Training camp 2025

[B.C.FAN]

Day 2 of training camp Monday featured more base install and three team sessions, but without as much energy as when the veterans first stepped on the field Sunday. It's too early to say how this year's schemes on offence and defence will differ from last year. I noticed new rushing and passing wrinkles today, but not much new on defence. I expect changes to be steadily introduced throughout the week. The preseason game in Langford is just a week away.

There were just a few changes in the first team offence on Monday. Tyler Packer split reps at centre with Michael Couture and at right guard with George Una. Those are perhaps the only starting position on offence that are up for grabs. Stanley Berryhill was at WR, after giving way to rookie Jared Gipson in the latter stages of Sunday's practice. Former Argo right tackle Dejon Allen, who has been dealing with back spasms, was again dressed but didn't participate. Chris Schleuger again took first-team reps.

Jeremiah Masoli took second team reps at QB ahead of Chase Brice, who led the second team on Sunday.

There were no changes in the first-team defence. The second team features veteran national DB Patrice Rene at nickel and rookies Kaylin Williams and A.J. Uzodinma at HB, and second-year American Jordan Perryman on the corner with rookie Robert Carter. Several of the above could be in line for roster positions.

Keon Hatcher was the most dominant offensive performer in team play. He caught a TD pass on a deep seam route on a busted coverage in the first team session. Veteran HB Jalon Edwards-Cooper and rookie nickelback Tyler Coyle were looking at each other afterwards. Hatcher also caught a TD pass in skelly and remained down for several seconds but bounced up and stayed on the field, and made several more clutch catches.

In the final team session Ayden Eberhardt made a nice deep catch against former Rider Deontai Williams, who is pencilled in at one of the cornerback spots. Veteran CB Garry Peters denied Eberhardt on a go route on the following play.

Overall, the defence won most team sessions as Nathan Rourke and Masoli struggled to connect with receivers. Offensive players won a lot of battles in 1 on 1s, but the timing and focus in the Buck Pierce offence is still missing in team play.

Second-year national receiver Ezechiel Tieide, who made the catch of the day on Sunday, almost duplicated the feat when he got behind Peters on a post pattern at the goal line, but the ball just went off his fingertips.

Again, there wasn't much special-teams work Monday. All three kickers practised field goals into a bit of a headwind. Global draft picks Ross Bolger and Mark McNamee both had more distance on their placekicks than veteran Sean Whyte, who hit a couple of uprights. I was disappointed that strong-legged second-year Global Carl Meyer, who is expected to be the punter, wasn't given a chance to placekick. Instead he held for Whyte and McNamee, while Masoli again held for Bolger.

Media in attendance Monday included Lions play-by-play broadcaster Bob Marjanovich, reporter Gemma Karstens-Smith of The Canadian Press and Marty Hastings of CFJC Kamloops, which shares its news and sports videos with Global.

Day 3 on Tuesday features a double practice starting at 8:30 a.m. Players will be in pads for the first time this week.

[Lion Guy]

Thx for the update!

[B.C.FAN]

Marty Hastings of CFJC Kamloops reports on the Irish kickers at camp:
https://cfjctoday.com/2025/05/12/irish- ... nting-gig/

[B.C.FAN]

Players donned shoulder pads for the first time this week for the second half of Tuesday morning practice, and the intensity clearly ramped up as a result.

Free-agent linebackers Josh Woods and Adam Auclair, who are both recovering from injuries, were on the field in uniform and took some light reps. I haven't heard an updated timetable for their return.

There was no change in the first-team defence. The second team features a front 7 of Kemoko Turay and Francis Bemiy at ends and Christian Covington and Marcus Moore inside, with Mike Smith Jr. and Devin Richardson at linebacker. They're all in the mix for rotational duties. The second-team secondary was unchanged from Monday.

On offence, Michael Couture was at centre and George (Anu) Una right guard. Tyler Packer, who had rotated at both positions Monday, took second-team reps at centre. Free-agent right tackle Dejon Allen, who has been plagued by back spasms, was in uniform but inactive on the sideline for a third day. Chris Schleuger continued to take reps at his position.

The highlight of the first padded team session was a Nathan Rourke TD pass to Justin McInnis on a post pattern.

McInnis also had one of the highlights of the second padded team session with a juggling catch on a ball that bounced in the air several times.

