Not only is Cody Husband an imposing figure for defensive linemen, he could probably scare off a few real lions.
At 6’7 and 307 pounds, the New Westminster product was prepared to protect fellow tourists on his recent honeymoon experience.
It was during the three-day safari in South Africa with new bride Rajpreet where he found out lions aren’t always what they are cracked up to be, at least from the safety of their vehicle.
“The funniest thing about Lions is you expect them to be big, active and hunting things all the time, “said Husband.
“We saw them three times on the safari and every time they were all lying down and doing nothing. They were like big house cats. It was kind of like they were sitting on the bench and waiting to get thrown into the game. Everyone on our tour was kind of on edge so when one of the females sneezed you could hear everyone in the truck just grab something.”
After all of his hard work in 2016, the South Africa adventure proved to be a nice change of pace. One could argue coming face to face with real Lions would have been a walk in the park compared to the transition from guard to centre last season
“It was a little tough in the beginning,” recalled Husband.
“I know Dan (offensive line coach Dorazio) had fun just trying to get me to snap the ball properly. It was something I had done before and there’s a big learning curve. It’s about making everyone work as a unit. If I don’t tell one side of the line one thing it can throw things off. For me it was great because by the end of the year we had a lot of good games. In the Western Semi against Winnipeg we ended up taking over and we ran the ball. It helped give Jonathon time so we could come back and win the game.”
Along with having a coach of Dorazio’s calibre, it also helped having veteran linemen like his former Hamilton teammate Tim O’Neill and seven-time CFL All-Star Jovan Olafioye at his side.
“Cody has always been very smart, so I knew it would be a good switch for him,” said Olafioye. “He really dominated and I think he was the best centre in the CFL. I am glad the position change went well for him and happy to see him back preparing for another year.”
Some might consider it remarkable how they were able to lead the league in rushing with two new backs and a somewhat revamped offensive line. As great as that was, Husband says the focus is now on being even better in 2017.
“I think our goal for next year is to lead the league in rushing again but also give up the least amount of sacks.
It’s something that we always want to build on. Last year we got just over 2,000 (2,082 exactly) combined rushing yards and this year we want to aim for 2,500. You always want to set your goals high.”
Part of Husband’s successful transition to a new position, along with not being totally content with last season’s efforts, stems from the fact he and his fellow offensive linemen push each other and feed off of one another. He, Olafioye, Hunter Steward and Kirby Fabien take part in regular workout sessions and also spend a great deal of time together away from the training facility.
“It’s good because we can keep everyone accountable, said Husband. “If someone is slacking a bit you can bug him about it and just get him to pick it up. Even when you go into the season it’s good because we’re not afraid to say anything to each other.
It’s not like you have that one old vet you are afraid to talk to. Everyone is on an even playing field. If you have to call someone out you call him out.”
“We’re all real close and that’s good because offensive line is supposed to be a family,” said Olafioye. “You can’t have any individuals at this position so camaraderie is a big thing. Working out together and pushing each other to the highest point is really good.”
The glue that holds Husband and this offensive line together will go a long way in fulfilling the Grey Cup aspirations he has for 2017. Husband was on the injured list when Hamilton lost the title game in 2014 and now wants to sip from the trophy more than ever.
“I want to win multiple,” proclaimed Husband of his Grey Cup goals. “Now that we have a good core group we know we’re going to be able to compete every year.”
South Africa with his bride no doubt provided a nice start to the year.
“It was nice. Cape Town is kind of like a warmer Vancouver, except they only have one mountain. They have a nice waterfront and lots of things to see.”
At this rate, the Vancouver beauty should be the backdrop of his football home for a long time. And good luck to those real wildlife beasts if they ever come face to face with the hulking centre.
Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com