Follow CFL

© 2026 CFL. All rights reserved.

Offensive Line Bonding During Camp

Bert Faibish
Ticats.ca

In a sport where praise is heaped upon the stars of the game and players seek to be the centre of attention, the attitudes of offensive linemen are the exception to the rule.

“We just try not to be mentioned, whenever you hear our name’s mentioned it means we’re doing the wrong thing,” said Ticats offensive lineman Marwan Hage.

The time during training camp is key for everyone on the team to develop a chemistry, but especially vital for the offensive line, who need to work as one to be successful.

“It’s very important to use training camp to get everything in order, get the steps together and get as many reps in as we can,” said Hage.

Newcomers like Jason Jimenez need to become comfortable with their linemates quickly in order to reach the comfort level that will allow them to play at a high level and achieve success this season.

“We’re gelling really well, the chemistry along the offensive line is really good,” said Jimenez.

“When I’m in there with Simeon or George at my side we’re communicating well and we’re talking about things on and off the field,” added Jimenez.

The process of developing chemistry as a unit takes place both on and off the football field.  It’s important for players to form a bond with one another as they get ready to enter the season.

“So far we’ve gone out to eat as a group twice, we went to see a movie the other day, a good number of us have been out together and I’m sure it will continue all season long,” said Jimenez.

Younger offensive linemen trying to make the final roster have their work cut out for them, as the current unit is made up of proven veterans with impressive résumés. 

Digesting all the information being thrown at them is the first step. 

“There a ton of installs to go over every night,” said rookie Matt Morencie.  “Coach always says that being confident is the best way to approach the practice field, so if I know what I’m doing my skills and abilities can show after that,” he added.

Luckily for Morencie, the veterans on the team haven’t had a problem taking him under their wing.

“The vets have been phenomenal, I didn’t know what to expect coming in but I’d heard they were a bunch of good guys,” he said.

As the dog days of training camp wind down, the time that teammates spend together will go a long way towards the way the teams performs in the regular season.  

—

TODAY’S MULTIMEDIA

 

Photo Gallery: Training Camp June 17
Ticats TV: June 17 Training Camp Report
Ticats TV Camp Profile: RB Demetris Summers

—

 OTHER NEWS AND NOTES:

  • Veteran linebacker Otis Floyd, not exactly a silent member of the team, had an exceptionally loud day on Thursday.  Floyd recorded a pair of sacks, including one that would have resulted in a safety, and wasn’t afraid to let everyone present at Ron Joyce Stadium know about it.
  • The day began with just DT Albert Smith and WR Adam Nicolson on the sidelines.  They were eventually joined by receivers Drisan James and Chris Bauman.
  • Bob Young was present for the first session this morning.

—

TOMORROW’S SCHEDULE: The Tiger-Cats will be on the field for two hours on Friday, from 8:05 am to 10:05 am at Ron Joyce Stadium.  The forecast calls for sunny skies with a temperature of 18*C.