Stampeders.com
TORONTO — ‘Competition’ is a word you will hear constantly across all nine CFL training camps this month. Yes, camp got under way Sunday and with it came some highly-anticipated position battles heading in.
From the Riders’ quarterback duel to who starts at left tackle for the Lions, we look at some of the most intriguing camp competitions across the country.
1. Quarterback, Saskatchewan Roughriders
The Candidates: Kevin Glenn, Brandon Bridge, Vince Young, Bryan Bennett
Temperature: Scorching
Kevin Glenn may be the favourite to start at QB for the Riders, but he’ll have some competition (Riderville.com)
This is the position battle to watch this spring. Quarterback duels are always contentious, especially when the No. 1 spot on the depth chart is it at stake, but it feels like in Chris Jones’ camp there’s so much on the line.
Long-time CFL veteran Kevin Glenn is the logical choice but Canadian Brandon Bridge and multi-Pro Bowl NFL quarterback Vince Young add an interesting twist.
Bryan Bennett, a 25-year-old out of Oregon with some CFL experience with the Bombers, is the wild card and very much in the running to start. The young pivot is a highly-touted athlete and has elite-level arm strength after being clocked hitting 60 MPH at the 2015 NFL Combine.
Chris Jones needs someone to take the job and run with it after a rocky first year wearing the black Riders long-sleeved polo.
2. Running Back, Ottawa REDBLACKS
The Candidates: Shakir Bell, Mossis Madu, William Powell
Temperature: Hot, hot, hot
A year after his season-ending Achilles injury, William Powell gets back at it with the REDBLACKS (OttawaREDBLACKS.com)
Running backs in professional football have a limited shelf life yet, here in a nine-team league, the competition for a starting role is always very heated. That’s certainly the case in the nation’s capital, where recent addition Shakir Bell adds to an already-busy REDBLACKS backfield.
Bell has flashed stardom in his two CFL seasons but couldn’t surpass John White on the Eskimos’ depth chart. He’s got the right mix of youth, talent and experience to emerge as one of the league’s next premier backs.
First, however, he’ll have to earn the role. William Powell had established himself as the regular starter in Ottawa before a season-ending Achilles injury last year, while Mossis Madu is a reliable veteran who did a fine job in Powell’s place.
3. Kicker, Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The Candidates: Sergio Castillo, Ryan Hawkins, Craig Peterson
Temperature: Hot
Head Coach Kent Austin will have a close eye on his kickers in the coming weeks (Ticats.ca)
The Ticats will employ their third full-time kicker in as many years following Brett Maher’s departure to the NFL. Kent Austin wants one man to handle all three jobs of place kicking, punting and kickoffs and Sergio Castillo, Ryan Hawkins and Craig Peterson have been named as the contenders for the job.
Castillo has some CFL experience and connected on 10 of 13 tries with the Bombers in 2015 when he took over for a struggling Lirim Hajrullahu. He also averaged 45.2 yards on punts last season for the Ottawa REDBLACKS.
Hawkins and Peterson are unknowns on this side of the border. The 31-year-old Peterson kicked for the Spokane Empire of the Indoor Football League in 2016 while 22-year-old Hawkins made 24 of 31 attempts throughout his career at Northern Arizona.
Considering the challenges of kicking at Tim Hortons Field, a proven CFL leg in Castillo makes the most sense going in — but that can change quickly.
4. Middle Linebacker, Winnipeg Blue Bombers
The Candidates: Nick Temple, Kyle Knox, George Stone, Kyrie Wilson
Temperature: Hot
Kyle Knox is considered a front-runner for the middle linebacker spot in Winnipeg (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)
Middle linebacker is an important position in Richie Hall’s defence and, following the off-season departure of Khalil Bass, it’s wide open for the Bombers heading into 2017.
Bass held things down nicely over the last two years with 181 tackles in 35 games (he started every game but one), but the Bombers have some viable options to replace him.
Sophomore Nick Temple, 23, appears to be the favourite heading into camp after an impressive career at Cincinnati while another sophomore in Kyle Knox is also in the running. Knox played 11 games in 2016 and brings the physical edge required to play MAC linebacker.
