CFL Training Camp

[BC 1988]

Interesting article ahead of the Als-Argos preseason game tomorrow (televised on TSN).

Crompton may be about to fade back into obscurity again, if he has another bad outing like the OTT game. LeFevour will be making his first appearance; as expected, his recovery from knee ligament surgery has been delayed. Marsh has been out for weeks with a severely sprained knee.

http://montrealgazette.com/sports/footb ... son-finale

[Toppy Vann]

That’s because Calvillo is a receivers coach. You wouldn’t be blamed for assuming that a man with Calvillo’s resume on the field would make him instantly qualified to guide quarterbacks instead of wideouts. But according to his new boss, head coach Tom Higgins, there are different guidelines when it comes to gaining your chops on the sidelines.

“I know a lot of people are thinking ‘That’s crazy, why wouldn’t he coach quarterbacks?’ Well in order to develop your coaching repertoire, it’s better to be out of your comfort zone,” said Higgins. “Which is not really that far out of his comfort zone coaching the receivers. A talented receiving corps that is being coached by a very good football coach, by the end of the season could be great.”

That vaunted receiving corps took a hit in the off-season with the departure of Duron Carter to the NFL and the retirement of Brandon London. Still, the Alouettes added Sam Giguere and slotback S.J. Green remains with the team. Green spent seven seasons as Calvillo's teammate.

Rubbish. You've got a Hall of Fame QB whose worked with top coaches and you make him a RECEIVERS coach. Ridiculous. They had Jeff Garcia last year and they used him to work with the QBs and offense. AC should have said 'Stuff it' but he won't as he wants to live in Montreal.

The wishy washy on the dual QB is more of the same crap. You can't have just one QB and win the CFL so two must get game experience/time.

[B.C.FAN]

That’s because Calvillo is a receivers coach. You wouldn’t be blamed for assuming that a man with Calvillo’s resume on the field would make him instantly qualified to guide quarterbacks instead of wideouts. But according to his new boss, head coach Tom Higgins, there are different guidelines when it comes to gaining your chops on the sidelines.

“I know a lot of people are thinking ‘That’s crazy, why wouldn’t he coach quarterbacks?’ Well in order to develop your coaching repertoire, it’s better to be out of your comfort zone,” said Higgins. “Which is not really that far out of his comfort zone coaching the receivers. A talented receiving corps that is being coached by a very good football coach, by the end of the season could be great.”

There are parallels in B.C. The Lions have Khari Jones, a former QB, coaching the receivers. He spends a lot of time at each practice throwing passes to receivers in drills, so it is a convenient role for a QB who can still throw. Joe Paopao, another former QB, filled the same role last year. If the Lions wanted an accomplished former receiver to coach the receivers, they could have hired Geroy Simon, who is already on staff but not in a coaching capacity. He's broadening his experience in the scouting and management side of the organization. Ultimately, that broadening of experience is generally better for a person's professional development.

[Toppy Vann]

That’s because Calvillo is a receivers coach. You wouldn’t be blamed for assuming that a man with Calvillo’s resume on the field would make him instantly qualified to guide quarterbacks instead of wideouts. But according to his new boss, head coach Tom Higgins, there are different guidelines when it comes to gaining your chops on the sidelines.

“I know a lot of people are thinking ‘That’s crazy, why wouldn’t he coach quarterbacks?’ Well in order to develop your coaching repertoire, it’s better to be out of your comfort zone,” said Higgins. “Which is not really that far out of his comfort zone coaching the receivers. A talented receiving corps that is being coached by a very good football coach, by the end of the season could be great.”

There are parallels in B.C. The Lions have Khari Jones, a former QB, coaching the receivers. He spends a lot of time at each practice throwing passes to receivers in drills, so it is a convenient role for a QB who can still throw. Joe Paopao, another former QB, filled the same role last year. If the Lions wanted an accomplished former receiver to coach the receivers, they could have hired Geroy Simon, who is already on staff but not in a coaching capacity. He's broadening his experience in the scouting and management side of the organization. Ultimately, that broadening of experience is generally better for a person's professional development.

