THE CANADIAN PRESS
Fraser Caldwell
Ticats.ca
Cortez on Jim Daley: detail oriented on special teams
The fifth day of training camp for the Black and Gold saw the media’s attention turn to the special teams unit. The Ticats’ Head Coach and Director of Football Operations George Cortez spoke to the qualities of experienced coach Jim Daley, the man Cortez chose to manage his special teams this season.
Chief among Daley’s strengths according to Cortez is his attention to detail, helping to ensure that the numerous and sporadically used members of the special teams unit are well aware of their responsibilities when their respective number is called.
“His coaching is very detailed and he does a great job in preparation,” said Cortez. “I know that the players are going to be taught well and that there isn’t going to be any doubt as to their assignments because they’re going to be well drilled. That’s one of the number one things about special teams, people being in position and knowing what to do.
“It’s not an easy job, because it’s one thing today with all of these players, but when we get into the season and there are injuries, the guys that go in to take those spots may never have taken a snap at that position. Because often there are paper backups and real backups. You have to spend a lot of time making sure that the guys know – at least mentally – what they need to do.”
Cortez also cited Daley’s nearly two full decades of CFL experience as an indispensable asset to the Ticats. He pointed to his own experience with Daley as a special teams coordinator in Ottawa to illustrate the level of preparation that prior knowledge allows.
“There are things that go on in the CFL that don’t go on at other levels of football because the rules are different and yes, it’s nice to have people around you who are aware of that,” said Cortez. “When I was a special teams coach in Ottawa, we were preparing one week and Jim was my assistant at that time. He kept asking why we were doing things that hadn’t happened in a game, and I told him not to worry because they would.
“They did happen, but because I’d coached in the league before and knew who the other team’s special teams coach was, I knew that they were going to do those things. So there’s a value to experience.”
Cortez on Finch: not out of place
Cortez also addressed the impression made thus far by junior invitee Will Finch – a heavily recruited quarterback out of Burlington’s Nelson High School – during his Thursday scrum. The Black and Gold’s bench boss indicated that despite a drastic step up in the level of competition, Finch was keeping pace well through day five.
“Will is obviously practicing with faster players than he’s ever practiced with, but he hasn’t looked out of place,” said Cortez. “Part of what I think helps develop those Canadian quarterbacks is working with them as early as possible. I think it’s a great opportunity for him. He’s got a good arm and he’s a smart kid, and we hope that before it’s all over we get him some plays with the other guys”
Burris on Finch: learning plays and planning prom
Asked to comment on Finch’s showing thus far, Burris praised the young pivot’s on-field efforts while taking a good-natured dig at the high schooler. The veteran quarterback joked that his attempts to mentor his young counterpart were mixed with a bit of schoolyard advice.
“Will is pushing through, I heard that he’s accepting applications for the girl that he’s going to take to prom,” joked Burris. “He’s been telling me all about that, so I’ve been trying to teach him plays while he’s asking me what colour he should be wearing to the prom. He’s out here looking pretty, not even breaking a sweat. His arm’s not even sore (laughs). But he’s working hard.”
