We are looking at approximately 2 weeks from the start of the Alouettes Training Camp, With the NFL on the fritz, you should be excited for the CFL. The Als are looking for the three peat, the camp this year should be one of the best we’ve seen in years. Here are ten reasons to pay attention.
10-New Kicker: The Alouettes traded for and signed Sean Whyte from BC. Damon Duval, as Jim Popp Said, is ‘on the streets’. There is no doubt in my mind Whyte will be kicking for the Als in 2011, but don’t be shocked to see Colt David at Training Camp working on his punting as he’s still Als Property.
9-Dwight Anderson interviews: With Avon gone, we here in the media need a go to. All indications from our Calgary friends say Dwight is our man. CFL players are a very relaxed group, so I’m looking forward to some loose lips.
8-Young OL talent: There’s a big change looking at the Alouettes offensive line over the last few years. Last years grey Cup starters in Age- Woodruff 26, Brodeur 28, Perrett 27, Bourke 28, No need let everyone know that 2-time OL of the year Scott Flory is in charge at 34 years old. This list doesn’t include the young guns from the 2011 draft and Matte, Steenbergen, Bomben. They are big, they are skilled, they are competitive, should be fun.
7-Anwar Stewart: I remember covering the Als T-Camp in 2008, Marc Trestman’s 1st season, and there was talk that Stewart might be on the way out. Well I watched him very carefully and he was by far the best and hardest working Defensive player throughout camp that season and each one since. IF you make the trip to Bishop’s just watch #9, it’s worth it.
6-Tim Tibesar: With Tim Burke off to Winnipeg, LB Coach Tibesar will get his shot at running the defence. Look for a lot of Linebacker involvement, that’s what he played, that’s what he was coaches. Will there be more or less blitzes? We’ll find out won’t we.
5-Marc Trestman: there are no clipboards; there are no golf carts… It’s all Trestman. This is a man that runs a very strong and tight ship and it’s fun to watch. He doesn’t let his players take a play off and neither does he.
4-The Next Ben Cahoon: As Cahoon moves over to the coaching ranks at BYU. Who will the Alouettes dub as the next Canadian great., Deriveaux, Deslauriers or will the Als go with a newcomer like Jerry Porter, Dallas Baker? Expect SJ Green to get more love in that slot back position in 4 receiver sets, But that 5th WR could be anyone.
3-Not so friendly Safety battle: Gone are the days that Mathieu Proulx and Etienne Boulay could be easily exchanged on any given play at the Safety position. With the Proulx retirement and the Tad Crawford acquisition this is something to key in on. I don’t know the personal relationship between Crawford and Boulay but I can only assume they aren’t as chummy as Proulx and Boulay were.
2-Anthony Calvillo: Honestly it’s just a treat to watch him play football. The Als have the best player in the game, and that list includes the leagues reigning MOP Henry Burris. Throw in an eventful off-season for the seasoned vet. He is one to watch very closely.
1-RB Battle: With Avon gone, the much-hyped RB battle will be front and centre come early June. Brandon Whitaker has gotten the vote of confidence from the Head Coach but De’Audra Cobb, Yvenson Bernard and Ahman Green will be the front-runners to steal it away. Cobb has the most CFL Experience of the 4, but Green carries the best CV. Bernard will the one that will want to prove himself on the field. Since they all can run well, whoever can check their ego and block the best will most likely come out on top.
