be thinking about them. But it would be awesome to get in the end zone and get a touchdown.”

http://leaderpost.com/sports/football/riders-levi-steinhauer-adjusting-to-offensive-side-of-the-ball

jerrym

06-11-2016, 06:07 PM

TC Diary of first draft choice Trent Chorney on Day 13:

http://www.bluebombers.com/2016/06/10/198228/

(http://www.bluebombers.com/2016/06/10/198228/)

jerrym

06-11-2016, 06:11 PM

Flanders looks like he has an excellent chance of making the Bombers.

His college numbers got him a look, but it’s his personality that helped him get his foot in the professional football door.
And now – after stops in New Orleans, Cleveland, and B.C. – Timothy Flanders is still trying to find a place he can call his football home.
The gregarious product of Midwest City, Oklahoma has made a solid first impression with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers during training camp, and was one of many to pop off the page in Wednesday’s preseason win over the Montreal Alouettes.
Flanders finished with 15 carries for 80 yards and a touchdown, while catching two more passes for 32 yards.
“I feel like I did pretty good, other than the fumble,” said Flanders after practice on Friday. “But it got reversed (on instant replay), so I was happy about that.
“I’m blessed. It’s been wonderful out here. I love it here. I’m just trying to continue to work hard and contribute to the team.”
That’s the thing you discover quickly in any chat with Flanders, who seems to punctuate every sentence with a wide smile. Now while that might sound cornball, consider his outgoing personality was so infectious it appeared on his NFL.com draft profile (http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/timothy-flanders?id=2543854) back in 2014.

Those are the types of intangibles that can separate a guy from the pack near cut-down day. Working against Flanders, however, is this: the name atop the Bombers depth chart is Andrew Harris. And, just in case you haven’t heard, he’s a proud product of Winnipeg and a Canadian. If Flanders isn’t starting, he’ll have to crack the roster as a designated import.
Asked how the ratio might impact his attempt to make the team, Flanders shrugged.
“It doesn’t at all,” he said. “I feel like they’re going to have the guys that bring the most to the table. I was with Andrew last year in B.C. and with him signing here I already knew he was their guy. I knew that coming in. But that doesn’t change my mindset to come in here and compete. I’m a good competitor. ...

“He just has to keep doing what he’s doing. He was pretty good,” said O’Shea. “There’s no point for any of these guys to be focused on anything other than putting their best performance out there on the field. How the roster shakes out… how it looks with the various other pieces around the team… they shouldn’t worry about that stuff. They should worry about going out there and competing at the highest level they possibly can. And then the rest of it is really out of their control.
“If they’re that good, we’ll figure something out. In the end, it’s all got to fit. There are a lot of different parameters with how we set up a roster. But the last thing a kid needs to do is count and move pieces around and try to play the chess match. It’s not worth their time.”
Flanders, who began his college career at Kansas before transferring and becoming a walk-on starter at Sam Houston State, has been a battler for most of his pro football life. He did it in high school and in college – he was a three-time Walter Payton Award finalist and set 34 school records at Sam Houston State.
And as long as he has another shot to chase his football dream, he is all in, all the time.
“I’ve been like this since I got out of college,” he said. “Any opportunity that comes up for me I’m going to take it. Until my body says I can’t do it any more, as long as I wake up and can say I love playing the game, I’m going to continue to do it.

http://www.bluebombers.com/2016/06/10/198327/

jerrym

06-11-2016, 06:17 PM

HC O'Shea discusses where players are at now and what players need to show in second preseason game to survive into regular season.

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"The good thing is you're not discounting anybody yet." - Coach O'Shea very happy with the competition in camp.<a href="https://t.co/S8OsItYQj8">https://t.co/S8OsItYQj8</a></p>— Blue Bombers (@Wpg_BlueBombers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wpg_BlueBombers/status/741711200732336129">June 11, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

jerrym

06-12-2016, 11:33 PM

It looks like Joe West is going a lot more action this year with the departure of Jeff Fuller and Eric Rogers to the NFL as well as TC and first game performance.

Joe West uses the SHREDmill.
The Calgary Stampeders wideout swears by the self-powered, magnetic resistance system that he insists “gets you right.”
Well, sprinting 21 miles per hour – uphill! – will certainly do that.
“Yeah, that 20 seconds feels like two days,” West said. “You have to continue to run or you’re going to eat the rubber.
“I got turned onto it by (former Stamps receiver) Ken-Yon Rambo. It gets your legs ready for the season.”
West said he’d use the machine three or four times a week and said his legs feel fresh heading into his fifth season with the Red & White.
“I was running routes, too,” West said. “And doing a lot more football stuff.
“I was on the field a lot more than I’ve ever been and I wore cleats pretty much every day.
“I’m feeling good.”
That has not always been the case.
The 6-foot-1, 204-pounder was limited to seven games in his rookie campaign followed by six tilts the following season.
He started 13 and 12 games the past two seasons as he managed to avoid some of the soft-tissue injuries — hamstrings, toes, etc. — that kept him off the field for lengthy stretches in the past.
A month from now, no one will remember who did what during the pre-season, but West had five catches for a game-high 80 yards in Saturday’s 23-13 loss to the Edmonton Eskimos at McMahon Stadium.
Stamps head coach Dave Dickenson said he was impressed with the 32-year-old’s performance.
“He’s been good when he’s played,” Dickenson said. “He doesn’t get a lot of media love and he’s not always talked about.
“But he produces for us and I thought he had a real solid game.”
West, who had eight catches for 106 yards and a touchdown in last year’s West Division final loss to the Esks, wasn’t overly concerned with his numbers.
He wanted the win – even if it was a meaningless one.
“I feel good about it but we didn’t come out with the win,” West said. “And that’s more important than stats.
“I’m looking forward to this week’s practices and getting better.”
With Eric Rogers and Jeff Fuller exploring NFL opportunities, there are a lot more targets to go around and West is hoping to get his mitts on a few of them.

