Checking Down: Tebow, Sheets and a lighter Bo Levi?

TORONTO — A change at the helm of the BC Lions and a new contract for Wally Buono has the West Coast buzzing, while talk of Tim Tebow ignites debate from all football fans. Finally, what’s the latest on 2013 Grey Cup MVP Kory Sheets’ comeback aspirations?

With the combine a week away, we look at some of the latest happenings in Checking Down as the CFL off-season continues.

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BC LIONS

– After agreeing to a contract extension through the year 2017, Wally Buono has been given a vote of confidence by the Lions. TSN‘s Farhan Lalji says Buono expects to remain both the GM and head coach during that time.

– In an interview with TSN 1040 Vancouver, Buono said after some time away from the sidelines he’s feeling refreshed and rejuvenated as he returns to the headset.

– What does Nick Moore bring to the BC Lions? Aside from a big-play threat, he’s also a close, long-time friend of second-year starting quarterback Jonathon Jennings, writes Steve Ewen of the Vancouver Province.

– Dennis Skulsky has stepped down as president and CEO of the Lions effective April 1, 2016 and will move into a new role as vice chairman. Could Skulsky one day own the Lions? He weighs in here, while TSN‘s Glenn Suitor offers his take on his podcast, which can be downloaded by clicking here.

– Jonathon Jennings may get a new contract this season, but March is too early according to Mike Beamish of the Vancouver Sun. The 23-year-old’s next contract likely hinges on whether he can win the starting quarterback job this training camp against Travis Lulay.

EDMONTON ESKIMOS

– Recent Esks addition Chris Getzlaf says he’s excited to play in a Jason Maas offence, citing a REDBLACKS unit that featured four 1,000-yard receivers last season.

CALGARY STAMPEDERS

– Bo Levi Mitchell will be playing 13-14 pounds lighter in 2016, the Stamps’ star quarterback revealed in an interview with Troy Durrell of the Last Word On Sports. Find out what’s gone into his off-season workout.

SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS

– The Riders have announced the dates of their 2016 mini-camp, which will be held April 10-12 in Vero Beach, Fla. Quarterbacks Darian Durant and Brett Smith will be present along with rookies and negotiation list players among others.

– No team was busier than the Riders this off-season, but after all is said and done who comes out where? The Regina Leader-Post‘s Murray McCormick breaks it down, position by position.

– The Saskatchewan sports community is mourning the death of Dave Ash, long-time super fan and one of the first to fill the role of Gainer the Gopher.

– It’s no coincidence that most of the Riders’ new receivers this off-season are either tall, fast or both. The Leader-Post‘s Mike Abou-Mechrek explains how more size can help Jones run a ball control offence.

– Losing Chris Getzlaf isn’t easy for Riders fans, but both Getzlaf and Riders’ assistant GM John Murphy believe it was time for both sides to move on.

WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS

– Newcomers Ryan Smith, Weston Dressler and Andrew Harris will suit up as Bombers for the first time in late April, as the team has announced all offensive players will attend mini-camp from Monday, April 25 through Wednesday, April 27.

HAMILTON TIGER-CATS

– The Ticats have re-signed defensive halfback Emanuel Davis to a one-year contract, according to TSN‘s Matthew Scianitti. Davis emerged as one of the CFL’s premier defensive playmakers last season and brings much-needed familiarity in the Ticats’ secondary.

– While Davis has seemingly found his CFL home, his childhood was a difficult one. More on Davis’ story from Drew Edwards of 3 Down Nation.

TORONTO ARGONAUTS

– After the Argos made Justin Hickman the third Ticat to join their defence this off-season, the Toronto Sun‘s Frank Zicarelli says the Argos-Ticats rivalry has plenty of intrigue.

– Following the official opening of season ticket sales on Tuesday, the Argos have launched a virtual venue tour of BMO Field.

– Will the Argos be a contender in 2016? A new home field and a revamped defence may give them a good chance.

OTTAWA REDBLACKS

– Kory Sheets’ bid for a pro football comeback has recently taken him to Ottawa, where he says in an interview with the Last Word On Sports that he recently worked out with the REDBLACKS.

– Ticket packages that include the July 8 home-opener went on sale Wednesday by the Ottawa REDBLACKS, as fans can get tickets to three games for as low as $96.

MONTREAL ALOUETTES

– Could Tim Tebow to the CFL soon be a reality? The idea’s been brought up in the past, but now Ohio State coach Urban Meyer has indicated Tebow would ‘probably’ go to the CFL if given the right opportunity. Tebow’s rights, at last check, reportedly belong to the Montreal Alouettes.