Finally, Kyrie Wilson (24) and George Stone (23) are young rookies who could surprise in camp
5. Left Tackle, BC Lions
The Candidates: Hunter Steward, David Foucault
Temperature: Very warm
Acquired in the trade for Jovan Olafioye, David Foucault is fighting for the left tackle spot in Kamloops (BCLions.com)
Wally Buono turned more than a few heads when he traded franchise tackle Jovan Olafioye to the Montreal Alouettes in exchange for the rights to David Foucault. But while the Leos will miss the presence of their six-time CFL All-Star, the move also gives the team ratio flexibility with four starting nationals on the O-line.
The question, now, is who is the odd man out? The Lions have six qualified starters and the competition starts at left tackle between Hunter Steward and David Foucault. If Foucault can hold down his job at left tackle, Steward stays at guard and then either Charles Vaillancourt or Kirby Fabien would start opposite Steward. If Steward starts at left tackle, 2016 first round pick Vaillancourt could start at left guard while Foucault backs up Steward.
It’s a good problem to have for the Lions and all part Buono’s plans to hold a competitive camp.
6. Right Tackle, Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The Candidates: Malcolm Bunche, Jordan Swindle, Torian White
Temperature: Gaining steam
Veteran tackle Jake Olson retired before camp, leaving a spot open on the Ticats’ O-line (Adam Gagnon/CFL.ca)
What seemed like a cold case is now heating up following the departure of Jake Olson. The international was the likely candidate to start at right tackle as he returned from the injury that sidelined him throughout all of 2016 — but his sudden retirement on the morning camps opened flipped the script.
Malcolm Bunche (25), Jordan Swindle (23), and Torian White (24), all internationals, are believed to be the three contenders for the job as the Tabbies continue to rebuild an offensive line that will look much different than a year ago at this time.
That will be a critical spot for Kent Austin and co., who understand the importance of protecting franchise quarterback Zach Collaros.
7. Backup Quarterback, Calgary Stampeders
The Candidates: Andrew Buckley, Mitchell Gale, Ricky Stanzi
Temperature: Gaining steam
Calgary native Andrew Buckley continues his bid for the No. 2 spot on the Stamps’ depth chart (Stampeders.com)
It’s not for the No. 1 role but everyone loves a good quarterback duel and this one brings plenty of heat as Andrew Buckley, Mitchell Gale and Ricky Stanzi battle it out.
Canadian quarterbacks are always a hot topic in camp and Buckley brings with him a legitimate shot at a key role on the Stamps’ QB depth chart. The Calgary native is already the Stamps’ short-yardage man but winning the backup job to last year’s MOP Bo Levi Mitchell would be a notable accomplishment both for the 23-year-old and for Canadian quarterbacks.
But Buckley faces stern competition. Gale showed that no moment is too big for him after quarterbacking the Riders two a pair of late-game victories in 2016. Meanwhile, Stanzi has drawn positive reviews early from Head Coach Dave Dickenson and comes with NFL experience having played for the Detroit Lions.
8. Left Tackle, Toronto Argonauts
The Candidates: Jamal Campbell, Brandon Washington, Ryan Mack, D.J. Sackey, Mason Woods
Temperature: Gaining steam
Toronto native Jamal Campbell could by vying for a spot at left tackle on the Argos (Argonauts.ca)
It didn’t seem like the Argos were well-equipped to start five Canadians on the O-line but word out of camp is that could be a possibility as Marc Trestman and Jim Popp kick things off at York University.
While the centre, both guards and right tackle are certain to be occupied by nationals, it appeared that left tackle would be occupied by either Brandon Washington or Ryan Mack — both internationals. But Canadians D.J. Sackey, Jamal Campbell and Mason Woods could all be getting looks at the tackle position in beside Tyler Holmes.
It’s an intriguing spot for the Boatmen, especially considering they’ve got plenty of ratio flexibility with Cleyon Laing, Jermaine Gabriel, Chris Van Zeyl, Tyler Holmes, Sean McEwen, Anthony Coombs and one of J’Michael Deane or Corey Watman projected to start.