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sports/football/calgary-stampeders/west+leads+calgary+stampeders/11981883/story.html

jerrym

06-13-2016, 12:33 AM

Riders players released:

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have RELEASED the following players:

International receiver Marquez Clark
International offensive lineman Will Corbin
National receiver S.J. Haidara
International running back Johnta Hebert
International defensive lineman Caesar Rayford
International linebacker Rollins Stallworth
International defensive lineman Ino Vitale
National defensive back Dan West
International receiver Devrin Young

http://www.riderville.com/2016/06/12/roughrider-transactions-june-12th/

R.J

06-13-2016, 01:46 PM

Stamps cut 7; add QB G.J. Kinne
http://www.stampeders.com/2016/06/13/stampeders-make-roster-moves-2/

AngeloV

06-13-2016, 02:05 PM

Stamps cut 7; add QB G.J. Kinne
http://www.stampeders.com/2016/06/13/stampeders-make-roster-moves-2/

Interesting that they cut Moniz. Watching the coaches version of CFL around the table, Dave Dickenson had a lot of praise for Andrew Buckley, and a quick look at the stats show he wasn't bad on Saturday. Moniz OTOH, threw a pick on his only attempt. I think Buckley will win a roster spot.

R.J

06-13-2016, 02:18 PM

Interesting that they cut Moniz. Watching the coaches version of CFL around the table, Dave Dickenson had a lot of praise for Andrew Buckley, and a quick look at the stats show he wasn't bad on Saturday. Moniz OTOH, threw a pick on his only attempt. I think Buckley will win a roster spot.
Moniz hasn't shown much except that he can be a third down QB in the CFL. I loved hearing Dickenson bringing up Buckley during the around the table and even mentioned that early on in his coaching career that he had biases, but now just see's players.

AngeloV

06-13-2016, 02:56 PM

R.J

06-13-2016, 03:01 PM

he's such a gob.
lmao

OV Argo

06-13-2016, 10:56 PM

Moniz hasn't shown much except that he can be a third down QB in the CFL. I loved hearing Dickenson bringing up Buckley during the around the table and even mentioned that early on in his coaching career that he had biases, but now just see's players.

Interesting - Moniz got the Stumps 3rd string QB job when the could have re- deployed Sinopoli - who had roster experience with them at QB; but now Dickenson is HC and takes a liking to a Canadian QB Buckley - who actually got more playing time in an exhibition game than an import QB in Moniz (yanked after he threw a pick in his only pass attempt) - almost never see that happening. Dickenson maybe has a different attitude there than Huff? Nice to see a Canadian QB (and, gasp, CIS product) drafted and actually get a shot to compete for a spot. Man, the gob times are so about to change in the good ole CFL ? - for sure LOL = Mind boggling.

jerrym

06-14-2016, 03:38 PM

Interesting - Moniz got the Stumps 3rd string QB job when the could have re- deployed Sinopoli - who had roster experience with them at QB; but now Dickenson is HC and takes a liking to a Canadian QB Buckley - who actually got more playing time in an exhibition game than an import QB in Moniz (yanked after he threw a pick in his only pass attempt) - almost never see that happening. Dickenson maybe has a different attitude there than Huff? Nice to see a Canadian QB (and, gasp, CIS product) drafted and actually get a shot to compete for a spot. Man, the gob times are so about to change in the good ole CFL ? - for sure LOL = Mind boggling.

Great to see a Canadian CIS QB getting a shot.

jerrym

06-14-2016, 06:07 PM

Winnipeg players talk about the hope and new talent they have this season.

http://www.cfl.ca/2016/06/14/big-blue-renewed/

jerrym

06-14-2016, 06:14 PM

However, the Bombers loss in Ottawa shows that they still have a lot of work to do in TC.

Pass around the hard hats and bust out the ‘under construction’ signs – the Winnipeg Blue Bombers remain very much a work in progress.
The Bombers became the first Canadian Football League team to wrap up their 2016 preseason Monday night in the nation’s capital, dropping an 18-14 decision to the Ottawa REDBLACKS that leaves just as many questions as answers.
“When you don’t win, it stinks,” said Bombers Head Coach Mike O’Shea. “Even if it’s a pre-season game it doesn’t feel good. So, it wasn’t good enough.”
The Bombers opened the game with all but one of their projected starters on offence – Weston Dressler was left at home to continue nursing a nagging injury – and the unit struggled to find a rhythm.
Drew Willy finished 11 of 15, but only for 87 yards and the club was stuffed on a couple of third-and-inches attempts that cut into the team’s time of possession. And in the pre-season, when offences are looking to find their mojo even with vanilla attacks, that is a killer. ...

