Mario Annicchiarico
The Edmonton Journal

EDMONTON -- The Edmonton Eskimos spent lavishly to bring in one Maurice Lloyd to strengthen its defence.

But the five-foot-11, 235-pounder, who had 74 tackles and five sacks last season with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, insists the spotlight should not shine on him alone.

"I'm not the man on D," he said, trying to get that point across early as the Green and Gold checked in for Day 1 of main camp on Sunday. "I'm a man that is part of the defence. The defence, that as a whole, is going to try and get us the Grey Cup.

"I'm nothing special," insisted the 25-year-old linebacker, who brings a ferocious and quick style to Edmonton. "Yes, guys have been talking about the big hits from last year, but you're only as good as your last play. I can't rest on my laurels from last year or the year before. Yes, I feel I am a great player, but I have a lot of things I can improve on.

"Right now I want to make sure we get to the Grey Cup and we gel as a family and make things happen."

Lloyd will indeed play a big role in that scenario, if it happens. But so, too, will former Roughriders teammates Scott Gordon and Kitwana Jones, who joined Lloyd in the move west, following coach Richie Hall to the dark side, as it were.

Hall, the former Riders defensive co-ordinator, and general manager Danny Maciocia attracted Lloyd and Gordon -- a safety -- over in free agency. Jones, a rush end, came to Edmonton in a late trade for quarterback prospect Juan Joseph.

"I'm optimistic, very optimistic. I think Maciocia has done a good job getting a lot of the pieces of the puzzle," said Gordon, who will direct traffic in the secondary. "It's about putting it together in camp. I think from the athletes from last year, and the ones acquired, we should have a really strong season."

The addition of the trio should assist greatly in introducing Hall's new defence -- with various twists -- to the rest of the unit.

"Having Mo and Kitwana here, they're both incredible players," said Gordon, a veteran at 32. "Lots of energy and hustle and smart players, too. I think we can definitely contribute to the team and we are familiar to Richie's system, too. That's an advantage as well."

Lloyd may shun the spotlight, but there is little doubt he becomes an instant leader on what should be a much more aggressive defence.

"I'm going to be a leader, but at the same time, you're not going to come into someone else's home and think you're going to take over the show," said Lloyd.

"I'm going to lead when I have to lead and sit back when I have to sit back. I speak when I need to speak, but most of the time I lead by example. I've come here to show them how to get to the Grey Cup again and how to play hard defence. But for me to lead, I have to have someone to follow."

Gordon and Jones fit the bill, as well.

"It's very good to have two guys I've played with before," confirmed Lloyd. "Having Scott here, I know he's a vet in this defence. I know he'll help the secondary out. With Kitwana, he knows the defensive line, he's been in the front four, he's been in all four positions before, and at linebacker, so he provides versatility."

All three can't wait to get going and are just about as anxious as fans are to see them. Despite his modesty, Lloyd will be the centre of attention.

"Mo knows. That's it," said Gordon, succinctly. "He is a guy that has his head in the playbook. He's enthusiastic. He's a guy anyone can go to to ask questions. He likes to have everyone on the same page. He keeps himself in the mix in knowing what's going on and he brings that attitude to other players."

That's why the Eskimos shelled out and they are expecting their money's worth.

Courtesy: www.edmontonjournal.com