Training Camp Day 11: June 8
Kamloops – Wednesday marked the final session of two-a-days as the Lions continue to get set for Saturday’s preseason opener in Saskatchewan. Wally Buono says he has a firm idea of who will get the most playing time, with the game roster expected to be revealed Friday at the latest. One thing for certain is all four quarterbacks will see some action against the Roughriders. Morning session involved more no huddle offence, team drills and two-on twos. For the afternoon padded practice, Buono saluted the overall effort of the defence as they prevented a lot of big plays throughout most of the team situations. Both practices also wrapped up about 15 minutes early, something the GM/head coach said had everything to do with his players being efficient in between plays.
WHO STOOD OUT:
The offence faired a bit better in the morning session. Devonn Brown made a nice touchdown catch and continues to impress the coaching staff with his speed. He will likely be a factor against the Roughriders as the club continues to explore all options at receiver. In the afternoon, Manny Arceneaux made a couple of key catches when the offence was in need of a turnaround, including a nice touchdown reception while falling to the ground. Bryan Burnham let his presence be known with a couple of receptions, one for a score in the afternoon. The right side of the offensive line did a nice job providing running room for Jeremiah Johnson.
On defence, Ronnie Yell was a force in the secondary and broke up his usual couple of passes in team drills. TJ Lee made a nice leaping interception in the morning drills. There was plenty of standouts in the afternoon, including Ryan Phillips exploiting the pass protection and making a nice play after picking up a read on a screen pass. He looked pretty jacked up after sitting out morning practice to rest an injured foot. Fellow vets Solomon Elimimian and Adam Bighill were flying around and making plays. Royce Adams had an interception in the afternoon and continues to pick things up quickly after signing a few days into camp. Jabar Westerman, George Uko and Ese Mrabure were all key contributors at the line of scrimmage. Uko had a nice knockdown in team play.
QUOTES OF NOTE:
“You have to be able to change the tempo on offence. Sometimes you do it for a reason. Sometimes you do it to wake your team up.”- Buono on the continued emphasis on hurry up offence.
TOMORROW’S SCHEDULE:
Training Camp Day 11:
Practice: 8:30-10:30AM (padded practice)
WATCHING:
Running back Anthony Allen, (knee) offensive linemen Kirby Fabien (knee) and Levy Adcock, (knee) receiver Derek Yachison, (knee) safety Brennan Van Nistelrooy, (ankle) defensive linemen Jacques Smith ( knee) Zach Minter, ( hip flexor) Mich’ael Brooks (lower body) and Bryant Turner Jr., (hamstring) defensive back Darius Lane (lower body) and receiver Geraldo Boldewijn (hamstring)
TRANSACTIONS:
The club signed defensive end Kache Palacio (I) on Wednesday. The Washington State alum previously attended mini-camp with the Los Angeles Rams.