Mark Stephen
CFL.ca
The Calgary Stampeders knew they would have to find a replacement for departed offensive lineman Ben Archibald who joined the BC Lions as a free agent in the off-season. What they didn’t know is they might have to find a replacement for his replacement.
The Stamps will be without offensive lineman Edwin Harrison for all of training camp and part of the regular season. Harrison recently suffered torn pectoral muscles during an off-season workout in Houston. The injury opens up a spot for another lineman at the vital left tackle spot.
“We’re going to keep Edwin down in Texas for the next few weeks,” noted Calgary General Manager and Head Coach John Hufnagel. “Really, the best we can do for that injury is rest for a few weeks, then we’ll get him on a rehab program. If he came up here, he would see all the guys on the field and athletes being athletes, he would want to push it.”
Candidates to fill that left tackle spot include returnee Stanley Bryant and Gerald Cadogan, who was on the practice roster for several weeks last year. But overall, the Stamps offensive line may undergo a change.
The team has added several top prospects from recent Canadian drafts including J’Michael Deane and John Bender, both 2010 draft choices, recently signed. The Stampeders are excited about their potential but it is unclear exactly how much they will contribute this year.
The Stamps are also weighing their ratio options along the offensive line. They will let training camp decide if they play two imports or only one at left tackle.
Another Stampeder battle will be in the secondary, particularly at the corner.
Brandon Browner (National Football League) and Dwight Anderson (free agent to Montreal) have both departed. The team signed Geoff Tisdale from Hamilton to take Browner’s spot and second year back Johnny Dixon is the front runner for the position left vacant by Anderson’s absence.
The team has listed fifteen backs to compete for the various positions. Newcomers who will receive long looks include Darren Stone (Maine) and Greg Fassitt (Grambling State).
There will also be a battle for time on the defensive line. The departure of underrated Tom Johnson (NFL) creates a big vacancy. The team has loaded up with prospects at the inside spot. Veteran Devone Claybrooks is on top of the depth chart — for now. What emerges by June 25 remains to be seen.
Other players who will receive plenty of attention at camp including receiver-returner Larry Taylor and highly-touted draft choice Anthony Parker.
Taylor is expected to contribute immediately on special teams while Parker’s contributions will depend on how quickly he adjusts to the professional game.
The roster turnover is something Hufnagel and crew have been preparing for.
“There is change every season. There is never going to be a camp where there is no change. The young players on your football team will thrive at the opportunity they may have,” added Hufnagel, who is entering his fourth season as leader of the Stamps.
Despite the holes in the roster, Hufnagel can be secure in the knowledge that he has an experienced core of returning players, particularly on offense.
Quarterback Henry Burris is entering his 13th CFL season and his tenth with Calgary. Running back Joffrey Reynolds is back for an eighth season as is receiver Nik Lewis. Speedy receiver Ken Yon Rambo returns for a seventh season.
At least John Hufnagel isn’t seeking to replace those players this year – or their replacements.
