It Takes A Special Breed…

Ticats.ca
Justin Dunk

Special teams is a matter of will, not a matter of talent or physical capabilities, but make no mistake — it takes a talented player to compete on the special units in the CFL.  However, the athletes who are great special teams players in the CFL have an unwavering desire to compete.

“We’re looking for guys who have a passionate determination to go down and get the ball,” special teams coordinator and assistant head coach Brad Miller said after practice on Wednesday.

There is nothing flashy about running down and covering a kickoff, punt or missed field goal, but the best way for a rookie to break into the league and earn his coaches trust is by taking care of his assignments on the special forces.

Tiger-Cats linebacker and special teams ace Yannick Carter, who is entering his fifth CFL season, has built a strong reputation as a reliable player to line up on kickoff, punt and kick cover units.

“Special teams on the field is one of the toughest things I have ever had to experience in my life,” Carter said. “On defence, if you make a mistake you have the next play to redeem yourself, but on special teams it’s one play so you have to give it your all at that moment.”

A strong mental makeup is required to become a legit and productive special forces player.

“You’ve got to be determined and you’ve got to be strong in the mind because there will be times where you’ll be running down field and all of a sudden a guy will come out of nowhere and ear-hole you, so you have to be mentally prepared to get back up and fight hard,” Carter said.

“Also, know that your physical training you put in during the off-season is going to pay off in the long run.”

The Laurier product changed up his training regimen while preparing for the 2011 CFL season, which included Muay Thai fitness training in Milton five times a week. The switch in training techniques has the savy teamer feeling bigger, stronger and faster coming into training camp this year.

“So far in practice I feel so much more at ease in terms of the amount of reps that we’re taking, running down field full speed and being able to come back and do it again for a second set,” Carter explained. “Last year I kind of struggled with my stamina, but this year I feel like I’ve gotten that edge on the competition.”  

Carter’s experience and leadership will be valuable assets to the Ticats this season, as the team will need to replace last year’s special teams captain Ray Mariuz after he retired last month.  

“Ray was a great player, I’m not trying to fill his shoes, I’m not trying to re-live his legacy that he left here with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the CFL,” Carter said. “I’m trying to create that of my own and I’m really looking forward to doing that… everyone wants to elevate their game to the next level.”

Ticats rookies are battling to earn a spot on special teams just as Carter did five years ago as a first year player with Saskatchewan. The competition to win a job on Miller’s special teams units has been intense in the early stages of camp.

“There’s been so much talent and we are still well within the context of teaching phase. We have a lot of guys who are putting out a tremendous amount of effort.  When we get to the Black and Gold scrimmage we’ll have a better chance to evaluate,” Miller said.

Although, one rookie has stood out to the five-year veteran with his special teams efforts.

“Brandon Denson, he has a great ability to get down field, very physical, very powerful and explosive guy,” Carter said. “Even when he gives me a show look on the scout team it’s hard to block against him.”

Kick cover hopefuls will be tested each and every day in practice by having to track down the Tiger-Cats own explosive kick returner, Marcus Thigpen.

“That guy [Thigpen], he can stop on a dime and he’s full speed in the opposite direction before you can even blink, you get your practice in against him because there is a lot of returners in the league that will do that to you,” Carter said. “Having a guy in practice that will give you a good look is real important.”

BLACK AND GOLD DAY THIS SATURDAY!

MULTIMEDIA

TRAINING CAMP NOTES

• DB Chris Rwabukamba stood out on Wednesday.  The rookie from Duke made a great interception during the first fire period and later showed excellent coverage skills to knock down a long pass that seemed destined for Maurice Mann’s hands
• Jason Boltus and Aaron Kelly connected on a huge completion that demonstrated Boltus’ powerful arm and Kelly’s ability to separate from defenders
• Defensive tackle Demonte Bolden earned Coach Bellefeuille’s praise by hustling to track down Quinton Porter as the veteran pivot scrambled to find an open receiver
• PLAY OF THE DAY: Arland Bruce III can be relied upon to make a spectacular catch during virtually every practice.  On Wednesday, he made an unbelievable grab that drew cheers from his teammates and the fans in the stands.  With Bruce working down the field against DB Carlos Thomas, Kevin Glenn launched a pass about 30 yards downfield.  With one hand, Bruce reached around Thomas’ back and hauled in the ball.