9. Wide Receiver, Edmonton Eskimos
The Candidates: Vidal Hazelton, Bryant Mitchell, Jarvis Turner, John Harris
Temperature: Warm
Sophomore receiver Bryant Mitchell could challenge Vidal Hazelton for a job at wideout (Esks.com)
While the addition of Shamawd Chambers at field wideout alleviates some of the pressure on the opposite side — the boundary wideout position left vacant by the departed Derel Walker — the Eskimos were still left with a hole on the offensive side of the ball.
Brandon Zylstra bumps inside this season and will demand a higher volume of targets, but expect Walker’s old position to remain a valuable one for Mike Reilly and the Eskimos’ offence.
Vidal Hazelton appears to be the front-runner heading into camp but Bryant Mitchell has drawn positive reviews so far and could make a hard push for that spot. Remember, Hazelton, 29, had 803 yards and six touchdowns in his first season with the Argos in 2015.
10. Nose Tackle, Winnipeg Blue Bombers
The Candidates: Faith Ekakitie, Jake Thomas, Rupert Butcher, Ian Marouf
Temperature: Warm
Bombers first overall pick Faith Ekakitie (left) is vying for a starting job in his first pro camp (BlueBombers.com)
We’ve heard that first overall pick Faith Ekakitie was one of the most pro-ready players in the 2017 CFL Draft — just how pro-ready is he?
The Iowa alum is one to watch in camp for the Bombers as he battles Jake Thomas, Rupert Butcher and Ian Marouf for the starting nose tackle position beside free agent addition Drake Nevis.
That role, which was held by the released Keith Shologan last year, carries importance for a Bombers’ D-line that otherwise looks very strong heading into 2017 featuring Nevis, Tristan Okpalaugo and Jamaal Westerman.
11. Running Back, Saskatchewan Roughriders
The Candidates: Kienan LaFrance, Cameron Marshall, Greg Morris, Daniel Thomas, Quincy Walden
Temperature: Warm
Bryan Bennett hands the ball off to rookie receiver Mitchell Picton during Riders’ camp (Riderville.com)
Following the tragic passing of promising young running back Joe McKnight, the running back position will be one of the most hotly-contested in Chris Jones’ second camp at the helm of the Riders.
Kienan LaFrance carried the REDBLACKS on his back as an injury replacement in last year’s Eastern Final. His Canadian passport gives him the advantage in the competition.
Former NFL running back Daniel Thomas and former Bombers power back Cameron Marshall signed up with the Green and White this off-season, while 25-year-old Greg Morris rushed for 112 yards on 14 carries in his limited action towards the end of 2016.
The Riders will have to improve their eighth-ranked rushing attack from 2016 if they want to win more games this season. That’s largely on the O-line but the lead back will play a key role.
12. Running Back, Toronto Argonauts
The Candidates: Brandon Whitaker, Kendall Hunter, Cam McDaniel, Ben Malena, Martese Jackson, James Wilder Jr.
Temperature: Warm
Brandon Whitaker leads what could be a contentious battle for running back in Toronto (Thomas Makacek/Argonauts.ca)
Despite one of the best seasons of his career in 2016, Brandon Whitaker was a late re-addition to the Argos’ roster in free agency — a sure sign the Boatmen are contemplating all options at the position.
Former NFL back Kendall Hunter is an intriguing option while Notre Dame star Cam McDaniel follows Jim Popp from Montreal to Toronto. Jackson Martese and James Wilder Jr. are also right in the competition with Ben Malena as the lone holdover, aside from Whitaker, from 2016.
The 31-year-old Whitaker was incredibly productive for the Argos last season — combining for 1,558 yards on the ground and through the air while finding the end zone seven times — but his age is working against him at a young man’s position.
13. Cornerback, Toronto Argonauts
The Candidates: Cassius Vaughn, Aaron Berry, Marcus Alford, Akwasi Owusu-Ansah.
