The Black and Gold took to the field for a shorter practice on Tuesday, which was followed by a weight-lifting session led by Strength and Conditioning Coach Roger Dunbrack…
– DL Matt Kirk, an off-season free agent acquisition who is currently flying under the radar has impressed coaches with his ability and work ethic. The Queen’s product spent three years in B.C. and one year in Ottawa before signing with the Cats in February.
– Former Ticats defensive fronts coach and current head coach of the University of Waterloo’s football team, Dennis McPhee, was on hand for Tuesday practice.
– Demonte’ Bolden displayed his power and quickness during team drills, cruising by an offensive lineman in time to knock down a Jason Boltus pass from within the pocket.
– Mike Gibson spent a portion of practice barking instructions at the offensive line while they pushed him around on the five-man blocking sled.
– Markeith Knowlton, who made four interceptions during his first season in Black and Gold last year, made a nice play to pick off a Quinton Porter toss, which would have been returned for a touchdown had coaches not stopped him with their whistles. Knowlton added another pick a little later on to end the day with two.
– WR Dave Stala worked alongside Nick Setta during punting drills. Stala, an extremely versatile athlete, was an AUS All-Star as a receiver, kicker and punter with Saint Mary’s in 2002.
– 2008 CFL interception leader Chris Thompson picked off his first pass of camp on Tuesday by leaving his feet to grab a Jason Boltus offering. Rookie Carlton Brown also registered an interception on a pass thrown by Adam Tafralis.
– WR Airese Currie continued to impress onlookers, making a great jumping catch with Markeith Knowlton all over him during one-on-ones. Eddie Cohen also turned some heads after wrestling a pass away from Chris Thompson a few moments later.
– WR Willie Quinnie received some tough news yesterday after suffering an injury during practice. He will likely miss the entire 2009 season after damaging his achilles tendon.
– Tune into Cable 14 tonight at 7:00 p.m. for a special Tiger-Cats edition of The Opinionators, live from Ivor Wynne Stadium.
– The Tiger-Cats communications staff will also be active on Twitter throughout training camp, giving fans an insider’s view of what is transpiring on the field and behind-the-scenes as it happens. Follow @TicatsPR for updates from camp and @CFLTigerCats for the team’s news feed.
– Be sure to check Ticats.ca for the latest breaking news, roster moves, notes from each practice, Q & A’s with coaches, photo galleries, Ticats TV videos and more!
