Bert Faibish
Ticats.ca
Training Camp Primer: Offensive line
Without the offensive line, nothing happens, period. Lucky for Ticats fans then, that the team will have a solid group of returning veterans in camp.
The Ticats expect to populate their offensive line predominantly with Canadians, with an import player at right tackle, similar to last season. The Canadian contingent, featuring veterans Alexandre Gauthier, Marwan Hage, George Hudson and Peter Dyakowski will be challenged by young Canucks Simeon Rottier, Matt Morencie, Zac Carlson and Cody Husband.
Gauthier solidified the left tackle position in 2009 after leaving the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and signing with the Ticats as a free agent. Hage was rewarded with a contract extension in May after he enjoyed one of his best seasons as a pro last year, earning the team’s nomination for Most Outstanding Lineman as well as Most Outstanding Canadian. Dyakowski has held down the left guard spot for a majority of the last three seasons. Hudson enters his 11th CFL season capable of playing multiple positions across the line.
Rottier started three games during his rookie season in 2009, proving that he is able to compete when called upon. Rottier should have a serious chance of earning a more prominent role during training camp. Zac Carlson, who spent last season on the injured list, and Matt Morencie, drafted by the B.C. Lions in 2009, will also be competing for a spot on the 46-man roster.
At right tackle, Jason Jimenez is the leading candidate to start following the departure of Dan Goodspeed. Rookie imports Cody Balogh, Lawrence Lovell, Matt Spanos and potentially one more free agent will push Jimenez in camp. Jimenez spent the last four seasons with the B.C. Lions, earning recognition as a West Division and CFL All-Star in 2008.
The offensive line will receive direction from a new voice this season, as veteran coach Steve Buratto has joined the Black and Gold’s staff as Offensive Line Coach. Buratto has almost three decades of CFL coaching experience.
For Your Information:
- The Ticats have two former first overall selections on the O-line in Rottier (2009) and Gauthier (2002)
- Peter Dyakowski is the first Canadian to earn a football scholarship at LSU, where he played four seasons
- Matt Morencie won the J.P. Metras Trophy with Windsor last season as the CIS Lineman of the Year
