Gregory Campbell/Ticats.ca
CFL.ca Staff
With files from Ticats.ca
HAMILTON — Zach Collaros is feeling at home at the helm of the Ticats’ offence.
It’s a stark contrast between this year’s mini-camp and last year’s, but after the Ticats opened their 2015 mini-camp at McMaster University’s Ron Joyce Stadium on Monday, Collaros said there’s truly no comparison.
“Last year’s mini-camp, everything was moving so fast,” recalled Collaros. “I was just trying to figure out what was going on.”
“I feel so much more comfortable this year,” he added. “I’m really trying to get better mechanically with my footwork and stuff like that. It’s a short mini-camp, but it’ll help to carry it over to training camp.”
Monday marked a crisp start to the Ticats’ annual mini-camp by all accounts, as the quarterbacks got a chance to loosen up while some of the newer receivers got to work on understanding the offence ahead of training camp in June.
Head Coach and General Manager Kent Austin said he was happy with the way both rookies and returning vets were able to pick up new concepts.
“It was actually a pretty good day,” Austin reflected. “We were surprised with how quickly the guys picked up what was probably more install than we’ve had in the past at this time, so I thought we had a pretty good day.”
C.J. Gable and Jeremiah Masoli were among those not participating, but Austin pointed out that it’s less important which players are getting how many reps, or who’s on the field and who isn’t at this time of year.
While all of that will get sorted out in training camp, Austin explained that mini-camp is more of a transition into training camp.
“For the guys that are veterans that are in it, we just want to make sure that they’ve grown in their understanding,” said Austin. “That they’re on track physically to be ready for the season and that their level of execution mentally and physically is there.”
But while veteran players have seemingly already earned their spot in training camp, it’s a different story for the rookies. First-year players are vying just for a spot at training camp.
“We’re constantly evaluating,” said Austin. “For the new guys, we’re trying to evaluate how fast they can learn and just trying to evaluate their overall skill-set and how that might fit into the puzzle as a piece.”
“It’s really a full evaluation.”
The biggest position of focus could be at receiver, where 15 players are vying just for a chance to compete in training camp. While Andy Fantuz, Luke Tasker, Spencer Watt, Brandon Banks and Bakari Grant already have spots locked up, veterans like Cary Koch, Quincy McDuffie and Terrell Sinkfield may have more to prove.
Less-known recent additions like Terrence Toliver, Lamont Bryant and Tiquan Underwood are primed to make an impact this weekend, knowing that a chance to participate in training camp and further compete for a roster spot is on the line – and, of course, having the quarterback know your name.
“I’m really bad with names so I don’t know everybody’s names yet,” said Collaros. “Underwood went to Rutgers and he caught a lot of posts against us, and he looked good today. Tolliver looked good today, too.”
“It’s day one, so there’s going to be more stuff being thrown at them and being thrown at all of us,” he continued. “As long as they do a good job in the film room and are able to play fast out there, that’ll be the key.”
The Ticats pick things up again on Tuesday, before wrapping up camp after a third and final session on Wednesday at McMaster University.
#Ticats QB @ZCollaros7 hooks up with WR Quincy McDuffie in 1-on-1’s. | #CFL pic.twitter.com/d7n1bh2o4y
— Hamilton Tiger-Cats (@Ticats) April 27, 2015
