Bert Faibish
Ticats.ca
For a young man more used to palm trees and beaches than snow plows and cattle, Edmonton, Alberta was a world away from Seaside California.
But for Maurice Mann, the city of Edmonton became a second home over most of three seasons.
“I’ve got tons of friends out there, they took me in and treated me just like a son of the city, so I owe Edmonton a lot,” said Mann
“(Going back to Edmonton) is an exciting feeling, it’s like playing at home in high school and just getting to play against your friends,” he added.
Mann started 25 games over the most of three seasons with the Eskimos, piling up 113 receptions, 1,464 yards and 10 touchdowns over that time. Mann was traded to Hamilton this past off-season for defensive back Chris Thompson after a breakout 2009 campaign where he earned a nod as a CFLPA All-Star despite missing three games to injury.
After going against the defensive backs in Edmonton, Mann is looking forward to seeing some of those familiar faces on the gridiron.
“Jason Goss and I used to go at it all the time and I think we really made each other better, so it will be fun to go against him in some live action,” he said.
“Most of the other guys are gone but there will definitely be a little extra incentive for me out there on Sunday,” he added.
After arriving in the summer, Mann has struggled somewhat to find his role in the offence, but has been heating up of late.
“It’s all about patience with a capital P,” said Mann.
“I just have to continue to make plays so that they gain confidence in me and they’ll call my number when it’s time to show up,” he said.
Trying to refocus his game has given Mann the chance to polish up some of the less-glamourous aspects of being a wide receiver.
“I’ve actually gotten better at some of the smaller elements like blocking and whatnot, so it’s given me an opportunity to become more of an all-around player,” he said.
All the work on blocking and talk of winning as a team is fine, but everyone knows that come Sunday Mann is going to want a prominent role when his new team faces off against his old one in Edmonton.
“I do just want us to get some momentum going here that we’ve had the last few games, but at the same time, you know that I want to go out there and ball,” he said.
