Justin Dunk
CFL.ca
Throw all of the pressure and intensity out the window — Marc Mueller had nothing but a good time.
“It was a really cool weekend, an action packed weekend,” said Mueller one of two Canadian quarterbacks invited to the 2011 CFL Evaluation camp. “A lot of people tell me it’s very nerve wracking, I had nothing but fun.”
“To be able to compete against the other best athletes coming out in Canada in the draft this year, it was perfect for me to grow as a football player and as an athlete.”
-Marc Mueller, QB, Regina
Mueller soaked up and took in all he could during the three-day event in Toronto.
“To be able to compete against the other best athletes coming out in Canada in the draft this year, it was perfect for me to grow as a football player and as an athlete.”
Mueller has some rich CFL bloodlines — he is the late Ron Lancaster’s grandson.
“To me he was just my grandpa. He wasn’t the big star,” said Mueller. “I didn’t know any different and he was like that up until he passed away.”
As CFL fans know Lancaster was a standout pivot during his playing days with the Ottawa and Saskatchewan Roughriders. He won two Grey Cups under centre and was the first quarterback in the history of the Canadian league to pass for 50,000 yards.
Lancaster was American, but he had to battle through some questions about his small stature before breaking in to the league. Decades later, his grandson, Mueller stands about 5’ 10” tall, and is saddled with questions surrounding the ability of a Canadian quarterback making a career — at the game’s most important position — in the CFL.
“I think more teams would definitely carry one if the Canadian quarterback counted towards the ratio. It would be an incentive to do so,” said Mueller. “I think the main reason [that teams don’t] is the rules.”
The Regina Rams signal caller had a chance to meet with three different CFL teams, Hamilton, Toronto and Edmonton over the course of E-Camp weekend.
“It was like three job interviews and I think it prepared me for all aspects of life not only football,” said Mueller.
Finally the quarterbacks were able to hit the field on Sunday Mar. 6, at E-Camp and Mueller found his passing rhythm as the throwing drills progressed.
“I was a little nervous getting adjusted to the new balls, but I competed to the best of my ability a lot of the guys got open and made it easy for the quarterbacks.”
Mueller was thrilled just to have the chance to participate at E-Camp.
“When you look back two, three years ago they didn’t even bring Canadian quarterbacks to the combine. Just to be invited is a great honour.”
Joining Mueller at E-Camp and also putting his quarterbacking talents on display in front of CFL brass was Hec Crighton winner Brad Sinopoli of the Ottawa Gee Gees.
“It was fun, they pushed the pace and expect a lot,” said Sinopoli of the on-field throwing session at E-Camp. “Every single throw they expect it to be right on the money.”
Despite winning the Hec Crighton award in 2010, Sinopoli is the kind of prospect who is never content with his skill set.
“[CFL teams] were talking to me about playing quarterback and what I need to do between now and if I get in to a camp,” said Sinopoli. “It was good to hear their input.”
The Peterborough native met with six of the eight CFL franchises. Including all of the Eastern division teams as well as Saskatchewan and Winnipeg. During the interviews teams asked Sinopoli what he thought he needed to work on to push himself to the next level.
“I said it’s accuracy. At that level the game speeds up, so accuracy is so important. You have to make sure you are putting the ball where it should be.”
In each of the two seasons that Sinopoli has been the starter at Ottawa his team has made the playoffs. And at the end of the day it’s simple – quarterbacks have to win.
“When you win games I think it’s contagious for everyone else around you,” said Sinopoli. “Coaches obviously want to see quarterbacks get it done.”
Always a difficult task for pivots, throwing at E-Camp, is trying to get on the same page with new receivers.
“It’s a little weird, but you have no other then choice to adapt quickly,” said Sinopoli “You just focus on getting the ball where it should be.”
Wearing number two at E-camp, Sinopoli certainly showed he has the tools needed to excel at the CFL level. He displayed plenty of arm strength, the pace on his throws seemed effortless – both on the run and in the pocket – while showing smooth throwing mechanics.
The Gee Gee pivot’s performance at E-Camp has some knowledgeable analysts believing he will have his named called during the 2011 CFL draft.
“You have to earn your spot. I’m extremely proud to be playing in Canada,” said Sinopoli. “If I could change my life and grow up in the United States I wouldn’t do that — I love the Canadian game.”
Justin Dunk is a former quarterback for the University of Guelph Gryphons. He is currently the Sports and Health Editor for The Ontarion, the University of Guelph’s Student Newspaper, and the host of GryphTalk Fridays at noon on CFRU 93.3FM.He has also blogged for The Score’s University Rush. Follow Justin on twitter @JDunk12.
