With plenty of defensive backs coming to camp to contend for roster spots, this may be the most competitive position battle on the team.
In the middle, the safety position will be manned by a Canadian player, with former first overall pick Dylan Barker, Sandy Beveridge, Marc Beswick, Jonathan Hood and Raymond Wladichuk in the mix. Ryan Hinds, the team’s second round pick in 2009, may also be a factor at safety, although he’s expected to get most of his work at cornerback. Hinds is a potential ratio-breaker — a Canadian player with the ability to play at a position normally held by an import.
Barker will be asked to show the skills that made him a first overall selection in 2008 but will have veteran Sandy Beveridge pushing him and gunning for the starting spot he earned after last year’s camp. In 2009, Beveridge recorded 41 tackles, one sack and 2 interceptions last season at the safety position.
Wladichuk is another ’09 draft pick that returned to school last year and will be looking to crack the opening day roster.
Returning imports Jykine Bradley and Geoff Tisdale will be looking to build on strong ’09 seasons that saw them record two and three interceptions respectively while turning in strong play from the db position.
Veteran off-season acquisitions Jason Shivers, Will Poole and Jermome Dennis will be asked to come in and lead the secondary with their physical play.
Shivers and Poole were tackling machines for the Argos last season, recording 64 and 54 tackles from the secondary.
Dennis was acquired in a trade this off-season that saw the Ticats ship LB Dennis Haley to BC. Dennis is a long time special teams standout and is going to have to show strong play in that area to earn a roster spot in camp.
New arrivals Rodney Van, William Heyward and Richie Rich will have to show off the skills that earned them an invite to camp this season and will have to beat out LaRoche Jackson and Tony Davis, who spent parts of last season on the practice roster learning the game and waiting for an opportunity.
