Kyle Myers
Ticats.ca
Tiger-Cats fans barely had time to register the fact that veteran linebacker Markeith Knowlton had been released before news broke that Brandon Isaac – another established CFLer cut by his team midseason – had been signed to a contract.
Isaac went from being a Toronto Argonaut on Tuesday to a member of their rivals just down the 403 on Wednesday, and he’s still coming to terms with what that means.
“I was very surprised, it was a shock to me,” said Isaac on his release from the Argos. “However I’m a Hamilton Tiger-Cat, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity that this may bring.”
Isaac was a defensive captain with the Argonauts this season and was an important part of the team’s run to the Grey Cup in 2012, and says that his release does motivate his play moving forward with the Ticats.
“I was a captain, I was in a position to lead, and I feel like I let the guys down,” he said. “Here, I’m not going to let anybody down. I’m just coming to work, do my job, and do what I can to help the team.”
Though Isaac is moving forward with a new team in Hamilton, his arrival in TigerTown feels familiar to the 2012 season in Toronto when Coach Orlondo Steinauer – now the Ticats defensive coordinator – was a DB’s coach with the Argos.
When asked about his connection to Coach Steinauer, Isaac admitted that his presence here in Hamilton made the decision to sign with the Ticats a no-brainer.
“It helped a lot because (Coach Steinauer) helped us win a Grey Cup last year. He’s a phenomenal coach, he knows his X’s and O’s, and I feel very comfortable being with him because he knows the schemes and teaches them well.”
Coach Austin also admitted that Isaac’s familiarity with Coach Steinauer’s defensive system made him an extremely attractive option for the Tiger-Cats, who are dealing with several injuries on defence and could use an experienced player at the SAM linebacker position.
“Brandon is experienced, he knows Orlondo’s defence, he’s physical, and we need to be a little more physical on defence” said Austin. “We’re hoping he provides that, especially in the run game.”
Isaac also received high praise from Jamall Johnson, the only linebacker left on the Ticats from the 2012 team.
“Watching him from afar he’s an intense guy, he’s aggressive, and he’s a playmaker. He’s been welcomed into our locker room with open arms,” he said. “Coach Steinauer knows him a little bit from coaching him in Toronto, so that should make his transition a bit easier.”
“It’s good to have him here, we look forward to making some plays with him.”
While Isaac wouldn’t make any guarantees as to his status for week five, Coach Austin was clear with his expectations for the new arrival. When asked whether he’d be ready this week, Austin’s response was short and clear.
“He better be.”