While I agree with the sentiments that it broadens their experience and knowledge base, I hope my next flight to Vancouver coming up is not subject to the CFL version of job allocation as I don't think I want the flight attendants flying and navigating. But to not have AC working with their QBs and a talented frmer REC working with REC is crazy.

[TheLionKing]

CFL.ca Staff


TORONTO -- Training camp is nearing its end but for eight CFL teams, the bulk of the work comes this weekend. The final weekend of pre-season marks an end to training camp and a final dress rehearsal, while teams must finalize their rosters and determine their depth charts for the start of the regular season.

With roster spots still up in the air, we look at a couple of the top position battles for each CFL team -- ones you may want to keep in mind when following this weekend's pre-season matchups.

*Not included are the Ottawa REDBLACKS, who have already played two pre-season games.



BC Lions

Slotback

While Emmanuel Arceneaux and Marco Iannuzzi appear to have the outside receiver spots locked down, competition for playing time in the slot remains fierce. The Lions have some sneaky good options there but only so many can play.

Courtney Taylor, Shawn Gore and Cameron Morrah are currently penciled in as the starters, but Austin Collie, Bryan Burnham and Terence Jeffers-Harris are fighting hard for playing time. Friday's pre-season game is a chance to make one final statement.

Quarterback

Travis Lulay is the Lions' starting quarterback but his injury history suggests someone else better be ready to play. John Beck has been limited, Jordan Rodgers recently retired while Travis Partridge was released, leaving Jonathon Jennings and Greg McGhee in contention to backup Lulay.

Johnson made a statement with a big performance in the Lions' pre-season loss to Calgary. Depending on how he follows up on Friday he could start the season second on the QB depth chart.



Calgary Stampeders

Kick/Punt Returner

Minus Jock Sanders and plus Tim Brown, the Stamps' return situation is still a little muddled as they look to settle on a returner. Brown and Sederrik Cunningham appear to be the front runners for reps, but Brown will have to earn his roster spot as Hufnagel still plans to evaluate his younger options as well. This battle may come down to Friday's pre-season finale.

Defensive Halfback

The Stampeders are deep across the defensive backfield and one battle to watch will be between veterans Brandon Smith, Jamar Wall and Joe Burnett at the halfback positions. Only two of the three can start and all three have strong career resumes so far. Smith and Wall were the starters in pre-season game one, while newcomer Burnett had a team-high three tackles.

Defensive Line

Quinn Smith is proving to be a capable starter filling in for Corey Mace at defensive tackle, while the battle at left defensive end also looms large where Freddie Bishop, Brandon Boudreaux and DeQuin Evans are all vying for playing time.



Edmonton Eskimos

Quarterback

Mike Reilly is one of the CFL's elite passers, but behind him there's a spot up for grabs. Matt Nichols may be losing his grip on the job after a strong performance by James Franklin in last week's win over the Riders in Fort McMurray. The Esks also appear high on Jordan Lynch while Justin Goltz offers some valuable CFL experience. So much depth at quarterback but the roster must be trimmed down after Friday's pre-season finale.

Running Back

The injury to John White opened up fierce competition at the running back position. Chad Simpson made his mark in last week's pre-season win over the Riders, but 23-year-old Shakir Bell made an impact through the air as well as on the ground. Who will be the Esks' lead back when they open the season in Fort McMurray against the Argos?



Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Cornerback

Who will take over for the departed Delvin Breaux? Arguably the CFL's top cover corner, Breaux took off for the NFL in the off-season leaving a void in the Ticats' secondary. Emmanuel Davis and Ed Gainey are the first two options that come to mind, a battle that may not be settled until the final whistle of Friday's pre-season matchup with the Bombers.

Receiver

Regular starters Luke Tasker, Andy Fantuz, Bakari Grant and Brandon Banks are no doubt safe as starting Ticat receivers, but who will fit in elsewhere? Seydou Junior Haidara was acquired from the Lions and is looking to take on a much greater role as a national, while Terrence Toliver and Tiquan Underwood have already made an impact as internationals. Terrell Sinkfield and Quincy McDuffie are also x-factors in the Ticat offence.

Injuries have slowed down the Ticats' regulars so far, but Friday night could be a defining one for those vying for playing time in the Ticats' offence this season.



