Mini-Camp Day 2
Kamloops – Mother Nature was a bit more kind to the BC Lions on day two of mini-camp at Hillside Stadium. With the sun shining for most of practice, intensity was a few volumes higher than Thursday as players on both sides of the ball try and make their case Wally Buono was very happy with the line of scrimmage play as he continues to preach the importance of being solid up front. The one-on-one drills also featured a little more jump and enthusiasm. The final day of mini-camp on Saturday will include a 10-12 play scrimmage. The rest of the Lions veterans report for physicals on Saturday, with day one of main camp set for Sunday.
WHO STOOD OUT:
On the offensive line, 2016 draft picks Charles Vaillancourt and Dillon Guy were very impressive with their various blocking assignments. Vaillancourt has been playing well at right tackle, while Guy was alternating with Jas Dhillon at centre while also lining up next to Vaillancourt at guard. Both newcomers picked up a couple of blitzes during team play. Dhillon had a solid day in both one-on-one drills and team. The Surrey native also showed some excitement by hooting and hollering after a couple of key blocks. Dan Dorazio saluted Dhillon for his hard work in between drills.
Quarterbacks Keith Price and Greg McGhee both had quick releases and look to have benefited from attending the club’s Surrey mini-camp in late April.
Linebackers Dyshawn Davis and Auston Johnson were both very productive on day two. Johnson, son of former CFL all-star linebacker Alondra, had a fumble recovery in team play, while Davis was flying around and had a couple of big hits. In the secondary, Loucheiz Purifoy continues to make plays and impress the coaching staff following a productive day one where he had an interception. Former Seattle Seahawk DB Chandler Fenner has also been impressive.
QUOTES OF NOTE:
“He’s very fast and fun to watch. He has all the tools and was much more noticeable today.”- linebackers coach Chris Tormey on Davis’s performance.
“We’re not competing with each other, we’re competing with ourselves. The better are individually, the better the team will be.” Price on battling with McGhee for the number three QB spot.
WATCHING:
Defensive backs Brennan Van Nistelrooy (ankle) and Willie Creear (groin) both watched from the sidelines after suffering their injuries on day one.
TOMORROW’S SCHEDULE: 8:30am-10:30am ( Padded Practice with 10-12 play scrimmage)