2008 Season Blog - Training Camp ; Day 8

6/9/2008 9:47:06 PM

Talent Influx

This training camp I made it a point to arrive a few days early. Partly because the drive up from Maryland is 2200 miles, and partly because the talent that we've brought in was so intriguing to me that I wanted to see it for myself. This rookie class hasn't disappointed. The receivers that they've brought in to compete for spots in this elite corps have had some of each skill set that receivers covet and use to be successful in this game. Often times resembling a basketball team, while other times resembling a track squad, this corps will have something for everyone. Long lanky athletes like Clarence Moore (6'6"), Jermaine Jamison (6'4"), Greg Prator (6'3), and Brock Ralph (6'3") have been assembled bring the jump ball/physical element back into our vertical passing attack. Meanwhile guys like Kelly Campbell, as well as Ralph bring a certain speed element to the game which could compliment the route running technicians that we currently have in Tucker, Nowacki, Stamps and myself. To me on a team that will be deep at each position, as far as rookies are concerned, the rookie receivers that we've brought in happen to be the cream of the rookie crop.

Not far behind however, is the DB class. Leading the charge is a physical young man named Keith Williams who has the strength and willingness to jam, to pose problems for slotbacks in this league, combined with the make-up speed to recover if he's beaten. He reminds me of a young Ricky Bell. Tristan Jackson hasn't looked out of place at all on the corner either and helps his chances of making this team with his return ability as shown in the Green and Gold game. Also look for Duane Coleman to possibly make noise in these pre-season games. He has a tremendous break on the ball, and it is probably only a matter of time before he understands some of the crucial subtleties of the position.

As for linebackers, it's a shame that Washington came into camp so heavy, It would have been very interesting to see how he would have managed if he was weighing in at around 230 lbs as opposed to 250 lbs. Hollowell, and St. Pierre have both impressed me in different ways. Hollowell has shown a capacity to understand the system that will bode well in the pre-season, and St. Pierre's willingness to work will go far in his special teams role, should he make this team.

A.J. Harris is the lone import rookie back remaining in this class, and he hasn't disappointed in practices. He certainly looks the part, is deceptively fast for a man his size, and is one of the guys that I'm very interested to see once the lights come on. Ciezki was given Mike Bradley's number #22 jersey and I can't see him wearing another number really with such a similar build and stature to Mike. If Chris can develop into half of the special teams player and leader that Bradley was, this team will be well served; and I like his potential to do that. Pierre-Luc Yao hasn't spoken 6 words in my presence which is fine because rookies are much better of being seen and not heard. He's shown tailbacks feet and hands, while trying to fit into a fullback mold (a la Calvin McCarty) and I see him being a good contributor on special teams as well.

As for the big guys, Montez Murphy moves exceptionally well for as big as he is. He reminds many of a cross between Kelvin Kinney and Rashad Jeanty. Jim Davis when healthy is another defensive lineman who has been identified as one to watch. The emergence of these two in training camp probably weighed heavily on the decision to release Ron Warner. Offensively, Calvin Armstrong has turned heads both with his massive size as well as his versatility and capacity to pick up the scheme. Torrin Tucker is simply a gigantic human being. Even if he wasn't a great football player, that would probably be enough to warrant attention, but fortunately for us…he can play as well. Adam Rogers comes highly recommended from one of the best to do it here, Bruce Beaton.

With the first pre-season game just looming around the corner, all eyes will be on these young guys to see if they can not only excel in this game…but whether or not their Eskimos.©

Kp8