Montreal Alouettes

Running Back

The Alouettes appear to have four international running backs vying for three spots on the roster and a strong case can be made for each and every one. Brandon Whitaker, Brandon Rutley, Tyrell Sutton and Stefan Logan are not only looking to make the roster but become the lead back in the offence.

Is Whitaker's job totally safe? Can Rutley beat the odds and make the roster? The battle continues through camp and will culminate with Thursday night's pre-season game vs. the Argos.

Kicker

Aonther veteran whose job may not be a lock is Sean Whyte, facing stern competition from both Boris Bede and Drew Basil. Whyte has the advantage over both of having a Canadian passport, but while he's been an accurate kicker throughout his career, his leg isn't getting any stronger. Bede has a strong leg and will be one to watch on Thursday night as he looks to earn a job as a CFL place kicker.



Saskatchewan Roughriders

Offensive Line

The departures of Ben Heenan and Dominic Picard left two holes on the Riders' offensive line, particularly at the all-importance centre position. Dan Clark looks to be the favourite to win that job but he's facing competition from Corey Watman, while international tackle Levy Adcock appears to be settling into Heenan's former spot on the right side of the line.

Linebacker

Samuel Hurl, Brian Peters and Shomari Williams are all out at linebacker and while Shea Emry will fill one spot, two other linebacker positions are up for grabs. Macho Harris could play some strong-side linebacker while internationals Telvion Clark and Jeff Knox Jr. are each vying for a chance to start on the other side. Either way, expect some new blood for the Riders this season at linebacker.



Toronto Argonauts

Running Back

With Curtis Steele likely on the shelf for the first bit of the season, the Argos have an opening at tailback. Henry Josey and Lyle McCombs are the two internationals on the roster, while recent draft pick Dillon Campbell could also chip in. Chad Kackert spent time in camp with the Argos and could also be an option, although he's not currently under contract.

Returning Anthony Coombs to his natural position might make the most sense for the Argos, but then they're losing out on a receiver.

Defensive Back

The release of Alex Suber showed the Argos are happy with what they've seen from their young secondary so far this training camp, but the depth chart remains unsettled. The Argos have seven international defensive backs with two or fewer years of CFL experience, all of which are vying for a chance to start in the defensive backfield.

Receiver

For a team with few proven international receivers, the Argos' receiving corps has come much-hyped this training camp. Tori Gurley's CFL debut was eye-catching while Vidal Hazelton and Kenny Shaw have also earned an extended look at starting positions. Nationals Natey Adjei and rookie Kevin Bradfield will also look to take on an elevated role in the offence with the off-season departure of Mike Bradwell.

Many are competing for spots but few will be catching passes on opening night in Fort McMurray.



Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Receiver

Nick Moore, Clarence Denmark and Rory Kohlert will get all the looks inside, but outside there's plenty of competition for reps in the Winnipeg offence. Toney Clemons and Darvin Adams are among those competing for playing time and a chance to catch passes from Drew Willy in the regular season, and it may take Friday's pre-season finale to determine who lines up where.

Linebacker

The Bombers' linebacker corps looks a lot different with the departure of Ian Wild and Johnny Sears (a defensive back who also played some linebacker), and while free agent acquisition Samuel Hurl will occupy one spot, two starting positions remain up for grabs. Tony Burnett got some reps in the first pre-season game while nationals Garrett Waggoner and Jesse Briggs are also competing for playing time.

[B.C.FAN]

Interesting observation from Kirk Penton of the Winnipeg Sun:

Kirk Penton ‏
12 of 24 starting #Bombers positions will change in 2015.

Based on tonight's depth chart, the figure for the Lions will be 13 or 14. That's a huge turnover. All signs point to a battle for fourth place.

[DanoT]

Interesting observation from Kirk Penton of the Winnipeg Sun:

Kirk Penton ‏
12 of 24 starting #Bombers positions will change in 2015.

Based on tonight's depth chart, the figure for the Lions will be 13 or 14. That's a huge turnover. All signs point to a battle for fourth place.

I'm kinda hoping that Chapdelaine/Dorazio help the Riders make it a 3 way battle for a playoff spot.

A slow start for the Lions is what I expect, so a bye in week one is

[TheLionKing]

TORONTO -- One of the best parts of #CFLKickoff following the restless off-season is the chance to see new faces in different places across the league.

