Mini-Camp Day 1
Kamloops – Like clockwork, the rain started falling as BC Lions players began their stretches for day one of mini-camp at Hillside Stadium. Despite the gloomy conditions, it was a very positive and upbeat atmosphere and you could not keep the smiles and enthusiasm off most players’ faces. Practice opened with positional drills, followed by one-on-ones, special teams and concluded with twenty minutes of team scrimmage. Like last season, the timing and pacing of practice is followed closely by using a score clock for each drill. Mini-camp also marked a return to the sidelines for Wally Buono. Always a master of adjusting on the fly, Buono took the wet weather head on by making sure the footballs were kept underneath garbage bins in order to stay dry.
WHO STOOD OUT:
On offence, receiver Kendrick Ings dazzled his teammates and coaches by running good routes and hauling in a pair of acrobatic passes, one of which was deflected by a defender before falling into his hands. Kamloops Jr. Broncos product Derek Yachison proved he can make an impact at this level by making a diving catch on a deep ball thrown by Keith Price. Geraldo Boldewijn, one of a few mini-camp attendees with Lions game action under his 
belt, made a couple of good plays in one-on-one drills as well.
Running back J.C. Coleman turned a few heads with his speed and a couple of long gains in team play. As camp progresses, that will be an interesting competition to watch once Anthony Allen and Jeremiah Johnson report on the weekend.
Defensively, Anthony Gaitor picked up where he left off from his solid Surrey mini-camp by intercepting a pass for a touchdown in team play. Darius Allen proved he can be a very speedy defensive end and was singled out by Buono post-practice for his stellar performance.
QUOTES OF NOTE:
“This is a kicker’s dream right here.”- Anthony Fera referring to the rain and cold while watching drills from the sidelines.
“Right now, I love it. I didn’t move to BC for the weather. When it’s 28 degrees, you will probably see me complaining.” First-round pick Charles Vaillancourt on the topic du jour: the rain.
“This is the deepest defensive line we have had in a long time.” Director of U.S. Scouting Ryan Rigmaiden with a ringing endorsement of the players added on that unit in the offseason. He spoke highly of Allen, Jacques Smith and George Uko.
TOMORROW’S SCHEDULE: 3:40-5:30 PM ( Padded Practice)
Tomorrow’s report will feature standouts from the offensive line, linebackers and secondary.