Second-year cornerback Jordan Perryman had the only interception of the day off Chase Brice, who took all second-team reps today. He and Jeremiah Masoli have been alternating daily on the second and third teams. Perryman also forced a fumble on a catch and run by rookie second-team receiver Jared Gipson.

Jordan Terrell, who has taken all second-team reps at running back behind James Butler, made a nice catch and run on a short pass to the flat.

Seven McGee, the newest player signed to the camp roster, has been making an impression on the regulars in the Hillside grandstand. He's a player to watch throughout camp and preseason. If he makes the roster, he'll likely want to keep his namesake number 77.

David Durden is another rookie receiver to watch, along with Rashard Davis, one of the contenders for kick returner, who had a couple of nice grabs.

Jermaine Jackson, another rookie receiver contending for kick returner, had a nice diving grab on a pass from Brice.

Ezechiel Tiede, who has emerged as the leading national receiver to back up McInnis and Jevon Cottoy, had a long gainer on the sideline.

Coaches have been installing a lot of new schemes on offence and defence this week. Fans should be pleased with some of the offensive schemes if they work, but overall the offence is still struggling to move the ball in team play against the defence. I hope the execution improves by Monday when Nathan Rourke and the Lions open their preseason schedule against Calgary in Langford.

One disciplinary technique introduced by the new coaching staff is that if anyone jumps offside, everyone on the team has to drop and do pushups. There were a lot of pushups Tuesday.

Special-teams practice Tuesday featured some kickoff drills, with second-year Global Carl Meyer as the kicker, and rookies Juwon Manigo, Robert Carter and Jermaine Jackson as returners, along with former NFLer Jason Huntley.

CFL teams must make their second round of camp cuts tonight but we probably won't hear anything before morning. It should be easier to evaluate players with a smaller camp roster. Having 98 players on the field, including draft picks and other non-counters, is too many.

[Qman]

Realize it’s a home game, but the game is sold out, do the 1s play in Langford?
Lions normal don’t play 1s in first preseason game but it’s is almost always on the road (Play their 1s for full half in game #2)

Is 8 days of practice enough? Calgary will most likely bring 2s and 3s.

[B.C.FAN]

Realize it’s a home game, but the game is sold out, do the 1s play in Langford?
Lions normal don’t play 1s in first preseason game but it’s is almost always on the road (Play their 1s for full half in game #2)

Is 8 days of practice enough? Calgary will most likely bring 2s and 3s.

The Lions usually take an rookie-laden roster of about 55 players on the road in the first preseason game. This is a special home game and the club has already promised that Nathan Rourke will play, so they'll have to surround him with some veteran help to at least keep him upright. Rourke hasn't worked with rookie receivers in training camp, so I don't expect him to play much but dressing some veteran receivers would help.

[SammyGreene]

Media in attendance Monday included Lions play-by-play broadcaster Bob Marjanovich, reporter Gemma Karstens-Smith of The Canadian Press and Marty Hastings of CFJC Kamloops, which shares its news and sports videos with Global.

I know Moj is technically employee of the Lions and perhaps he is not being paid to be up there. But he has shared nothing on social media on the Lions camp so far.

Key training camp battles? How is Buck running practices compared to Campbell? There should be loads of info to pass on. Thank goodness for BC FAN.

Meanwhile his colleagues in other camps like Mark Stephen (Calgary), Derek Taylor (Winnipeg) and Dave Campbell (Edmonton) are posting on a regular basis.

Thru Campbell I learned former Lion Manny Rugumba is lining up with the 2nd team defence and he interviewed Hollins yesterday about his familiarity with Maksymic’s offence. And he did have good things to say about his former team.

Hopefully him and Guilio will be doing their nightly training camp show next week. Wouldn’t be a bad idea to let your followers know.

[B.C.FAN]

How is Buck running practices compared to Campbell? There should be loads of info to pass on. Thank goodness for BC FAN.

Buck is almost invisible on the field. I think he's more of a cerebral leader who does most of his work in meetings with fellow coaches and players. In fact I had to purposely look for him today, because I hadn't noticed him on field for the past week. He just doesn't stand out. All the coaches are wearing black caps, shirts and shorts. The only way I could tell them apart from a distance is Buck has his white play sheet tucked into the back of his pants.

Assistant coaches, particularly receivers coach Kevin Bourgoin and offensive line coach Paul Charbonneau, handle most of the on-field offensive coaching, with running backs coach Kristian Matte handling his position group.