Temperature: Lukewarm
Akwasi Owusu-Ansah is vying for a starting spot in the Argos’ secondary (David Chidley/CFL.ca)
Interestingly enough, the Argos reportedly had Jermaine Gabriel lined up at field side corner with Matt Black behind him on the first day of training camp. Of course, this early in camp anything goes, but in this scenario Matt Webster would likely be the Argos’ starting safety.
That aside, the Argos’ secondary is wide open heading into 2017 after that group struggled throughout a 5-13 season a year ago. Cassius Vaughn was brought in from Hamilton while Aaron Berry, Marcus Alford and Akwasi Owusu-Ansah also spent time at corner.
At the end of the day, that will be a focal point on a Corey Chamblin defence that’s gotten much stronger on the defensive line and at linebacker — especially if Jim Popp is able to land free agent linebacker Bear Woods.
14. Right Guard, Saskatchewan Roughriders
The Candidates: Josiah St. John, Peter Dyakowski
Temperature: Lukewarm
Former first overall pick Josiah St. John is looking for a starting role on the Riders’ O-line (Matt Smith/CFL.ca)
It looked like Josiah St. John’s job at right guard was cemented heading into camp when, suddenly, Chris Jones went out and acquired long-time veteran Peter Dyakowski from the Argos. Take from that what you will but with Brendon LaBatte occupying left guard, consider St. John’s spot open for business.
This should be an intriguing for Riders fans because St. John was the Riders’ first overall pick last year. He started six games in 2016 while Jones mentioned this off-season that he was impressed by the former Oklahoma tackle’s work ethic after spending the winter in Regina.
It goes without saying that the offensive line will be critical to the Riders’ success in 2017. And for the former top pick in St. John, winning a starting job out of camp would be a major career step.
15. Right Guard, Toronto Argonauts
The Candidates: Corey Watman, J’Michael Deane
Temperature: Lukewarm
Former first round draft pick Corey Watman signed a new deal to stay with the Argos in 2017 (Thomas Makacek/Argonauts.ca)
Even after trading Peter Dyakowski, the Argos’ depth at guard remains pretty strong. With Tyler Holmes cemented at left guard, right guard becomes a spot to watch as newcomer J’Michael Deane duels with former Riders’ fourth overall pick Corey Watman.
Deane brings flexibility to the Argos’ O-line, with the ability to play tackle and both guard positions. He also played a key contributing role on a REDBLACKS group that has been one of the CFL’s best the last two years.
Watman signed a new deal with the Argos this off-season after joining the team during free agency in 2016.
16. WILL Linebacker, BC Lions
The Candidates: Tony Burnett, Cameron Ontko, Micah Awe
Temperature: Cooling off
One of Wally Buono’s top priorities this camp will be to find a replacement for Adam Bighill (CFL.ca)
From the first few days of camp, at least, it doesn’t look as though anyone’s going to push Tony Burnett for the starting job at Adam Bighill’s old spot.
Burnett’s skill-set and CFL experience with the Bombers make him a strong fit for the WILL linebacker spot on Mark Washington’s defence. He’s also played for the Lions’ defence before, enjoying a short stint behind Bighill on the depth chart in his first year of training camp.
Micah Awe, a 23-year-old rookie, might be a little too raw to step in right away while Cameron Ontko could be a dark horse after making a strong impression on special teams in 2016 for the Lions.
Whatever happens, the vacancy left by Bighill is an important one for Wally Buono’s club, especially on a unit that’s undergone tremendous change.
17. Running Back, Montreal Alouettes
The Candidates: Tyrell Sutton, Brandon Rutley
Temperature: Cool
Tyrell Sutton has a hold of the Alouettes’ starting running back job early in camp (Montreal Alouettes)
You can’t help but think Tyrell Sutton, 30 years old and coming off an injury-plagued season, could be fighting for his hold on the Alouettes’ starting running back position. But the fifth-year veteran appears to lead the charge heading into camp.
Cierre Wood has been released while Brandon Rutley failed to create any meaningful separation between the two in a starting role last year, averaging 4.4 yards per carry.
Either way, just a day after the Als released Bear Woods, nothing is certain in Alouettes camp.
