Isaac Owusu
Ticats.ca
If everything goes according to plans in 2014, Rico Murray may no longer need to be one of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ most versatile players.
In 2013, he lined up at multiple positions on the defence, including linebacker, halfback, safety and cornerback.
A year after being used as the defence’s ‘Swiss army knife’, Murray heads into his second CFL season as the team’s likely starter at strong side linebacker, also known as the ‘Sam’.
“It never was a hassle being a Sam, or being at any other position. It’s all the same. Just the reads change based on position, but its still football.”
When Murray and his teammates take the field for their first regular season game this Sunday, they’ll enter the same venue and face the same opponent as they did in last year’s Grey Cup defeat.
“For the team, a win would mean a lot because it would be the start of what we’re trying to do, and as a team our goal is to get to the Grey Cup,” he said.
“As far as last year, it doesn’t carry over because last year is in the past, and this is a new year.”
“As far as getting to the Grey Cup this year, the first step is going out to Regina, and playing the defending champs and it will be a great start to get the ball rolling,” he added.
His adaptability allowed the Kent State product to finish second on the team in tackles with 53, along with two sacks, a pair of interceptions and a forced fumble in 2013.
While it would appear that he possessed all the traits needed to succeed, Murray knew that with there was still ways to improve in the offseason.
“It was all about being a better pro,” he stated.
“I learned how to work with different guys, I learned how to be a more effective leader. Some guys need someone to yell at them, get under their skin and ignite them. Some guys need a subtle hand on their shoulder and tell them to calm down, and some guys just need you to reinforce that they know what they’re doing, so they can be more sure of themselves.
I got closer with my teammates to learn each individual on a personal note better.”
