May 27, 2016

Training Camp Primer: A team by team look

TORONTO — Football is finally back.

For the first time in seven months, all nine CFL teams will take the field on Sunday as training camps kick off and the opening stage of the 2016 season officially commences.

For fans it’s the most wonderful time of the year because at long last the wait is almost over. For players and coaches, meanwhile, it’s a case of the best of times and the worst of times.

Hard work and heartbreak go into these next few weeks as players come and go and coaches look to shape the roster they’ll take to battle when the games start to count. One hundred and fifty-seven days separate opening kickoff on June 23 and the Grey Cup on Nov. 27, meaning coaches better choose wisely.

Teams only have three weeks to get it right and this day in late May is exactly when the journey begins. With that, we look at important storylines and position battles on every team head into Sunday’s start of training camp:

 


BC Lionsjonathon-jennings-2015-1

With Wally Buono back on the sidelines and a full-fledged quarterback competition between Travis Lulay and Jonathon Jennings, Lions training camp is one to keep an eye on. How will this team look on opening day?



Three things to watch:

1. Lulay vs. Jennings

Of all things CFL training camp, the battle of the wily vet in Lulay and the up-and-coming Jennings can’t be missed. The 23-year-old Jennings has the edge entering camp on the heels of a captivating breakout rookie season in 2015, but Head Coach and General Manager Wally Buono is making him earn the job. That could be easier said than done against a former Most Outstanding Player in Travis Lulay, who’s fully healthy for the first time in years.

2. The return of Wally’s world

The CFL’s all-time wins leader in Wally Buono steps back onto the sideline for the first time since winning the Grey Cup in 2011. Also the team’s general manager, Buono brings with him a culture change and a coaching style familiar to only a few remaining Lions from that 2011 roster — one that focuses squarely on accountability. Will the players buy in and can the Lions return to their winning ways?

3. RBs look to take it and run

While all eyes settle on the quarterbacks for the next few weeks, the battle at running back will be equally fierce. Veterans Jeremiah Johnson and Anthony Allen were brought in to compete and could be fighting not just for a chance to start but for a roster spot. Return ace Chris Rainey could battle for a larger role, as could national speedster Shaquille Murray-Lawrence. Also don’t count out J.C. Coleman, a rookie who’s turned heads at rookie camp thus far. For the first time in a while, someone other than Andrew Harris will be the featured back for BC.

A position battle you can’t miss:

It’s been harped on already, but whatever happens in the battle to start at quarterback could play a large role in the Lions’ season. Lulay is the experienced veteran who’s done it before but Jennings has the sky-high ceiling. Both deserve to start but only one will play.

Don’t be shocked if…

One of the young kids takes over the starting running back position, like 22-year-old J.C. Coleman who’s put in an impressive rookie camp. What the former Virginia Tech star lacks in size (he checked in at 5-foot-6, 187 pounds as a senior) he makes up for in speed and elusiveness.

 


Edmonton Eskimos15_cfl_edm_maas_hiring_thumb2

The champs have a new look but aren’t lacking any confidence, as Jason Maas brings his up-tempo offence to Edmonton. Can he get the defending Grey Cup Champions up to speed?



Three things to watch:

1. The new regime takes over

Jason Maas brings a new coaching regime to Edmonton but has a tough act to follow. He’ll look to create his own legacy in Edmonton as he implements an up-tempo offence with plenty of no-huddle. It worked for the REDBLACKS last season, who went from two wins to East Division Champions and Grey Cup finalists.

2. The defensive backfield

A dominant defensive secondary helped the Eskimos boast an elite defence in 2015 but that unit has been hit hard by key departures, including by Aaron Grymes and Otha Foster. Maas said competition will be key for filling holes in the secondary as the Eskimos seek lengthy, athletic defensive backs. Expect some heated battles as the Esks go the same route they did two years ago when Chris Jones first arrived.

3. The John White comeback trail

After emerging as a premier running back in 2014, a devastating Achilles injury ended John White’s season last training camp and put his career in jeopardy. He’s back and ready to compete for the Esks and the path is wide open for him to take the number one running back position. Can White, still just 25 years old, get back to his previous form?

A position battle you can’t miss:

The secondary is a good spot to keep an eye on but don’t forget about the receiving corps, where the pecking order behind Adarius Bowman and Derel Walker has yet to be determined. The Eskimos lost Kenny Stafford, Shamawd Chambers and Kendial Lawrence but added Chris Getzlaf and have an abundance of other national receivers, including Devon Bailey and Nate Coehoorn. Also don’t forget about the burner Jacoby Ford, a former NFL receiver looking to find a role.

