Bert Faibish
Ticats.ca
Sometimes it takes more than ability to make an impact on the starting roster of a CFL team. Sometimes it takes opportunity.
“We had a couple of our receivers get nicked up over the season and Marquay McDaniel and Drisan James stepped up and did a terrific job,” said Bob O’Billovich, General Manager of the Tiger-Cats.
Led the CFL with 2,535 combined yards.
James and McDaniel have taken different routes to arrive in Hamilton. James attended big-name Boise State and played an integral role in their 2007 Fiesta Bowl victory over Oklahoma while McDaniel attended smaller Hampton University and set numerous school records as a receiver.
Both players performed well last season and look to make bigger impacts this year with a full season of CFL football under their belts.
“Your sophomore year, once you come back, have your training camp and really know your team… that’s usually the time you have the most growth so we’re looking forward to that,” said Head Coach Marcel Bellefeuille.
The idea that McDaniel could be even more effective with a full season under his belt is a scary thought considering the excellent numbers he put up in 2009 when he hauled in 58 passes for 688 yards.
“Marquay is a very dependable guy,” said O’Billovich. “He’s a blue-collar worker that makes the most out of what he’s got.”
James only played in nine games last season due to injury but got stronger every game and shone in Hamilton’s playoff loss to B.C., leading the team with 9 receptions for 120 yards.
With their rookie seasons now behind them, James and McDaniel have coaches and fans excited about their potential this season.
“Marquay was already probably our most consistent receiver last season,” said Offensive Coordinator Mike Gibson. ” I think Drisan is just scratching the surface of what he can do.”
Both players were extremely productive in college and are looking to build on last year to try and become the dynamic, reliable players that the Ticats need them to be.
“Last year was really a learning year for me,” said McDaniel. “Now I’m comfortable with the game, I know our offense and I know what defenses are trying to do to me,” he said.
James is relieved to have that first year out of the way. This season he wants to work on developing a leadership his role with the team.
“I want to become somebody that the team can look up to rather than coach this year,” said James. “If there’s a young guy that doesn’t know something about one of the rules I want to be able to take them aside and teach them what I know.”
