If there has been one consistent message at BC Lions training camp, it is the fact they must own the line of scrimmage. With the right mixture of veterans and youngsters competing for spots on the offensive line, it looks like the club could live up to that goal once they start playing for real on June 25th. It all starts with being versatile. The left side has Jovan Olafioye, the group’s undisputed leader, at tackle after previously lining up on the right side. Also battling at that spot is rookie Antonio Johnson who took some first team reps while Olafioye was dealing with a hip flexor injury earlier in camp. Hunter Steward has switched to the guard position as he looks to remain healthy following last year’s foot injury that kept him out most of the season. “Camp is very good,” said offensive line coach Dan Dorazio who is back in his familiar post after one year in Saskatchewan. “The competition is keen, the effort is excellent and they are coming to work every day.”
Perhaps the most interesting development has been at centre where Cody Husband has taken a lot of the first team reps with Tim O’Neill moving to left guard with Steward. Having a nine-year veteran like O’Neill who can play multiple positions and add depth to your unit will certainly pay dividends. Jas Dhillon and 2016 fourth round pick Dillon Guy have been getting reps at centre and look to be in good form thanks to extra work at mini-camp.
The right side promises to be strong once again with Kirby Fabien at guard, along with T-Dre Player and Charles Vaillancourt, the fifth overall pick last month. As Geroy Simon told BCLions.com before the draft, you can never have too much Canadian content on your offensive line. The idea is for the youngsters to not only be able to push the vets in camp, but to possibly be in a position to start down the road. The right tackle position has been somewhat intriguing since Olafioye’s position switch. Free agent Levy Adcock, whom Dorazio pushed for the Lions to sign, has been slotted in as the starter for most of camp. Newcomers Rogers Gaines and Micah Hatchie are also pushing and both took additional reps while Adcock plays through a minor knee injury. He was still able to participate in one of the two practices on both Tuesday and Wednesday.
“Pain is part of the game,” added Dorazio. “Our players understand when they have pain, they have to play through it. Toughness starts from the inside. You need to have it between your backbone and your breast plate.”
Gaines brings some NFL training camp experience to the table, while Hatchie played four productive years with the Washington Huskies before earning a tryout with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
One thing is for certain: the players engaging in these battles have certainly been preaching Dorazio’s message to keep grinding. “He’s like a general,” said Vaillancourt. “I have never seen a coach that passionate. It’s good for us and better for me.”
Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com