Don’t be shocked if…

Jacoby Ford earns a starting role heading into the regular season. He’s still gotta make the team, but Ford has the ideal skill-set to replace the speed of the departed Kenny Stafford. Derel Walker and Adarius Bowman are high-volume pass-catchers but Reilly needs his deep threat and Ford fits the bill.

 


Calgary StampedersDurant_thumb1

Incoming head coach Dave Dickenson says expect plenty of healthy competition in Calgary, as a perennial West Division powerhouse gets realigned on both sides of the ball. Can new faces fill the void?



Three things to watch:

1. Coach Dickenson takes over

Dave Dickenson is one of two rookie head coaches in the CFL and has big shoes to fill, stepping in for 100-game winner John Hufnagel. With some turnover on the coaching staff and a lot on the roster, 2016 will mark a stiff coaching test for the former pivot — especially considering the balance of the West Division. The Stampeders lost some key talent on both sides of the ball.

2. Young receivers look to emerge

The Stampeders mostly looked inside the organization after losing league leading receiver Eric Rogers and Jeff Fuller to the NFL, adding Bakari Grant as the only experienced receiver to fill the void. He’ll team up with Marquay McDaniel and Joe West as veteran internationals in the group along with nationals Simon Charbonneau-Campeau and Anthony Parker. Look for one or all of youngsters Kamar Jorden, Lemar Durant and rookie Juwan Brescacin to break out.

3. A rebuilding defence

While the offence deals with some losses, the big focus should be on the defensive side of the ball. The Stamps have lost some household names on defence including Juwan Simpson and Freddie Bishop III, but the biggest loss comes on the sidelines where Rich Stubler has headed to Toronto. Rookie defensive coordinator and former player DeVone Claybrooks has a big job in front of him.

A position battle you can’t miss:

Receiver and linebacker are the two positions of note, but it looks like Head Coach Dave Dickenson is preparing for a competitive camp all throughout. Josh Harper, DaVaris Daniels, Kamar Jorden, Carlton Mitchell, Chleb Ravenell and Jamal Nixon are international receivers vying for roster spots, while national Max Caron could push for playing time at middle linebacker with Taylor Reed.

Don’t be shocked if…

Jerome Messam doesn’t come out of camp as the Stamps’ feature back. Everyone’s talking about the battle at receiver but Dickenson mentioned there will be competition at that spot, particularly from Tory Harrison as the Stampeders no longer need to deploy a national running back.

 


Saskatchewan RoughridersTHE CANADIAN PRESS

Darian Durant is the starting quarterback but outside of that, very little is certain in Riderville. With so many new faces in different places, who will be starting where heading into 2016?


 

Three things to watch:

1. A new era in Riderville

A busy off-season helped Riders fans forget about a three-win season in 2015, while a fast start this season would go even further. All eyes will be on Chris Jones this training camp as he looks to engineer a similar turnaround in Riderville to the one he did in Edmonton two years ago when he took the Esks from a four-win season to Grey Cup Champions in only two seasons.

2. The status of Darian Durant

The Riders coaches raved about quarterback Darian Durant’s performance at mini-camp, as the veteran pivot returned to the field from last year’s season-ending injury and looked sharp. Still, Durant has missed most of the last year and a half and will have to stay healthy in order to make an impact. Keep an eye on him throughout camp and how the Riders choose to manage his playing time this pre-season.

3. Who will Durant throw to?

Rob Bagg, Naaman Roosevelt and Nic Demski are among returning receivers this season for the Riders, but other than that Durant will have a lot of new faces to learn. There’s no shortage of talent and especially speed, but can that group gel fast enough to help fans forget about Weston Dressler and Ryan Smith?

A position battle you can’t miss:

The Riders will have a totally new-look defence this year and many positions are yet to be filled, including the free safety position in the middle of the secondary. Matt Webster, Dan West, Graig Newman and Tevaughn Campbell are all names that have been mentioned, all of whom own a Canadian passport.

Don’t be shocked if…

Jonathan Williams starts in the middle of the Riders’ defensive line. Chris Jones said this week he’s bringing Williams in for a look, touting his character and high motor. The 6-foot-2, 282-pound interior lineman fills a need for the Riders, especially following the departure of the retired Tearrius George.

 


Winnipeg Blue BombersTHE CANADIAN PRESS

After a busy off-season in Winnipeg, General Manager Kyle Walters believes his roster is deeper than it’s ever been. Now the pressure is on Paul LaPolice to put the new pieces together. How quickly can the Bombers gel?


