The Newsy Neighbour Magazine
June Issue #116
Article Provided By: Jock Wilson
Is it June yet - a CFL hash tag that was trending last month
on Twitter.
The Calgary Stampeders open defense of their Western
conference championship was this month and despite some off-season changes,
they are considered the team to beat.
"I was very happy with what we did last season,"
said quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell. "But it didn't define us - what defines
you is the last game of the season, who's the last one standing and it wasn't
us. Every time I step onto the field this season - that will motivate me."
Mitchell is coming off a season where he completed 68% of
his passes for 5,385 yards with 32 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. He was named
a West all-star, a CFL all-star and the CFL's Most Outstanding Player award. Is
it possible for him to get any better?
"He will and the funny part is, he's always trying to
get better," said quarterback coach Ryan Dinwiddie. "Obviously if
you're driven to get better and you can take the coaching and not look for a
pat on the back all the time, which Bo does - I think you strive and get
better. It's also a respect factor and a pride thing. Bo wants to be the best
he can be every day and it pretty easy to get better when you are working that
way."
While Stampeder coaches and fans are not too concerned about
Mitchell, there are major red flags on the offensive line.
The best lineman in the country, right tackle Derek Dennis,
bolted to the Saskatchewan Rough Riders during free agency. Former first round draft
pick Karl Lavoie retired. Shane Bergman hurt his knee during an off-season
workout and veteran left tackle Dan Federkeil had off-season surgery to repair
a torn labrum.
One of the key off-season signings for general manager John
Hufnagel was 4th year center Pierre Lavertu. The rumour mill had the former 2014
first overall pick homesick and wanting to play closer to home in Montreal. The
problem is, Lavertu is coming off an injury-plagued season, making only 8
starts. A healthy season is imperative to this team's success.
Here are 4 players and positions to watch as training camp
unfolds and the team kicks off their pre-season schedule on June 6th vs. the BC
Lions at McMahon Stadium.
1) Defensive tackle Randy Colling
Colling is not your typical rookie. He has played four years
in the Arena Football League for the Cleveland Gladiators before the team made
him the first pick - 6th overall in the 2017 CFL draft. He attended mini-camps
with the New York Jets and Green Packers before signing a futures contract with
the Buffalo Bills. He also spent time with the New York Giants. He was born in
the U.S. but he recently obtained his Canadian citizenship, qualifying for
national status. There is a spot open on the defensive line as Junior Turner
recovers from surgery and starts the season on the injury list. Colling is
competing for the job against Derek Wiggan and international free agent signing
Bryan Hall.
2) Defensive back Marvin Ross
Ross was Colling's teammate in Cleveland and he was the 2016
AFL rookie of the year. He was a multi-sport athlete participating in football,
basketball and track at Trinity Christian Academy in Jacksonville, Fla. The
Stampeder secondary will be tough to crack with returning starters Ciante
Evans, Jamar Wall, Joshua Bell, Brandon Smith and Tommie Campbell but surprises
do happen.
3) Receiver Lamar Durant
The 2016 season hit a minor road bump early as he suffered
an ankle injury in week 1. While his numbers were okay, the Simon Fraser grad
is now heading into his third season and expectations are very high. There will
be an intense battle for two national starting positions at receiver. Former U
of C standout Anthony Parker is the incumbent. Veteran Rory Kohlert was signed
as a free agent and head coach Dave Dickenson is also expecting a huge
improvement from 2nd year player Juwan Brescasin.
4) Quarterback Ricky Stanzi
Although he's listed as number four on the depth chart and
likely a long shot to make the roster behind Mitchell Gale and Andrew Buckley,
the organization is very high on the player who was selected by the Kansas City
Chiefs in the fifth round (135th overall) of the 2011 National Football league
draft.
"One thing I always chuckle about with guys coming with
NFL pedigree's - they think they're going to come up and dominate!"
laughed Dickenson. "Ricky didn't think that at all. He just wants a chance
to play. He's a pro, he's not a young kid (he's 27) and I think he's a student
of the game."
Father's Day on June 18th will be a special day in the
Calgary Stampeder locker room. Six players became dad's in the off-season. Bo
Levi Mitchell, Jerome Messam, Rene Paredes and Deron Mayo - all for the first
time. Rob Cote and Joshua Bell celebrated the birth of their second.
Happy Father’s Day and enjoy the season!
About Jock Wilson:
Jock has been involved in the Calgary sport media scene for over
30 years. He hosts the Calgary Stampeder football broadcasts on Newstalk 770
and is the host of Sportstalk from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
Email: jock@am770chqr.com
Twitter: @sportson770
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