Kamloops, BC– It’s easy to get excited after the first day of a long camp. In this case rookies, select sophomores and a couple of vets coming off injury will have been anxious to return to the field and show off what they gained over the long offseason.
After that, it becomes about building the momentum and that’s just what this group did on Friday in day two. The battles were just as intense and the excitement level did not waiver under the 28-degree heat in Kamloops. Everyone knows they just have one more day to show their stuff before veterans arrive for the main event starting Sunday.
Who Stood Out
On offence Douglas McNeill III had another great day and probably laid claim to catch of the day during skelly session. First round pick Danny Vandervoort had unreal hands and looked to catch everything in site. The offensive line picked up the slack big time with newcomer David Foucault doing a nice job picking up the blitz in team drills. On defence, a pair of 2017 Canadian draft picks turned heads as linebacker Frederic Chagnon laid a big hit on Nate O’Halloran that drew cheers from his entire unit. The lone turnover of the day was an interception by Carelton product Nate Hamlin early on in team. And yes you may sense this is becoming a theme: The defensive line caused fits for the pass protection and quarterbacks for much of the day. That’s especially impressive when you look at the injury report below. Speaking of ailments, day two marked the first on field activity for TJ Lee since his devastating Achilles injury suffered in week four at Saskatchewan last season. He took it slow and sat out at various times but he told us he felt as good as he ever has. It will be intriguing to monitor his progress as the club looks to shuffle its defensive secondary in 2017. Steven Clarke was also on the field after taking yesterday off. The battle at safety with newcomer Tevin McDonald will be certainly one to watch. Speaking of familiar faces, Jonathon Jennings and Travis Lulay were hanging around after making the drive up from the lower mainland early Friday. You couldn’t help but smile as the two friends engaged in some casual, non-padded long toss with Khari Jones. Appreciate these two while they are here together. They truly are a couple of gems.
Quotable
“I’m enjoying the process and it’s just a matter of getting used to it, the one extra guy and more ground I have to cover. I played it a little bit in high school so it is just taking a little bit adjusting to. I think I’ll do fine.”- SFU Clan product and seventh round draft pick Jordan Herdman on re-adjusting to Canadian rules after his NCAA career.
Injury Watch
Receiver Shaq Johnson (hamstring) sat out for a second straight day but looks to be improving. Defensive linemen Frank Alexander (foot) and Josh Shirley (calf) joined him on the injured list. All will be re-evaluated Saturday morning.
Tomorrow
Mini-camp comes to an end with a padded practice from 8:30am to 10:30 am at Hillside Stadium. The veterans report to Thompson Rivers University at 4:00 with the first set of double day practices underway Sunday morning at 8:30. Buckle up. It’s about to heat up in the den!
Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com