 

Three things to watch:

1. LaPo’s new-look offence

The Bombers spent big this off-season to bring in Weston Dressler, Ryan Smith and Andrew Harris, and now it’s Paul LaPolice’s turn to build an offence that can keep quarterback Drew Willy on his feet and help him get the ball in his playmaker’s hands. Training camp and pre-season is a defining time for that unit to pull together in time for the start of a pivotal season in Winnipeg.

2. O’Shea, Walters feeling the pressure

This season is being touted as a make-or-break one for the Bombers, and at the centre of it all are Mike O’Shea and Kyle Walters. The Bombers are deeper than they’ve been in a long time, and the expectation is for them to be back in the playoffs in 2016.

3. Who starts opposite Westerman?

The Bombers’ defensive line is shaping up to be downright nasty with Jamaal Westerman coming off the edge and free agent adds Keith Shologan and Euclid Cummings in the middle. There’s still the question of who starts opposite Westerman though, a spot O’Shea says will be filled by an intense training camp battle.

A position battle you can’t miss:

As mentioned above, the battle for the fourth and final spot on the Bombers’ defensive line will likely be an intense one. Keep an eye on the ninth overall pick in Trent Corney, who’s now under contract and could get a chance to start from the get-go.

Don’t be shocked if…

Michael Couture wins a starting job on the O-line. Much like Trent Corney he’ll be given a chance to compete, and many considered him pro-ready coming out of the draft.

 


Hamilton Tiger-CatsCFL.ca

Zach Collaros is the franchise quarterback but won’t be ready for the start of the season. With that and a new offensive coordinator in Stef Ptaszek, can the Ticats avoid growing pains out of the gate this year?


 

Three things to watch:

1. Battle of the backups

The backup quarterback position is always an important one but as Zach Collaros continues his recovery from off-season surgery, this season it’s even more important. Jeff Mathews and Jacory Harris will look to wrestle the starting job away from the favourite Jeremiah Masoli, who showed well in a brief stint at the end of last year.

2. A new look in the trenches

After losing a good portion of their D-line to their arch-rival Toronto Argonauts, the Ticats will lean on Ted Laurent more than ever. He’s joined by free agent acquisition John Chick and former first overall pick Linden Gaydosh, but also keep an eye on former first round pick Evan Gill who’s looking to make an impact in his first CFL action.

3. Who’s kicking the ball?

They don’t get much of the glory, but it doesn’t mean kickers don’t make an impact. The Ticats are still without one following the departure of Justin Medlock, and Kent Austin says the job will be opened up for internationals in training camp.

A position battle you can’t miss:

There are questions in the secondary either at safety or corner, as Courtney Stephen could move from corner to safety following a season-ending injury to Craig Butler. Still, the biggest position battle in Ticats’ camp has to be at that kicker position, especially considering the difficult of kicking in the winds at Tim Hortons Field.

Don’t be shocked if…

Jeff Mathews wins the starting quarterback job for the Ticats until Collaros returns. Mathews didn’t end 2015 on a positive note but he was highly-regarded by Austin a year ago and at 24 he’s still got plenty of upside. We’ll find out soon if he’s taken a step forward over the span of an off-season.

 


Toronto ArgonautsAdam Gagnon/CFL.ca

Energy is nearing all-time highs in Toronto as the Argos move into BMO Field and Ricky Ray returns healthy. Can Scott Milanovich return his offence to powerhouse status in 2016?


 

Three things to watch:

1. The return of Ricky Ray

Fully healthy for the first time in a few years, Ray should feel the benefit of a full off-season of regular workouts. He has plenty of doubters to prove wrong as he returns to the Argo offence at age 36, but so far so good as the future Hall of Famer looks to return to his 2013 form.

2. Depth at receiver

It took a rebuilding year in 2015 with new faces across the board, but suddenly the Argos are among the deepest teams in the CFL at receiver. The emergence of Tori Gurley, Vidal Hazelton, Kevin Elliott and Diontae Spencer led to the departure of Chad Owens, while Andre Durie, Anthony Coombs and Brian Jones should be impact nationals. The Argos have also been impressed by Devon Wiley, Phil Bates and Da’Rick Rogers.

3. Rich Stubler’s defence

The Argos made the playoffs in 2015 despite being without a home and rebuilding on both sides of the ball. But last year’s pain could lead to this year’s gain, as the Argos have a number of young players now heading into their second year that will complement veteran additions like Keon Raymond, Justin Hickman, Bryan Hall and Brian Bulcke. Add in a top-notch defensive coordinator in Rich Stubler and suddenly the Argos could boast a top-notch defence.

