Mark Stephen
CFL.ca
Entering training camp, it’s safe to say that most young Canadian hopefuls are facing intense scrutiny.
None, however, may be faced with more than Stampeders rookie Canadian quarterback Brad Sinopoli.
His head coach John Hufnagel had a long, distinguished career as a CFL quarterback. His position coach Dave Dickenson is a former CFL Most Outstanding Player (2000) and Grey Cup MVP (2006). And to top it off starting quarterback Henry Burris is the current CFL MOP.
So with all those eyes and expectations fixated on him, how are things progressing for the Peterborough, Ont. Native?
“He’s a little green like any quarterback from Canada or the United States, but he’s been great,” said Burris.
“He’s got a little of that Ivy League in him. He’s smart and he can run. But I was also surprised at his arm strength,” he added.
Burris has also spent post-practice time with Sinopoli discussing the various subtle nuances that are in place within the CFL. It’s information that was passed on to him earlier in his career.
“When I got here there was Jeff (Garcia) and Dave (Dickenson). They were great at showing me the little things and discussing them with me. Now I can do the same.”
In addition to just trying to make the team, the former Ottawa Gee-Gee has to fight the stigma of coming from a CIS school.
There has been a perception that quarterbacks in CIS programs do not face the same level of competition as players from major U.S. schools, thus making it seem as though Canadian-born quarterbacks have less skill.
It’s a perception that coach Hufnagel worked to get past.
“I called Dave (Dickenson) in to watch some video on him. I said ‘put a big time college uniform on him with a big crowd in the stadium. Do you like what you see? Would you suggest we sign him? That’s what we have to look at’ That’s how we evaluated him,” noted Hufnagel who chose Sinopoli with their fourth-round pick in this year’s draft.
Sinopoli’s impressive 2010 season with Ottawa was what caught the attention of the Stampeders’ brass. He won the Hec Creighton trophy as Canada’s top player, registering 2,756 passing yards while throwing twenty-two touchdown passes in the process. To prepare him for the rigors of the professional level he also worked with CFL legend Damon Allen at a camp in Toronto.
The discussion about Canadian versus American, rookie versus veteran hasn’t really resonated with Sinopoli. He just views himself as another rookie looking to stick with a professional team.
And what about being the Big Canadian Hope?
“I haven’t thought of it once,” he said after a workout earlier this week.
“I’m just out there playing football. It doesn’t matter the nationality. I’m just out there trying to make the football team.”
However, he’s well aware he is in a great situation, particularly as one of Burris’ understudies.
“He’s been awesome,” gushed Sinopoli.
“I couldn’t have asked for anything better, he’s a great guy,” he added.
“He says to slow things down and try to visualize the plays, the go home and write them down because when you come out here, you don’t want to mess things up.”
Burris doesn’t see that being too much of an issue for the young Canuck.
“He’s got that confidence bordering on cockiness, and that’s what I like in a quarterback,” noted Burris.
Sinopoli however is a little more cautious in evaluating his progress.
“I feel good, I was a bit slow at first because they throw a lot of things at you, but it seems to be coming along.”
Sinopoli’s first chance to impress during game action should come during Calgary’s first pre-season game against the Lions on Wednesday night.
Other quarterbacks in camp, in addition to Burris, include returnee Drew Tate and fellow rookie Steve Gachette (Southwest Baptist).
Now it is time to gather all the knowledge, process the praise and, for one night at least, forget about the flag.
The auditions loom.
