Kyle Myers
Ticats.ca
The past three days have been a whirlwind for the fifty or so CFL rookies hoping to earn a roster spot with the Tiger-Cats.
Two of these hopefuls came into camp with high expectations for themselves after successful collegiate careers in the NCAA.
Lyle Leong Jr. played four seasons at Texas Tech, and finished his career with the second-most touchdowns in school history. Arthur Hobbs played two seasons at Nebraska-Kearney after a transfer from Grossmont College, and led the Lopers in solo tackles (42) in 2010 and interceptions (6) in his senior season in 2012.
Both players were standouts in college and now are looking to show their skills in the pros.
“Now I want to come out here, make it known why Hamilton wanted to bring me up here, and not let them down,” Leong said after practice on Friday.
Leong previously participated in the Dallas Cowboys’ training camp in 2011, and though he wasn’t retained on the roster, he says that experience too helped him become the receiver he is today.
“It definitely helped me as far as knowing what it means to be a professional athlete,” Leong said. “Coming into Hamilton I feel like a mature rookie.”
Similarly, Hobbs participated in the San Diego Chargers training camp last season before being released during the last round of cuts, and he believes that experience was invaluable in his development.
“It was a great experience. I learned a lot and getting cut definitely motivated me to prove that they made a mistake,” Hobbs said of the Chargers’ camp.
Hobbs certainly has the talent and the pedigree to seize a spot on the Ticats roster. Adding to his marketability is what Hobbs believes is his greatest strength, his versatility.
“I’m versatile. I’m open to playing any position Coach [Steinauer] wants me to,” said Hobbs. “I think wherever Coach puts me I’m going to be able to make big plays.”
Conversely, Leong must find a way to inject himself into a receiving corps which scored the most receiving touchdowns in the CFL last season. Still, he is confident that he has the skills required to become an integral part of the Ticats offence this season.
“I went to Texas Tech so I know what it’s like to throw the ball fifty times a game,” Leong said of his collegiate career. “I’m a receiver in a pass happy league so I’m going to enjoy this.”
Leong’s confidence is not unfounded; he was singled out by quarterback Henry Burris as one of the receivers he was most impressed with after the first day of camp.
He, like Hobbs and the rest of the rookies on hand, will look to continue his strong play when the veterans arrive on the weekend.