A position battle you can’t miss:

Receivers will be busy jockeying for position but the biggest battle may come on the O-line, where the Argos are deeper than they’ve ever been under Scott Milanovich. Tyler Holmes and recent add Josh Bourke are locks to start, but other than that a number of players will be looking to earn a role — including free agent signing Corey Watman and last year’s third overall pick Sean McEwen.

Don’t be shocked if…

One of the Argos’ big three receivers gets released. As already mentioned, the Boatmen have a ton of depth at the position and several new names knocking on the door. It’s hard to say anyone is safe, especially if Devon Wiley and Da’Rick Rogers put on a show in camp.

 


 Ottawa REDBLACKSHenry_Burris_2015_2

Rick Campbell has put to rest any quarterback controversy in Ottawa, for now, but other position battles await. Who can take advantage of the open spots on Rick Campbell’s depth chart?


 

Three things to watch:

1. Henry Burris and Trevor Harris

The REDBLACKS insist Henry Burris is their starter, and surely the 40-year-old will have plenty of leash after last year winning Most Outstanding Player. But if he starts to struggle, he may start looking over his shoulder and seeing Trevor Harris — last year’s league leader in touchdown passes.

2. The return game

Special teams and the return game in particular have not been kind to the REDBLACKS in their first two seasons in the league, something they’re hoping to improve under Bob Dyce this season. The big question is who will return kicks, a role Chris Williams hopes to fill and will be given every opportunity to do so.

3. A new-look defence

The departure of Jason Maas and how that affects Ottawa’s offence has gotten plenty of traction, but what about the defensive side of the ball? Justin Capicciotti, Shawn Lemon, Jovon Johnson, Keith Shologan and Brandyn Thompson are the five regulars from last season that have departed, leaving some major holes that the team will look to fill through competition in training camp.

A position battle you can’t miss:

It’s hard to pick one in particular but keep an eye on the defensive line, which will look like a totally different unit this season with the departures of Capicciotti, Lemon, and Shologan. Moton Hopkins, Zack Evans and Matt Acree are names to keep an eye on inside while Arnaud Gascon-Nadon has a chance to start outside.

Don’t be shocked if…

William Powell isn’t the team’s starting running back to open the season. Powell gave the REDBLACKS consistency at the position for the first time by the end of last season, but Travon Van could be breathing down his neck. Both are capable starters.

 


Montreal AlouettesJohany Jutras/CFL.ca

While the league buzzes over the recent acquisition of Vernon Adams, the Alouettes are loaded with young quarterback talent high on potential. Does anyone pose a threat to Kevin Glenn as the starter?


 

Three things to watch:

1. New year, new offence

As Kevin Glenn gets a full off-season with the team while Anthony Calvillo and Jacques Chapdelaine work together on a new offence, the Alouettes appear to go into the season with an element they’ve been missing the last few years: continuity. Chapdelaine and Glenn formed a productive coach-quarterback duo in Saskatchewan last season and look to do the same in Montreal.

2. What can Vernon Adams do?

Just when you thought either Rakeem Cato or Brandon Bridge might be the Alouettes’ quarterback of the future, Jim Popp goes and trades a first round pick for Vernon Adams. That’s only the kind of price you pay for what you think is a franchise quarterback, meaning Popp is going to do everything he can to foster Adams’ development. Watch him closely these next few weeks and in pre-season.

3. Changing of the guards (and tackles)

All this talk of a new-look offence but the biggest question in Montreal surrounds the O-line, quite a change-up from years’ past. The Als have always had a dominant line but injuries and the departure of franchise left tackle Josh Bourke could make things challenging. Recent first round picks Jacob Ruby and Philippe Gagnon may have to take on a major role for the Als in 2016.

A position battle you can’t miss:

It’s not being talked about but keep a close eye on the quarterback position, where Kevin Glenn is the starter going into camp but hasn’t been guaranteed anything. Glenn’s veteran experience and leadership should allow him to win the job, while Vernon Adams is likely a little too green — but if any of the young ones shoot the lights out, look out.

Don’t be shocked if…

One of Kevin Glenn’s young understudies is either traded or released near the start of camp. Vernon Adams looks like the team’s quarterback of the future in the eyes of Jim Popp, while national Brandon Bridge showed well in his first career start late last season. Where does that leave Rakeem Cato and Tajh Boyd?