Adam Blasetti’s credentials impressed Wally Buono so much, the GM/head coach felt compelled to respond to a job application from his annual Hawaiian vacation in January.
Right away, the boss knew there was a fit on the BC Lions coaching staff. “What impressed me when Adam reached out, was his association with the running game we knew wanted to put together,” Buono said.
“Because he worked with Jacques Chapdelaine there was a direct connection with Dan Dorazio and he became very highly recommended from other people I’m familiar with.”
Following a tryout with his hometown Calgary Stampeders in 2004, Blasetti knew his dreams of playing pro were ending, but there had to be a way to stay involved in the game. After all, he enjoyed four productive years with the University of Calgary Dinos and was a Canada West all-star in 2003.
“I knew I didn’t want to give up the game,” Blasetti said. “I thought playing was the greatest thing ever and I would never love anything more. Coaching has been an outstanding experience.”
Blasetti’s career in patrolling the sidelines and breaking down film began in Canadian Junior 
Football with the Calgary Colts, where he played before University. He worked his way up to offensive coordinator prior to joining Chapdelaine’s SFU staff in 2014.
In addition, there were guest-coaching stops with the Stampeders, Saskatchewan Roughriders and Montreal Alouettes. It was with the Stamps where he started to gain a good list of mentors.
“John Hufnagel has really done a lot for me, ever since I was a guest coach at Stampeders camp. He’s always had an open door and been available to answer questions,” Blasetti said.
Upon migrating to west to Burnaby Mountain, Blasetti continued to learn how much the football business involves leveraging contacts.
“I got to know Khari Jones when he was in line to become head coach at SFU. I also knew Dan Dorazio through one of my old coaches in University. Coach Chapdelaine recommended I get in touch with those guys.”
In the long run, persistence paid off for the 37-year old. A lengthy interview process followed upon Buono’s return from holidays and Blasetti was officially introduced as running backs coach January 21st.
“We first crossed paths in Saskatchewan and I saw his work ethic right away,” Jones recalls.
Now a Canadian citizen himself, Jones takes pride in seeing the amount of football coaches this country is producing as well as their ability to pursue various openings.
“The fact Adam has come this far speaks to his persistence,” Jones said. “Along the way he has taken jobs that haven’t paid very well but have helped him gain experience. He’s very diligent and cares a lot about the game. Being Canadian is a huge bonus as well because he grew up following our league.”
“I appreciate these guys that have paid their dues,” adds Buono. “I didn’t have to do what these young guys do now. I did it by coaching a junior team for six months, that was it. We’ve had a lot of success with young guys that were willing to pay the price.”
As far as the backfield goes, there will be an adjustment in 2016 thanks in large part to the departure of veteran Andrew Harris. The Lions quickly addressed the need by adding the two-headed monster of Anthony Allen and Jeremiah Johnson at the start of free agency.
“They’re very explosive and I am really looking forward to working with both of them, “Blasetti said. “Allen has been in Dan Dorazio’s system in Saskatchewan, so he’s going to be familiar with what we ask of him.”
In 28 games with Saskatchewan, Allen rushed for more than 1500 yards and eight touchdowns, along with 314 receiving yards and three more majors.
Despite appearing in just ten games for the Ottawa REDBLACKS last season, Johnson led the entire CFL with nine rushing touchdowns.
“He was a great college player at Oregon and has been in the limelight for a long time,” Blasetti adds. “I have heard nothing but good things about him from his former teammates, especially the offensive linemen. When those guys go out of their way to tell you how awesome a guy is, that speaks volumes.”
Blasetti, along with the other position coaches, has the benefit of getting a first hand look at some of the first-year Lions when a select few report to the Surrey training facility for mini camp April 28th and 29th.
Former Detroit Lion Mikel Leshoure and one-time North Dakota State standout Sam Ojuri are among the running backs scheduled to be on hand.
“It’s an exciting time for us as a staff to be able to look at guys that have the pedigree that they do,” Blasetti said. “It’s always exciting to be able to potentially add explosive pieces to the puzzle, guys that can be difference makers.”
The ability to look at live talent in late April has to be one of the reasons Blasetti enjoys coaching more than playing.
Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com