“We did some good things, but we put ourselves in some tough situations tonight,” said Willy. “Any time you are first or second and long a lot of teams are dropping nine and only rushing three guys so it’s tough to push the ball down the field.
“I felt good out there with my reads but obviously we need to put more points on the board and we need to be better on third-and-one situations.
“We do have a lot of work to do, but we do have 10-11 days here to get ready for a good Montreal team.”
That season opener, June 24 at home against the Alouettes, is eons away if measured by the training camp calendar.
First up are two cut-down dates: to 65 players by Tuesday night and to their final 46-man/10-player practice roster by Sunday.
“There are a couple guys that did some pretty good things that certainly cemented their position,” said O’Shea, when asked if players separated themselves one way or another. “We’ve got to be down to 65 by (Tuesday) night and then we’ve got a significant amount of practice time before we’re down to our final number.
“So these guys are going to keep working and keep trying to earn spots.”

http://www.cfl.ca/2016/06/13/pre-season-loss-reveals-rough-edges-bombers/

jerrym

06-14-2016, 07:24 PM

HC Chris Jones comments on Riders TC on Day 17:

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Assembling pieces before gameday, Coach Jones addressed the media on Day 17 of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RidersTC?src=hash">#RidersTC</a>.<br>🎥: <a href="https://t.co/xIvRpMVMmC">https://t.co/xIvRpMVMmC</a><a href="https://t.co/Cn8qv8TAic">https://t.co/Cn8qv8TAic</a></p>— Sask. Roughriders (@sskroughriders) <a href="https://twitter.com/sskroughriders/status/742828823033446400">June 14, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

jerrym

06-14-2016, 07:28 PM

Darian Durant talks about getting ready for his first game action later this week.

http://www.riderville.com/2016/06/13/june-13th-darian-durant-media-availability/

jerrym

06-14-2016, 07:45 PM

Milanovich video comments on Llevi Noel's progress in TC.

http://www.argonauts.ca/2016/06/14/llevi-noel-looks-to-make-his-mark-vs-als/

R.J

06-14-2016, 08:04 PM

Sounds like Brett Smith could be the odd man out from the Riders QB stable shortly.
http://leaderpost.com/sports/football/cfl/saskatchewan-roughriders/darian-durant-is-focused-on-whats-ahead-for-the-saskatchewan-roughriders

R.J

06-14-2016, 08:05 PM

Milanovich video comments on Llevi Noel's progress in TC.

http://www.argonauts.ca/2016/06/14/llevi-noel-looks-to-make-his-mark-vs-als/
Didn't you already post this in the Argonauts TC thread ?

jerrym

06-14-2016, 08:44 PM

Eskimo TC on Day 17:

Not Practicing
#81 WR Devon Bailey (concussion protocol)
#84 WR Andrew Johnson
#38 LB Adam Konar
#28 FB Aaron Milton
#8 S Cauchy Muamba
#9 CB Pat Watkins

Quotable
Eskimos Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator Jason Maas on the team’s defensive mentality: “It’s a collective group effort, defence is like that. You have to play well with 12 guys collectively to make it work and I have a lot of confidence that we’ll be able to get the job done.”

http://www.esks.com/2016/06/14/day-17-training-camp-recap/

jerrym

06-14-2016, 08:46 PM

Eskimo DB John Ojo has ruptured his Achilles tendon and will miss the entire season.

http://www.esks.com/2016/06/13/john-ojo-injury-update/

jerrym

06-14-2016, 08:53 PM

Sometimes players end up in TC due to an unusual set of circumstances.

Derrius Brooks’ football career has risen from the ashes of an apartment fire.
Brooks and his family lost all of their possessions as a result of a fire in late October that gutted a 30-unit apartment complex in Columbus, Ga. There weren’t any injuries in the early morning fire, which chased Brooks, his partner Danielle, and their four-year-old daughter Jayda from their home.
It was shortly after the fire that Brooks was contacted by John Murphy, who at the time was the director of player personnel with the Calgary Stampeders. Murphy had scouted Brooks earlier in his career, which led to the defensive back spending the 2012 and 2013 CFL seasons with the Stampeders.
Murphy and the CFL community helped out Brooks with donations of clothing, household items and toys for his daughter.
That contact with Murphy contributed to Brooks’ return to professional football this season after he was sidelined by an ankle injury in 2014 while playing for the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Brooks contacted Murphy, who by then had been hired as the assistant vice-president of football operations and player personnel by the Saskatchewan Roughriders, about returning to the CFL.
Brooks, who had stints in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay after playing for Calgary, joined the Riders at their training camp in Saskatoon thanks to Murphy.
“He stayed in touch and he looked out for me and my family,’’ Brooks said Tuesday. “We just had that bond going back to Calgary. He told me if I ever needed a job and if I’m ready to come back, that he would give me a shot.’’

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