Training Camp Day 4: June 1
Kamloops – With the calendar flipping to June, the energy and focus was amped up a few more notches when the Lions took the field for day four of training camp at Hillside Stadium. Wally Buono changed things up a bit from Tuesday by going with helmets only in the morning and full pads for afternoon practice. Individual battles are getting more intense as certain players look to climb the depth chart. Buono was encouraged by the performance on both sides of the ball and continues to emphasize the importance of the line of scrimmage.
WHO STOOD OUT:
On offence, Manny Arceneaux was arguably the most productive receiver on day four, running smooth routes and making a couple leaping catches in team play and one-one ones. Shawn Gore had his best day of camp, making a couple of big grabs in double coverage during the afternoon padded practice.
Terence Jeffers-Harris made a couple of nice grabs in the morning session and looks to have reported to camp in excellent shape as he aims to make things interesting in the wide receiver battles. He followed up his morning session by making a nice over the shoulder grab on the far side of the field, staying in bounds in the process. Newcomers Devonn Brown and Kendrick Ings once again turned heads with their speed. Geroy Simon, doubling as a guest receivers coach at camp, has been impressed with the crop of rookies at the position.
On defence, Darius Lane is looking more impressive as he battles with Steven Clarke at the nickel position. Lane showed his speed and playmaking ability during team drills in the morning session. Mic’hael Brooks and Alex Bazzie both continue to impress on the defensive line. Solomon Elimiman had another solid day in pads and continues to show no signs of rust following his season ending Achillies injury in 2015. He was blitzing with authority. Newcomer Brandon Stewart stood out again with a pick-six during ‘skelly’ drills. He and Marco Iannuzzi had a couple of good battles during one-on ones.
With lots of emphasis on special teams drills, Richie Leone continues to punt with authority. His field goals have been accurate for the most part as well.
QUOTES OF NOTE:
“Physically, we are a very imposing group. Big is what we are, physical is an attitude.”- Buono impressed with the unit on day four.
“The fast pace is awesome. No matter how hard we work in the offseason, you aren’t quite in football shape yet so it helps.”- Arceneaux on the up- tempo practices.
TOMORROW’S SCHEDULE:
Training Camp Day 5:
Morning Practice: 8:30am- 10:30 am ( padded practice)
Afternoon Practice: 3:30PM- 5:30PM ( no pads, helmets only)
WATCHING:
Running back/returner Chris Rainey ( hand) is still not participating in contact drills. Receivers Geraldo Boldewijn, ( leg) Colin Lockett, (lower body) defensive backs Anthony Gaitor, (hamstring) Willie Creear, ( hamstring) offensive lineman Jovan Olafioye ( hip flexor) and defensive lineman Zach Minter ( hip flexor) all sat out for various points of day four.
TRANSACTIONS:
The club signed SFU kicker/punter Tiernan Docherty (N) on Wednesday. He took part in the afternoon practice.
Offensive lineman Campbell Allison (N) and fullback Justin Gleben (N) were both released by the club.