Kyle Myers
Ticats.ca Staff
Tiger-Cats veterans took the field for the first time in 2013 on Sunday, and joined the rookies who have been practicing at Ron Joyce stadium since Wednesday.
With a revamped coaching staff and new systems on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, the excitement level among the players was high. Head Coach and GM Kent Austin led his team through drills, and the rookies got a taste of what’s going to be expected of them if they are to make the 46-man roster this season.
Setting the pace for the receivers was Andy Fantuz, who scored a career-high eight touchdowns in 2012. Still, that success doesn’t blind him about how much work the team has to do to prepare for this season.
“We had a good first day, but we’ve still got a long way to go,” Fantuz said. “Training camp is always hard, but this year we have a new system, so it’s mentally taxing as well.”
A seven-year veteran of the CFL, Fantuz knows what to expect when entering camp but he admits that even he has some learning to do this season under coach Kent Austin, whom he previously worked with in Saskatchewan.
“Over time you kind of take things for granted and let your fundamentals slide, and I’ve noticed that in my game,” said Fantuz. “It’s good to go back to the basics and drill it down. It’s going to make all of us a lot better working on the little things.”
That being said, the former Western Mustang sees big things on the horizon for the Ticats offence this season, citing the tremendous depth that Hamilton has at the receiver position, and the consistency of quarterback Henry Burris throughout his career.
On the other side of the ball, Shomari Williams also sees the potential for improvement in 2013. The number one overall selection in the 2009 CFL draft by the Roughriders, Williams is ready for a fresh start in his first season wearing black and gold.
“I want to contribute and help this team. I want this defensive line to lead the league in sacks,” said Williams about the potential on the Ticats defence. “I worked hard this offseason to be at a level where I can do that, and I’m confident I’ll be able to.”
Williams was signed as a free agent by the Ticats after hitting the free agent market, and he fully expects to be on the field as a starter when Hamilton takes on Toronto on June 28th in the regular season opener.
“Your goal is always to come in and be a starter,” said Williams. “I’m going to come in here and work my tail off to get that starting spot.”
One thing which has been repeated constantly by the Ticats players is the nature of the new coaching staff. The Head Coach, offensive and defensive coordinators are all new this season, and they appear to be getting through to the team already.
“They know what they’re talking about,” Williams said about defensive coordinator Orlondo Steinauer and Coach Austin. “They’re great motivators. We’re going to have a great culture here on this team, and it’s building already from day one.”
Tiger-Cats coaches and players alike know that there is a great deal of work to be done in learning new offensive and defensive systems and improving on a disappointing season last year. But there is a tremendous optimism surrounding this Hamilton team from both groups, and that alone should have fans excited about the 2013 season.
NOTES FROM DAY 1
- WR Sam Giguere made the play of the day after needing only one hand to haul in a rocket during team drills
- WR Chris Williams was placed on the suspended list after failing to report to McMaster. When asked about Williams’ absence after practice, Coach Austin said “he’s got a valid contract and he should be here performing.”
- The Ticats signed four players since finishing Friday’s final rookie camp practice: WR Justin Monahan, RB/KR Donte Harden, DB Emanuel Lewis and DB Maurice Rolle.
