After a long off-season, Tiger-Cats rookie camp opened up today with some anxious players ready to hit the turf for the team’s first on-field activities of 2009. Here are some notes from Thursday morning’s practice…
– A majority of the morning’s practice saw coaches going over Canadian Football League basics with their new students. Offensive Coordinator Mike Gibson and Receivers Coach Dennis Goldman worked with the receivers regarding motion towards the line of scrimmage, Quarterbacks Coach Khari Jones went over footwork with the pivots and Defensive Coordinator Greg Marshall discussed the nuances of the CFL game with the defence.
– Several rookies fielded balls fired skyward from the jugs machine, giving spectators a glimpse at which first-year players may be considered for the Ticats kick returner position. These players included Airese Currie, Melvin Matlock, DeAndra’ Cobb, Jacob Willis, Raymond Wladichuk, Marquay McDaniel and LaShaun Ward.
– Mike Gibson quickly established himself as the most vocal coach at this morning’s practice, shouting both encouragement and criticism towards the offensive lineman he hosted in the end zone.
– Several Ticats veterans were spotted checking out this morning’s on-field activities at Ron Joyce Stadium including Prechae Rodriguez, Cameron Siskowic, Geoff Tisdale, Johnnie Morant, Chris Bauman, Jordan Matechuk, Nick Setta, Dylan Barker and Chris Davis. The veterans will officially report to McMaster on Saturday and take the field for the first time on Sunday morning.
– Ticats fifth-round draft pick Guillaume Allard-Cameus drew praise from Mike Gibson and the approximately 50 people on hand throughout this morning’s events. Gibson complimented the running back on his deft selection of running paths while the crowd roared with approval after the Laval product swiftly darted through the defence towards the sideline for a 20-yard gain during team drills.
– A few receivers stood out with noticeable performances this morning. Aaron Fairooz demonstrated his willingness to fight for the ball several times, leaving a handful of defensive backs on the turf while the 6’6” receiver hauled in the pigskin. David Ball showed off his hands with a pair of great leaping grabs and Jacob Willis turned a defender inside-out with a great move and then hauled in a long pass.
– University of Hawaii product Jacob Patek, competing at the SAM linebacker spot, recorded the first interception of rookie camp after alertly stepping in front of a Chase Clement pass. Patek also made an acrobatic play to knock down a pass a little later in practice.
– Melvin Matlock also made some noise on Thursday morning. The Minnesota State defensive back showed some skill when he broke up a potential Adam Tafralis-to-David Ball pass and then solicited a strong reaction from the fans when he leveled receiver Jacob Willis during team drills. Fellow DB Alan Zemaitis also showed a tendency for physical play during one-on-ones.
– Offensive lineman Todd Londot was singled out by Mike Gibson for his strong work on the offensive line. That didn’t save him from a lap around the field with fellow lineman Zac Carlson at the end of practice. That was their punishment for being flagged for a penalty during drills.
– Defensive lineman Mike McFadden showed his ability to get to the passer throughout team drills, fighting his way around the tackle before knocking down an attempted pass within the pocket on one play.
– After an energetic beginning, the rookies will once again hit the field this afternoon for the second practice of the day at approximately 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at McMaster University’s Ron Joyce Stadium.
– 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!
– The Tiger-Cats communications staff will also be very active on Twitter throughout training camp, giving fans 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.