Defensive coordinator Mike Benevides is probably the most vocal coach on the field. Linebackers coach Glen Young is also prominent. Defensive backs coach Ryan Phillips takes a back seat to Benevides and has been mainly quiet.

Overall, practices are well structured. A new horn announces most key segment changes. Rick Campbell used to do that himself by standing in the middle of the field and announcing changes.

I don't expect Buck to change his personality. His offensive schemes are being installed daily. Combined with his attention to detail and discipline, the Lions could have a good year, but most teams in the West look to have improved. Only time will tell if the Lions have improved enough.

[SammyGreene]

Terrific insight as always BC FAN. Thanks

[Hambone]

I know Moj is technically employee of the Lions and perhaps he is not being paid to be up there. But he has shared nothing on social media on the Lions camp so far.

Key training camp battles? How is Buck running practices compared to Campbell? There should be loads of info to pass on. Thank goodness for BC FAN.

Meanwhile his colleagues in other camps like Mark Stephen (Calgary), Derek Taylor (Winnipeg) and Dave Campbell (Edmonton) are posting on a regular basis.

Thru Campbell I learned former Lion Manny Rugumba is lining up with the 2nd team defence and he interviewed Hollins yesterday about his familiarity with Maksymic’s offence. And he did have good things to say about his former team.

Hopefully him and Guilio will be doing their nightly training camp show next week. Wouldn’t be a bad idea to let your followers know.

No idea what Moj or Guilio do with their time when not covering the Lions or doing PxP. I think Moj covers other sports and leagues as part of his podcasts. Guilio used to be a firefighter but I think has retired. For them to do what the likes of Stephen, Taylor and Campbell do they have to leave home for 3 weeks. Those other guys can walk out their front in the morning, pop down to the stadium for practice and a few interviews and be back home by mid afternoon. Next day wash, rinse, repeat. I expect Moj for one will show up at camp probably after the first preseason game. And of course the Lions have their main media guy Matt Baker putting together content each and every day.

[B.C.FAN]

Day 4 of training camp opened Wednesday morning with a slimmed-down roster of 90 players, of whom I counted about 86 in uniform. Injured linebackers Josh Woods and Adam Auclair weren't in uniform.

National defensive end Francis Bemiy was the only recognizable name among the 9 players cut Wednesday.

For the second straight day, players were in pads for the second half of practice. The intensity ramped up a bit as a result, but practice still involved a lot of install.

The offence continued to struggle to execute the Buck Pierce offence in team play, and defensive backs had a feast day on passes of over 10 yards. Nathan Rourke's first pass was overthrown and bounced off the chest of safety Christophe Beaulieu. Beaulieu made up for it later with two interceptions, one off Rourke on a corner route to Keiran Poissant at the goal line and one off Chase Brice, which he returned down the sideline. Patrice Rene later intercepted a lame duck from Brice.

Rookie DB Robert Carter later dropped a potential interception from Brice, and Garry Peters dropped a potential interception from Brice.

Rourke had more success on underneath routes to Jevon Cottoy, Stanley Berryhill and James Butler. He finally connected with Keon Hather on a post pattern in the final team session in a rare downfield completion.

Berryhill made a nice TD catch on a 50-50 ball against rookie cornerback Myles Brooks.

Brice also connected on a deep pass to Seven McGee.

Jeremiah Masoli, who has been alternating with Brice, took second-team reps and had more success throwing downfield, hitting rookies Hayden Hatten and Jermaine Jackson on post patterns.

Rookie defensive lineman Tre Crawford had one of two knockdowns at the line.

Former Argo tackle Dejon Allen, who has been dealing with back spasms, was a limited participant the first time but still spent most of the morning on the sideline. Tyler Packer and Anu Una shared first-team reps at right guard. There were no other changes in the first-team offence.

In addition to Masoli, the second-team offence consisted of Jordan Terrell at running back, Rysen John, David Durden, Jermaine Jackson, Jared Gipson and Ezechiel Tieide at receiver, Tyran Hunt at left tackle, Andrew Peirson at left guard, Packer at centre, David Foucault at right guard and Blaine Hoover at right tackle.

On defence, Jeremy Lewis took first-team reps at linebacker ahead of Ben Hladik. Defensive end Julian Falaniko was a limited participant. II didn't notice any other changes.

