Stampeders.com
TORONTO — The first day of training camp has come and gone for nine CFL teams, and with it comes the start of a new season.
Players and coaches hope it’ll culminate Nov. 27 in Toronto with the Grey Cup high over head, but there’s so much to do before then.
Coaches have to order their depth charts, install new systems and make difficult personnel decisions. Players have to show they belong on a CFL roster and can keep up with what they’re learning.
With the first step of the journey now taken, we look take a team by team look across the league at what went down on day one.
Jump to team:
| BC | Calgary | Edmonton | Saskatchewan | Winnipeg | Hamilton | Toronto | Ottawa | Montreal |
BC LIONS
After some inclement weather early on the sun came out for the afternoon session on the first day of training camp.
Wally Buono had some tinkering to do on the O-line throughout the afternoon as Cody Husband took reps at centre while Tim O’Neill moved over to the left guard position and alternated with Hunter Steward. Dillon Guy also played multiple positions on the line while another fellow rookie in Charles Vaillancourt had a chance to get his feet wet.
WATCH: Phillips brings veteran presence to Lions’ first practice
All in all the offensive line was a big focus on the first day of camp as Buono looks to solidify that unit ahead of the regular season.
WHO STOOD OUT
Mike Edem and Brandon Stewart stood out at defensive back after being signed as free agents this off-season, while the quarterbacks Travis Lulay and Jonathon Jennings looked sharp as they kicked off their competition for the starting job.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
Wally Buono on the first look at the Lions’ O-line and D-line:
“They’ve done a good job so far . . . I’ve been very happy with a number of things — one, the ball has not been on the ground; two, they’ve done a good job of calling out the protections and calling out the defences, which is also very, very critical. I just think our offensive line and defensive line will be much better this year.”
KEY ROSTER MOVES
The Lions released defensive lineman Lazarius ‘Pep’ Levingston.
EDMONTON ESKIMOS
The defending Grey Cup Champions have a lot of learning to with new coaches on both sides of the ball, and it all started Sunday with the first day of training camp. The execution wasn’t always perfect but Jason Maas praised his team’s hunger and intensity as the Eskimos get to work on learning their new schemes.
While Adarius Bowman expressed his excitement for his team’s athletic and explosive offence, quarterback Mike Reilly said he had never seen a tempo so fast. On the defensive side of the ball, meanwhile, a Grey Cup-winning defence took on a new look under Defensive Coordinator Mike Benevides.
WATCH: Maas era begins with energetic first practice
All in all while the Eskimos have spent all off-season preparing to run Maas’s offence, the excitement was high on both sides of the ball to get on the field and execute for the first time.
WHO STOOD OUT
Chris Getzlaf’s first day in Green and Gold was a positive one as he and Mike Reilly got on the same page early. Reilly said Getzlaf is in excellent shape and all signs point to the CFL veteran playing a major role in the Esks’ offence as he enters the season healthy.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
Head Coach Jason Maas on the pace and atmosphere of the first practice:
“No question about it you can tell that this group of guys won a Grey Cup last year. They’re hungry, competitive and they want to win again.”
KEY ROSTER MOVES
The Esks added 26 players heading into training camp and released four, including offensive lineman Alex Krausnick and receiver Sederrik Cunningham. They also placed Zander Robinson on the retired list.
CALGARY STAMPEDERS
A total of 81 players took the field on Sunday at McMahon Stadium for the first two practices of the Stampeders’ main training camp in preparation for the 2016 CFL season.
Of that total, 54 players spent time with the Stamps in 2015. The longest-serving veteran on the Calgary roster is fullback Rob Cote, who is entering his 10th camp with the Red and White.
What’s old is new in Calgary as long-time offensive coordinator Dave Dickenson launches his career as a head coach, while Bo Levi Mitchell returns for his third season as the team’s starting quarterback.
WATCH: Dickenson praises Mitchell’s leadership
Veteran defensive back Brandon Smith was not in attendance on Sunday as he was excused because of a family wedding that was scheduled many months ago.
WHO STOOD OUT
The quarterbacks stood out on the first day for Dave Dickenson, including Bryant Moniz and Andrew Buckley — the two pivots battling for the third spot on the depth chart behind Bo Levi Mitchell and Drew Tate.
Bo Levi Mitchell also praised the Stamps’ O-line, which enters 2016 with a reputation as one of the CFL’s best despite last year being marred by injury.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
Quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell on going into year number three as ‘the guy’:
“Every year is important. Third year as a starter, I want to come back strong and do everything to carry my team deep in the playoffs. Obviously it’s premature, but you always want to be hoisting that Grey Cup over your head at the end. That’s a long ways away. Right now, we have a lot to work on to get there.”
KEY ROSTER MOVES
No key roster moves
SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS
A spirited atmosphere took over University of Saskatchewan’s Griffiths Stadium on a beautiful May morning as a few hundred fans took in the Riders’ first on-field workouts of camp.
While the excitement was high as fans cheered loudly following a couple of big plays, the intensity carried onto the field exactly as expected for a Chris Jones-led practice. The tempo was fast from the get-go as the coaching staff could be heard encouraging players to push the pace.
