Bert Faibish
Ticats.ca
Whether its Marc Beswick’s two picks on Sunday, newly re-signed Jykine Bradley’s pair of interceptions on Monday or Will Poole’s pick on Tuesday morning, the defensive back position has provided arguably the most heated competition in camp, with a different standout each day.
“We’re happy with the group that we have, we’ve got a good mix of veterans and young guys that are trying to work their way into this league, so it’s created some good battles and healthy competition,” said Defensive Coordinator Greg Marshall.
When one player in the secondary makes a play, the others try even harder to one up them with a play of their own.
Even though the secondary has been doing a superb job of working together as a unit, some of the vets are noticing that the competition level in camp is higher than ever.
“This season is a lot different, you can feel that it’s a lot more competitive,” said sixth-year defensive back Jykine Bradley.
“We have a bunch of good guys out there and we’re all competing but at the same time we’re working together to make each other better,” he added.
With fourteen players competing for a limited number of spots in the secondary, the players know that a bad day at practice can be devastating but only if you let it get to you.
“As a defensive back you have to have a short memory and if you make a mistake you have to go in the film room, find out what the mistake was and correct it,” said Bradley.
Even newcomers know that the defense is expected to perform at a high level this season after making strides last year.
“The competition in camp is high because the expectations for this team are very high,” said rookie defender Will Heyward.
“You just want to come out to practice everyday and make plays,” he said.
With such a talented crop of new, young defensive backs, the veterans of last year’s team have had to bring their ‘A’ game on every play or risk losing their spots.
“The vets know that if they let up and aren’t playing they way they’re capable of playing, there’s somebody nipping at their heels and wants their spot,” said Marshall.
Just because you were a starter last season doesn’t mean that you’re assured a place on the field. According to Marshall, the best player will play.
“It’s still going to come down to the guy that performs during camp and during the exhibition games that will get the opportunity to line up on opening day.”
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TODAY’S MULTIMEDIA
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Photo Gallery: June 8 |
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Ticats TV: Training Camp Report, Day 3 |
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Ticats TV: Justin Hickman Helmet Cam |
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OTHER NEWS AND NOTES:
- Three new players were on the field with the Ticats this morning. Imports Ed Berry and Amarri Jackson joined the receiving corps while University of Ottawa quarterback Brad Sinopoli took in his first professional practice. Sinopoli will practice and attend meetings with the Black and Gold until the end of training camp, before returning to Ottawa with some pro experience under his belt.
- Head Coach Marcel Bellefeuille gave his players a bit of a break on Tuesday, as the team was only on the field for approximately 2.5 hours without pads. Coach Bellefeuille wanted to give players a chance to recuperate after two days of intense work on the field and the team’s first exhibition game just five days away.
- DT Albert Smith and DE Jason Vega were spectators today. They’re considered day-to-day with minor injuries.
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TOMORROW’S SCHEDULE: The Ticats will be on the field from 8:05-12:35pm on Wednesday for back-to-back power practices. Current weather forecasts call for a 90% chance of light rain with a temperature of 14*C.
