Ticats.ca
Justin Dunk
The ability of the Tiger-Cats defensive line has black and gold fans salivating and opposing quarterbacks quivering as training camp 2011 approaches.
Much of this excitement derives from the play of returning defensive ends Stevie Baggs and Justin Hickman. Baggs he enters into his first full season with the Tiger-Cats, having only played in the last seven games of the season after signing with Hamilton in September of last year. In his shortened season, Baggs recorded five sacks, an interception and a fumble return while scoring two defensive touchdowns in the process. Nicknamed ‘Shakespeare’ (because all he does is make plays), the dynamic pass rusher is looking to pick up where he left off last year.
Hickman has put together back-to-back impressive seasons for the Tiger-Cats in 2009 and 2010 — registering seven sacks in each of his first two seasons in the CFL. The UCLA alum has proven to be an athletic pass rusher who provided multiple game-changing plays from his end position last year. Hickman will team up with the aforementioned Baggs to make life uncomfortable for opposing CFL pivots in 2011.
Third-year defensive tackle, Demonte’ Bolden is back this year as one of the Ticats big men in the middle. In 2010, Bolden managed 39 tackles and two sacks while proving to be a disruptive force. At 6-5, 290 lbs, Bolden is a load to deal with and he will be focused on neutralizing opponents’ rushing attacks between the tackles.
Matt Kirk enters his third year wearing Ticats colours. He is hoping to shake off a nagging ankle injury and isn’t expected to be fully healthy when camp begins. When healthy, Kirk provides steady veteran play as a non-import defensive tackle and is coming off a career best season in terms of tackles, recording 27 in 2010.
The Ticats are hoping their 2010 third round draft pick, Eddie Steele, will take the next step after a year of learning the pro game on the practice roster. In an ideal scenario, Steele will play well enough in training camp to prove he is a solid rotation option at tackle and backup fellow non-import Matt Kirk.
Steele will be pushed by 2011 second round pick Maurice Forbes, who was thought by Ticats brass to be the best interior lineman available in this year’s draft. Forbes will be looking to earn a spot on the defensive line after serving as a dominating presence with Concordia.
Off-season free agent acquisitions and import defensive linemen Morrice Richardson, Albert Smith, David Hicks, Ventrell Jenkins and Darius Powell will also look to make a name for themselves at McMaster’s Ron Joyce Stadium over the next few weeks.