RELATED: Durant back in his comfort zone as Riders’ camp begins
The first two-hour practice was followed by a 15-minute hydration break before finishing the day’s on-field workout with another 45-minute session.
WHO STOOD OUT
Veteran receiver John Chiles made several catches in tight coverage for the offence while veteran defensive back Derrius Brooks had several pass breakups for the defence.
Not to be outdone, rookie Canadians Jordan Reaves and Dillon Grondin had strong showings on day one.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
Veteran Rob Bagg on the excitement of opening training camp:
“I missed a couple of years because of injury and as hard as it is to believe, I still get really excited about training camp. When you have the game taken away from you for a moment, you appreciate how special it is and as you get older in your career it’s the small things that you appreciate even more. Training camp is the beginning of new opportunities, I can feel the excitement in the locker room and I’m ready to go.”
KEY ROSTER MOVES
The Riders added 21 players to the training camp roster including defensive back Johnnie Dixon, linebacker Dillon Grondin and receivers Marquez Clark and Ricky Collins.
While five players were released, defensive tackle Rory Connop and international receiver Armanti Edwards are among four players added to the retirement list.
WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS
It’s a day fans and players have waited for all off-season, because on Sunday Kyle Walters’ makeover of the Bombers all became real. Ryan Smith, Weston Dressler and Andrew Harris all reported for the first time among many other new faces, bringing a hopeful attitude to Bomber training camp.
Both receiver Addison Richards and offensive lineman Jace Daniels were on the field practicing on Sunday after coming off surgery and rehab throughout the winter.
WATCH: O’Shea happy with Bombers’ first practice
The No. 1 offensive line unit, a major focus for the Bombers this camp, featured Stanley Bryant at left tackle, Daniels at left guard, Matthias Goossen at centre, Sukh Chungh at right guard and Patrick Neufeld at right tackle.
Euclid Cummings and Keith Shologan were also busy in the middle of the Bombers’ D-line.
WHO STOOD OUT
Both Weston Dressler and Ryan Smith made instant impressions, drawing ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ from the crowd for their work during the morning scrimmage. Smith in particular was doing his thing getting open and making acrobatic grabs.
“Ryan Smith was running around making plays,” said QB Drew Willy. “He’s going to be fun to watch for these fans and he’s going to bring some juice to our offence.”
Defensive backs Matt Bucknor, Kevin Fogg and Julian Posey along with offensive lineman Travis Bond were among other players who stood out on day one.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
Linebacker Khalil Bass on a new mindset in Bombers’ camp:
“Everybody feels like we should win instead of just wanting to win. There’s a winning mindset coming in here on the first day.”
KEY ROSTER MOVES
No key roster moves.
HAMILTON TIGER-CATS
An energetic crowd saw Zach Collaros continue his rehab from his injury and all reports indicate he looked good in the drills he was able to participate in. Brandon Banks was a notable absence as he is away to deal with a family issue, according to Kent Austin.
As for the quarterback situation, there will be no clear answer until later in training camp regarding who will be starting when the season kicks off in Toronto on June 23. So far both Jeff Mathews and Jeremiah Masoli appear to be the front-runners and things will get more and more competitive heading through the next several days leading up to Hamilton’s first pre-season matchup against the Argonauts at BMO Field on June 11.
Both had their chances to run with the first-team offence.
TRAINING CAMP PRIMER: A team-by-team look
Perhaps playing off the weather, the defence came out hot. Mike Daly and fellow defensive back, Quinton Pointer, both paired up for interceptions during 12-on-12 drills. Fans enjoyed the loud excitement brought forth by the defence, which was showcased throughout practice — a scene Ticats fans should be used to.
WHO STOOD OUT
Courtney Stephen was one player to watch as he moved from corner to safety to take the place of Craig Butler. Orlondo Steinauer said he was impressed with the way the defence flew around as a whole and made plays and added he was pleased with the effort.
All eyes were also on Mathews and Masoli in competition at quarterback.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
Orlondo Steinauer on the absence of Craig Butler:
“We’re actually not focused on players that aren’t here. We have a lot of great players — we’re focused on the players that are here. If we’re focused on the players that aren’t here, it’s a slap on the face to the players that are. To be honest with you, nothing against the players that aren’t, we have a game to play in less than 10 days and that’s our focus.”
KEY ROSTER MOVES
National kicker Brett Maher was brought in to compete with international kicker Cody Mandell, while Kent Austin said he’s hoping to add more competition at the position.
Multiple reports indicate that Simoni Lawrence has agreed to a contract extension.
The Ticats also added receiver LaQuan Williams to the roster and added Jake Olson and Craig Butler to the six-game injured list.
TORONTO ARGONAUTS
The return of football brought a high level of energy to the club on Sunday and the team’s tempo was considerably higher than last week’s three-day rookies and quarterbacks camp with the veterans back on the field.
Head coach Scott Milanovich wasted no time in leading the team through a high-intensity session, driving the competition by squaring the top units up against each other throughout the day. After signing a number of long-time CFL veterans in the off-season, Milanovich was impressed by the group on Sunday, praising the leadership that the group was already displaying on its first day in Double Blue.
