Lions mini-camp April 28-29
Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2016 7:04 pm
The Lions have taken a different approach this year with their mini-camp, scheduled for April 28 and 29 at their Surrey practice facility.
Altogether, less than two dozen players are invited to the mini-camp. The full list can be found here.“Usually this camp has featured veteran players with select rookies,” says director of player personnel Neil McEvoy. “This year it’s the opposite; rookies featured along with select veterans.”
Players from last year’s roster that will attend include quarterback Greg McGhee as well as T-Dre Player, Hunter Steward and Jas Dhillon.
McGhee will be joined by fellow pivot and former Washington Huskies standout Keith Price, whom the Lions agreed to terms with in March.
“The goal with these QBs is to just give them the right start that they need and get them all the tools so they can run the offence,” says offensive coordinator Khari Jones. “The more these guys are able to hear what you’re trying to do with the offence the more they can absorb things first hand and not just be at home but be around the other coaches and at the facility. It’s a real bonus.”
Jones is also excited to evaluate the crop of first-year receivers the club was able to recruit throughout the off-season. Those include Kendrick Ings, Uzoma Nwachuku, and Colin Lockett, all of whom have NFL experience.
“You hear a lot about guys and their accolades and what they’ve done in the past, but nothing takes the place of your own eyes and seeing first hand how big they are, how truly fast they are and how they catch the ball. All of those things come into effect,” the former quarterback says.
The format of mini-camp differs slightly from main camp itself and regular practices. The players will perform some on-field drills without pads or contact. A large portion of the event also includes film study and classroom sessions. The idea is to have every player involved get a feel for being around the club before reporting to training camp at the end of May. The expectation is for every guy attending to also move on to Kamloops.