Wednesday's practice gave more time to special teams, including the first full punt practice of camp, with second-year South African Carl Meyer punting and veteran Kyle Nelson snapping on the first team. Irish kickers Ross Bolger and Mark McNamee also punted, and Riley Pickett and Cam Foran also snapped. With a bit of a tailwind, the punters did well to angle the ball to the short sideline, but struggled with distance and consistency. Meyer eventually hit a couple of nice spiral punts of over 50 yards.

Jason Huntley, Juwan Manigo, Rashard Davis, Jermaine Jackson and Jalen Sample were returners. Sample fumbled one punt. Which was recovered by the kicking team.

Players will be back on the field Thursday for another double practice beginning at 8:30 a.m.

[SammyGreene]

Ahhh we are finally back. Thanks D!
More terrific stuff BC FAN.
Bemiy‘s release makes it 2 top end defensive lineman draft picks released in consecutive years joining Daniel Joseph.
Just disastrous drafting. Fortunately they are getting contribution from some late picks and of course done very well in free agency.

I see they have signed yet another receiver today ( Preston Smith). Obviously they are not completely satisfied with the new receivers they currently have and perhaps Buck & staff think their 4th or 5th veteran receivers (Eberhardt & Berryhill) aren’t good enough.

Good to see the club has re-upped with CKNW for another 2 years.

[B.C.FAN]

Day 5 of training camp Thursday featured more work in pads and on special teams as the Lions prepare for an early opening of the preseason schedule Monday in Langford. Chase Brice took his turn running the second-team offence Thursday, but Nathan Rourke got extra reps to familiarize himself with second- and third-teamers who will likely be on the roster with him Monday.

As SammyGreene mentioned, small-school rookie receiver Preston Smith is a late addition to the roster. The only other change is that defensive back Johnny Dixon, who was suspended and then reinstated, has switched numbers to 39 from 34.

Ex-Argo Dejon Allen was still in uniform but not participating. Injured linebackers Josh Woods and Adam Auclair were not in uniform, and worked out together in the end zone.

Tyler Packer, the biggest offensive lineman at a listed weight of 332 lbs., again shared first-team reps at centre with Michael Couture and at right guard with 2024 first-round draft pick Anu Una. There were no other changes in the first-team offence.

On defence, disruptive former Hamilton Ticat Tre Crawford, who was a training camp cut last year by Saskatchewan, took first team reps at defensive end ahead of Sione Teuhema, while Devin Richardson stepped in at weakside linebacker ahead of Ben Hladik, who has been bumped to the second team.

The defence is still ahead of the offence at this stage of camp, but the offence has been developing more consistency with the short passing game. Keon Hatcher and Justin McInnis are still the Lions' featured receivers but there has been much less of the intermediate and deep passing success that the Lions were known for in recent years. Still, Rourke managed to connect with Hatcher on a vertical route in tight coverage by Jalon Edwards-Cooper in the final team session.

Jeremiah Masoli, taking third-team reps, hit Jared Gipson on a post pattern in double coverage.

WR Ayden Eberhardt had two of the biggest receptions in team play with a long gain on a shallow crosser in man coverage against Garry Peters, and followed with a diving sideline grab on deep out against rookie Tyler Coyle, who has been the leading contender for nickelback.

Lucky Seven McGee, who has been making plays all week, had a nice leaping catch and run on a pass from Jeremiah Masoli on the third team.

James Butler, who has taken all first-team reps at running back, had a long run through the A gap with Packer at centre and fellow 330-pounder Kory Woodruff at left guard, where he has taken all first-team reps.

Rourke had the biggest play of the day with a 70-yard rushing TD up the middle on what may have been a quarterback draw with Couture at centre and Packer at right guard.

Impressive rookie DB Robert Carter had the only interception on the day when he came across to steal a deep sideline pass. Fellow rookie second-teamer Jaylin Williams had a nice knockdown.

Players will be back on the field at 9:45 a.m. Friday.

[Toppy Vann]

If Buck's offense is similar/close to what he ran with the Bombers then for sure it will take time to get everyone on the same page timing wise including QBs.

These are excellent reports BC Fan.

[DanoT]

With B.C. Fan's excellent reporting, I feel like I get more out of his reports than if I was actually there watching in person. Keep the reports coming B.C. Fan.