RELATED: Tempo the name of the game for Argos
The defensive backs were praised for their aggressiveness and energy under Rich Stubler, back as the Argos’ defensive coordinator, while Ricky Ray earned rave reviews for his arm strength.
WHO STOOD OUT
Quarterback Ricky Ray was the talk of the day, as he came in with plenty of zip on his passes in demonstrating that his off-season work has made a considerable difference. The coaches and receivers were impressed and it’s looking like the Argos’ veteran pivot has a good chance to return to his 2013 form.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
Scott Milanovich on the Argos’ veterans arriving at camp:
“Being so young last year, we were missing some of that leadership. I think these guys are really going to help us as far as coming together as a unit.”
KEY ROSTER MOVES
The Argos inked fourth overall pick Brian Jones to a contract, who’s expected to participate in training camp in Guelph, and also added international linebacker Nick Williams as well as international receiver Garrett Kidd and national kicker Zack Medeiros.
OTTAWA REDBLACKS
An energetic and enthusiastic Henry Burris set the tone for camp and perhaps the REDBLACKS’ season, describing the start of camp like Christmas Day and then dropping the bombshell that he will return in 2017. It was later revealed that Burris had reached a new re-structured deal with GM Marcel Desjardins to allow him to stay in Ottawa beyond 2016.
RELATED: Burris restructures contract; will play in 2017
Aside from that competition characterized the first day of REDBLACKS’ camp, as Rick Campbell looks to fill five vacant positions on defence following free agency and also determine key positions on special teams.
All in all Campbell said continuity puts the team in a much better position than it was in at this time last year, while an energetic atmosphere took over day one in Ottawa. Campbell added that there’s competition at virtually every position other than quarterback, where Burris is without a doubt the starter.
WHO STOOD OUT
Arnaud Gascon-Nadon was one to keep a close eye on as he spent time with the first-team defence. He’s highly-regarded by the REDBLACKS after signing as a free agent and slated by some to replace Justin Capicciotti on the edge of the D-line.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
Henry Burris on the first day of camp:
“When you see all the guys, it’s the first day of practice — it feels like Christmas Day. You’re a kid in a candy store, ready to get out there and try all the new toys you found under the tree . . . everybody’s excited to see each other and get out here and start the process of working to get ready for June 25.”
KEY ROSTER MOVES
The REDBLACKS signed two players to open camp with the additions of national defensive back Keldyn Ahlstedt and international receiver Maurice Morgan, both 22 years old. They also placed two players on the retired list in receiver Casey Martin and national veteran defensive back Ryan Hinds.
MONTREAL ALOUETTES
Fans assembled at Bishop’s University’s Coulter Field Sunday afternoon while Alouettes players jumped on the field twice for high intensity practices.
The first day of the 2016 season marks the team’s 20th year back in Montreal and for the Als, this year more than ever the competition is strong at camp and the few hundreds of fans on site witnessed first hand the many battles that will occur in the upcoming weeks.
All of the Alouettes’ top stars were in action while the Montreal faithful also got a first look at newcomers Vernon Adams Jr., Vaughn Martin and Philippe Gagnon to name a few.
RELATED: Camps open as teams get set for a new year
Offensive coaches Anthony Calvillo and Jacques Chapdelaine most likely enjoyed what they saw from their protégés on this first day, but difficult decisions will need to be made in the near future.
Defensive Coordinator Noel Thorpe and his staff will also have tough decisions to make, as the veterans from their squad showed up in great shape, hoping to prevent the young guns from stealing their jobs. Dominique Ellis was responsible for the first interception of the day, diving to get his hand under a falling ball. Andrew Lue also pilfered a pass during the first practice.
The defensive line, now under Anwar Stewart’s tutelage, showed many promising signs on this first day, as they got to the quarterback in hurry on numerous occasions during simulated play. The defensive squad’s depth will without a doubt be one of the team’s strenghts in 2016.
WHO STOOD OUT
Back in Montreal following a year with the Indianapolis Colts, Duron Carter set the bar high right off the bat, making a spectacular one-handed catch on a 50-yard pass from quarterback Rakeem Cato. He struck again a few moments later, hauling in another 50-yarder from Vernon Adams Jr. in the end zone. A few moments later, the Kevin Glenn-Sam Giguère tandem made some noise, when the Sherbrooke native scored a touchdown on a nice pass from the veteran pivot.
Rookie receiver Corbin Louks also scored points. The former Denver Bronco started off his 2016 training camp on the right foot with two great catches. Adams Jr. connected with him in the end zone on a 60-yard play.
KEY ROSTER MOVES
The Alouettes added six newcomers in time for the first day of camp, while national receiver Andrew Smith was placed on the retirement list and centre Luc Brodeur-Jourdain and quarterback Jonathan Crompton were placed on the injured exempt list.
2016 seventh-round draft pick defensive back Maïko Zepeda suffered an injury prior to training camp which will require season-ending surgery. Finally, international receiver Cody Hoffman did not pass his physical and has been released.
