By: Justin Boone
jboone@ticats.ca
In just over two weeks you’ll be taking your seat at Ivor Wynne Stadium getting ready for the Tabbies to come charging out of the tunnel and take the field to kickoff the CFL’s regular season against the Alouettes.
With 16 days between now and then, the depth chart is beginning to fill out and match-ups are becoming more and more intriguing. So as these camp battles ramp up, let’s focus in on some of the duels you should be watching at training camp.
DE Nautyn McKay-Loescher vs. LT Jonta Woodard
In his first full season as a starter, Nautyn was the Cats main pass rushing presence tallying 11 sacks in 2007, the fifth most in the CFL. In camp, he lines up against the very physical blocker in Jonta, who has the ability to dominate pass rushers with his size and strength. The pairing works well for both men as they are complete opposites. Nautyn relies on his speed and elusiveness to get to the quarterback, while Jonta positions himself well and once he gets his hands on you the next stop is often pancaked on the ground.
DT Alex Guerrero vs. C Marwan Hage and RG George Hudson
Alex is a very energetic young tackle who has his hands full going up against two talented veterans in Marwan and George. Although Alex describes himself as a “motor guy,” who is never going to give you less than 100 percent, he’s facing a duo that between them share three nominations for CFL Most Outstanding Lineman. It’s a clash of big bodies on the interior of the line, neither side wanting to give up any ground, but off the field there may not be three more entertaining characters on the team.
LB Zeke Moreno vs. QB Casey Printers
It’s a case of the offensive and defensive leaders, with Zeke and Casey directing traffic at the line of scrimmage before each down. Both players were new to the team in 2007, and have used this training camp to assume that leadership role on their sides of the ball. This is definitely the least exciting match-up in terms of contact though since QBs have an invisible force field around them at camp, so even when Casey does tuck the ball down and run, Zeke can only tag him off. He’ll save the big hits for Henry Burris and Kerry Joesph.
LB Ray Mariuz vs. RB Jesse Lumsden
A couple of players familiar with the Mac campus are getting plenty of face time this year. Jesse is a household name and is poised for a breakout season in ’08, but Ray’s story might be the more captivating of the two. The sixth year linebacker, who has been primarily a special teams guy, is expected to start at weak side linebacker for the Tabbies. With plenty of Jesse’s carries going to the left side, Ray has been running into his old pal a lot more often.
DB Dylan Barker vs. WR Chris Bauman
Normally the 6’4 Bauman enjoys a height advantage over defensive backs, but not against Dylan Barker, who is also 6’4. When Bauman has gone down the seam and faced Dylan it’s been a dogfight downfield, a subconscious competition for who should really have first overall bragging rights. Bauman does have an edge being in his second year, and Dylan’s inexperience in coverage does show at times, but keep your eyes on both as training camp progresses.
DB Jykine Bradley vs. WR Jason French
In limited playing time last season, Bradley and French were very productive. French had 34 catches for 417 yards and four touchdowns. Bradley dressed for the final two games, and started the season finale, pulling down an interception. As they hunt for more playing time this year, they’ve had to go head-to-head quite a bit, providing good action down the sidelines for the fans in attendance. Expect both players to get their wishes granted and be rewarded with more time on the field during this campaign.
Easier Said Than Done
(Quote of the Week)
“I like to interact with the players on a personal level. Mentally I’m probably about the same age as they are, which is about twelve (laughs). Being an ex-player, I understand what they’re going through, so sometimes I know when to push, or to pull back, or to give a compliment. They’re a great group of guys to work with .”
Defensive line coach John Kropke explaining how he relates to his defensive linemen. Kropke is new to the team this year and is only ten years removed from his CFL playing days. He also boasts a very lighthearted personality.
In Case You Blinked
(News from the Week)
The Argos had running back Tyler Ebell penciled in as their starter headed into the pre-season, but last week Ebell ruptured his Achilles tendon and is now out for the year, leaving the ball carrying duties in the hands of an unproven cast. Their current backfield includes Jamal Robertson, Da’Shawn Thomas, Jeff Johnson, Andre Durie, Dominique Dorsey, Bryan Crawford, and recently signed Ciatrick Fason.
My Favourite TigerTown Moment
If you haven’t already, be sure to get your best Tiger-Cats memory in before the contest closes June 26, 2008.
Which camp match-ups have you enjoyed the most? Send your e-mails, comments, or questions to jboone@ticats.ca
