Ed Tait
Winnipeg Free Press
WINNIPEG — He stood, literally and figuratively, heads and shoulders above almost everybody at Winnipeg Blue Bombers mini-camp.
So now the question is this for everyone who watched Greg Carr dominate the proceedings over three days at the Winnipeg Soccer Complex: Just how good can the six-foot-six former Florida State star receiver be in 2011?
Consider that after his arrival last September, Carr lit up opposition secondaries with 31 receptions for 568 yards and four touchdowns in only seven games. All this while playing pitch and catch with three different quarterbacks – Steven Jyles, Alex Brink and Joey Elliott – and minus a true understanding of all the little nuances of playing receiver in the CFL.
“Now I know what to expect. I still have a lot to learn, but now I have an understanding of what the coaches expect from me and they know what I’m capable of,” said Carr after Wednesday’s final workout. “I feel like any time you can get to a training camp, get to something like this, it makes you better as a player. I believe this opportunity should help me improve and then going through a training camp and getting comfortable with the quarterbacks from the beginning of the season. I’m really excited about that but I also know I’ve got to put the work in.”
The Bombers did approach Carr about signing a contract extension this winter, but the 25-year-old balked, likely thinking putting up solid numbers this season could equal an NFL tryout in 2012. But that’s a long-term possibility. And Carr is all about living in the here and right now.
“My main focus is just being thankful and grateful I’m playing somewhere because this time last year I was back in school and not playing football and just begging for an opportunity,” Carr said. “Whatever happens after that happens. I just know if I put in the time and dedication the rest will come.”
Courtesy: www.winnipegfreepress.com
