Perhaps it’s fitting that Wally Buono has a pair of number one quarterbacks at his disposal as he returns to coaching for the first time since the 99th Grey Cup. On that great November day in 2011, Travis Lulay, the Grey Cup most outstanding player, was the undisputed starter and it appeared he would be for a lengthy period of time before the injuries started two years later.
Whether it’s been Dave Dickenson/ Casey Printers or Buck Pierce/Jarious Jackson, the CFL’s most decorated head coach has been forced to answer the weekly question “Who starts at QB?” on more than one occasion. This time around, he insists it will not become a distraction. While naming Jonathon Jennings his starter out of the gate was the right call in many peoples’ eyes, having Lulay around to serve as a mentor and very capable backup, can only be a great thing for the club as they look to return to the West Division penthouse. “They don’t have to win games by themselves,” said Buono after training camp opened on Sunday. “I think sometimes we put too much pressure on a quarterback, making him believe he has to win every game for us. He just has to do his job.”
Jennings showed enough during his six-game audition last season to earn both a re-structured contract and his first-string status to open camp. 15 touchdown passes, 42 completions and 2,004 yards to go along with his mobility and athleticism will certainly lead to the recognition any QB deserves. “This camp for sure feels different, “said Jennings. “At the same time, whenever you step on the field you have to lead the troops no matter where you stand on the depth chart.” Jennings knows as much as anyone that winning will determine how people grade his sophomore campaign.
Lulay, who said this is by far the best he’s felt to open camp since 2013, is fully embracing the new role, and his solid off-field relationship with Jennings has made the transition even more comfortable for the club. The veteran is also still capable of putting up big numbers. His most productive outing in 2015 came against Saskatchewan in week two when Lulay passed for 404 yards and 105 on the ground in the following week’s rematch in Regina. After an offseason of rigorous training, the 33-year old reported to Kamloops in excellent shape.
Where the QB outlook gets even more interesting is after Lulay and Jennings. Incumbent Greg McGhee, who split time between the practice roster and number three spot last season, is battling with Keith Price for the right to dress this season. Both pivots performed well in the Lions three-day mini-camp, and it’s evident those extra reps are proving beneficial. This will be a battle until camp breaks June 18th, but what may give Price the upper hand is experience. He appeared in 17 games with Saskatchewan over the last two seasons and also attended camp with the Seattle Seahawks in 2014. That being said, McGhee no doubt learned plenty in his first season in the den and his familiarity with personnel and various schemes could benefit the Howard University product when the opening week roster decisions are made. Rounding out the QB contingent in Kamloops is UBC pivot Michael O’Connor. He now has a Vanier Cup win under his belt since attending Lions camp last year, and for him it’s about learning from four solid pros, while getting some extra work in prior to the T-Birds season.
Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com