The 2015 off-season was one of change across the board for CFL teams, and it’s led to some big stars switching spots. With many players set to debut in new colours this season, we check in with each CFL team with one new face to watch this year.

WR Austin Collie, BC Lions

Collie was on the verge of stardom with the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts before being sidelined by injuries. After attempts to return with other NFL teams, Collie’s bid for a pro football comeback continues this season with the BC Lions.

Will the Hamilton, Ont. native make an impact in Jeff Tedford’s new-look Lions offence? He’s got all the tools to do it and as a national could become a go-to option on the West Coast.


RB Chad Simpson, Edmonton Eskimos

Receivers Cory Watson and Kenny Stafford are both set to make an impact for the first time in Green and Gold, but the biggest name may be Chad Simpson, now the team's starting running back. Simpson replaced the void left by the injured John White and is stepping into some pretty big shoes as he looks to lead the Esks' powerful ground game.

He's shown plenty of flash in the past, but can Simpson now step up to shoulder the load in the City of Champions?


Can Chad Simpson shoulder the Esks' offensive load in 2015?

DB Joe Burnett, Calgary Stampeders

Joe Burnett switched sides this off-season going from the Edmonton Eskimos to rival Calgary, and after winning a starting job as the Stamps’ Sam linebacker will have plenty of opportunity to make an impact.

Only a couple of years ago, Burnett was one of the CFL’s premier playmakers on defence. Will he burn his former team as the Stamps and Esks battle it out for supremacy in a heated West Division?

WR Nic Demski, Saskatchewan Roughriders

The Riders are loaded at receiver and at first glance, it seems like their first round pick Nic Demski may have trouble getting on the field. But historically the Riders have been adept at incorporating their Canadian receivers early in their careers, for example Andy Fantuz, Chris Getzlaf and Rob Bagg, to name a few.

Demski could play a role as a kick returner and could also get an opportunity in Jacques Chapdelaine’s new-look offence that will feature more passing and more touches for receivers.

OG Sukh Chungh, Winnipeg Blue Bombers

The Bombers have undergone a fairly significant transformation in the offensive trenches this off-season and while free agent signing Stanley Bryant is the first name that comes to mind, don’t underestimate the role of rookie guard and second overall pick Sukh Chungh.

Chungh is an aggressive, hard-nosed player with a nasty streak and can single-handedly change the attitude of the Bombers’ men up front, just one year after the team broke a franchise record for sacks allowed.


Can Sukh Chungh make an impact as a rookie starting guard?

WR Tiquan Underwood, Hamilton Tiger-Cats

The Ticats are deep at receiver and Tiquan Underwood is a CFL rookie, but he’s no stranger to professional football. Underwood is a total athlete and may find himself rising on the team’s receiver depth chart – some consider him a potential secret weapon this off-season.

After making an impact down south, will Underwood become a household name among CFL receivers in 2015?

DE Ricky Foley, Toronto Argonauts

This is an old new face in Toronto, as Foley is a former Argo who played an instrumental role in the team’s Grey Cup Championship in 2012. The Boatmen have many new faces this year including running back Brandon Whitaker, but Foley’s impact on a young defence should be substantial.

Foley said in the off-season he expects to have a career year with the personnel around him and the system he’s playing in, and he’d love nothing more than to do it playing for his hometown team.


Ricky Foley is back in Double Blue. What will be his impact on the Argos' young defence?

WR Chris Williams, Ottawa REDBLACKS

Of all the off-season changes, the Ottawa REDBLACKS likely made the biggest splash with the signing of Chris Williams. Williams has MOP potential with his game-breaking ability – look no further than his 2012 production as evidence.

After two years away, however, can Williams’ star power ignite the REDBLACKS in the Capital and help them become a CFL contender?

SB Fred Stamps, Montreal Alouettes

Two years ago Fred Stamps was considered a perennial number top pass-catcher in the league. His production and playing time faded last year, but could a new opportunity in a new offence rejuvenate his prolific career?

Stamps will be playing in a very talented offence along with S.J. Green and fellow newcomer and future Hall of Famer Nik Lewis, and you can bet the Als will be leaning on him to make an impact in the absence of departed superstar Duron Carter.