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June 1, 2017

Training Camp Day 5 Report | Momentum

You could argue the word is perhaps overused. Some believe it carries over from game to game or season to season. Others insist it’s all about the present. We’re talking about momentum. You can bet it’s a word Cody Husband is thinking about as his 7th CFL camp continues.

“This year I came to camp actually knowing defences and the calls. You’re just a lot more confident going into it,” Husband said.

“Last year I was kind of still figuring everything out and missed some stuff and now it’s easier to figure things out and make sure the offence is glued together.”

Every year brings about surprises. Flash back to 2016 when the Lions had traded for then- 36-year old Tim O’Neill, the idea being he would start at centre. A strong camp by Husband led to a change of plans. The New Westminster native is now being counted on to not only repeat his success in 2016, but also become more of a mentor for the starting unit.

“Now I am the old guy I guess,” Husband chuckled.

“The main core of the O-line has been playing together for a couple years. Kirby Fabien, Hunter Steward and I have known each other real well now. It makes it a lot easier for us to go forward.”

That familiarity was a big reason the Lions led the entire CFL in rushing yards one year ago. With every team in the West entering 2017 with high expectations, Husband knows the bar will be set even hire as they look to get back to the Grey Cup for the first time in seven season.

Momentum. It’s something they are trying to build on each and every day in Kamloops. They got off to the perfect start in training camp when Wally Buono singled out the entire offensive line for their dominance in the first padded practice this week.

Day 5 Standouts

One of the more consistent receivers through five days has been Marco Iannuzzi. Never known as a super deep threat, he has excelled at making those grabs underneath and in tight coverage before turning them into big gains in team drills. Bryan Burnham had perhaps his best day, picking up a couple of nice grabs off the turf in team and one on one session. Eighth round pick Mitch Hillis (below) has done his part to stand out as well. Steven Clarke probably deserves the game ball on defence after an interception and forced fumble in the padded morning workout. DeQuin Evans performed well and got some pressure on the QB while Maxx Forde continues to make a push for that potential non-import spot on the line.

Injury Report

The sideline bodies have piled up in the last day or two with Nick Moore, TJ Lee and Steven Clarke all took some drills off in order to rest. The double days are hard to get accustomed to for players coming off serious injuries. Frank Alexander (foot), Bryant Turner Jr. (quad) and Dylan Ainsworth (neck) remained on the sidelines and were joined by Luther Maddy, Buddy Jackson and Mondo Williams who were all dealing with lower body ailments of their own.

Quotable

“The aggression is coming, right where we need it. This stuff right here is going to carry on. Our line knows how far we came in camp last year and everything is starting to go 180 for us. In the middle (of camp) we’re trying to make it a full 360.”- Jeremiah Johnson on how the offensive line makes their job easier.

“I think they opened a lot of people’s eyes. Not only are they good receivers, but also they are very good at making things happen with the ball in their hand. Seeing guys jump up and do things like that is good.”- Buono on the play of rookie receivers Tyler Davis and Corey Jones so far.

Friday Schedule

The double days continue with 8:30am practice at Hillside Stadium. They will go in pads for the 3:30-5:30PM session.

Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com