Bert Faibish
Ticats.ca
With the tough task of cleaning out their lockers behind them, it’s time for the team and fans alike to start looking forward to what the 2011 season may bring.
CANADIAN CORNER
The term “ratio buster” is thrown round a lot when speaking about the CFL, but Ticats defensive back Ryan Hinds truly is a difference maker for a general manager.
After being drafted out of New Hampshire and returning for his senior season in 2009, Ryan Hinds slowly made his way onto the field for Hamilton in 2010 and after starting the season on the nine-game injured list, made his way onto the practice roster before finally playing in his first game against the B.C. Lions on September 18.
Hinds started every game after that, recording 24 tackles and making his first career interception against Edmonton on October 8.
Going into 2011, Hinds has the potential to develop into a reliable corner that will giveGM Bob O’Billovich the freedom to use import players at another position. With 2010 CFL Draft selection Chris Rwabukamba set to graduate from Duke University this year, the Ticats could be looking at a very special 1-2 punch in training camp next season.
DEFENSIVE LINE
As the season wore on this year, it was obvious that in Hamilton’s defensive line, the coaches had something special.
Garrett McIntyre and Justin Hickman responded with excellent sophomore seasons, combining for 76 tackles and 15 sacks.
In just their second year in the league, both players showed an extraordinary ability to get to the quarterback and each built on promising rookie campaigns. With the addition of Stevie Baggs and the play of Demonte’ Bolden on the inside, this could be the CFL’s most fearsome front four in 2011.
McIntyre’s ability to generate pressure from the inside allows the team to put all three pass-rushers on the field at once at times, and also to give them each a breather throughout the course of a game.
An entire training camp with his new team and the ability to play from the beginning of the season is a scary concept considering the success that Stevie Baggs had in his limited action with Hamilton.
LINEBACKERS
The one thing that fans of the Tiger-Cats can be certain of is the play of Hamilton’s linebackers both in the past and in the future.
Widely considered the best group in the league, Otis Floyd, Jamall Johnson and Markeith Knowlton had stellar seasons, culminating in an East Division Most Outstanding Defensive Player award for Knowlton, a career-high in tackles for Floyd and a second consecutive 100-tackle season for Johnson.
All three should be back in the Black and Gold in 2011 and will be looking to dominate opposing offences once again. One more year working with the same players and playing in the same defence can only make these three better, which is a truly terrifying thought if you’re a running back or quarterback getting ready to face the Tiger-Cats.
