Q: You were back in Manitoba last week, playing for the first time in your hometown of Winnipeg against the Blue Bombers. How was it returning home and getting a chance to play in front of your friends and family?
ES: It was a pretty cool experience. Especially to be in that atmosphere that Winnipeg had with the loud stadium. It was pretty cool. I had about 200 friends and family who had tickets to the game, so it was pretty wild.
Q: You won a Vanier Cup in 2007 as a member of the University of Manitoba Bisons. Now that you’re at the pro level, do you see any comparisons between this Tiger-Cats team and your ’07 championship squad?
ES: Oh absolutely. We have guys on this team that I think are the best in the league at their positions. And that’s how it was on that Vanier team we had. Just a total collaboration of good players, all working together. That’s what we have here in Hamilton, it’s the right mix. I feel like we have a pretty good shot.
Q: Defensive coordinator Corey Chamblin said that you are the player he’s seen grow and develop the most since training camp. From being on the Ticats practice squad last year to now starting at weak side defensive tackle, what is it about your game that has improved?
ES: Just being a professional football player in general. Being a pro, doing the right thing. Studying film. And I guess growing up a little bit too. But overall, my whole game has gotten better, against the pass and the run.
Q: Talk about your fellow tackle, second year player Albert Smtih. The two of you are the youngest starting defensive tackle pair in the CFL right now. What is Albert like as a player?
ES: He’s a great athlete man. He isn’t very intimidating in stature (laughs), he’s a little shorter, but the man is a freak athlete. What he brings to our defence is crazy.
Q: Montreal is leading the league with the fewest number of sacks given up by an offensive line, one ahead of the Tiger-Cats. When you watch tape, why is their line so effective?
ES: It’s Calvillo. He gets rid of the ball fast, so it’s tough. When you have arguably the best quarterback in the league back there, it’s hard to get to him. He knows how to get the ball out.
Q: With that being said, when the Cats and Als played last time on July 29th, the Black and Gold front seven got to Calvillo three times, the most sacks Montreal has given up in one game all season. Why was Hamilton’s pass rush successful in that game?
ES: That’s a tough question. We were all just finishing our rushes. A lot of it was timing too. Sometimes you’re just a step away from getting that sack. But that last game, we had some luck getting to him, fortunately. We need to put pressure on him if we want to win.
Q: The Tiger-Cats signed defensive lineman Luc Mullinder last week, an eight-year veteran who brings with him a wealth of talent and experience. Have you and Luc got a chance to talk football?
ES: Oh yeah, he’s actually given me tons of pointers already. In the Winnipeg game, he was on the sidelines and every time I came off he was there telling me what to do right or a little bit better. He really helped me out a lot during that game.
Q: Defensive line coach John Kropke is one of the more charismatic coaches on the team. How does he make the defensive line better?
ES: He definitely has helped our pass rush improve. He’s just a great coach and he knows the game really well. Helps us with the fundamentals and focuses on getting those little things right. Not having any false steps and filling your gap and what not. He’s helped me a lot from that aspect.
Q: Your dad Leroy was drafted by the Ticats in 1984. How much has he shaped your career and what’s it like getting drafted by and playing for the same team as your father?
ES: It’s pretty neat. I have good genes in my family. It’s a cool thing and it’s inspiring to see where he came from and where he got to. I’m trying to follow in his footsteps, that’s all I’m really trying to do.
