Training Camp 2013 Update: Linebacker

Wayne Harris returns to coach the linebackers, a position he has coached for two decades. Just one starter returns from last year’s solid group. Gone is the dynamic duo of middle linebacker Jordan Verdone and Conference President’s Award nominee, all-Canadian Mike Edem (3^rd overall pick in CFL Draft). Both are now with the Montreal Alouettes. Brian Hagen retired from football for medical reasons, leaving only Thomas Spoletini as the lone returnee. Spoletini, returns after attending training camp of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and will be looked at to supply leadership to a young but talented group of new additions.  Another key departure is veteran Zach MacNeill (graduation).

Cory Roboch started some games last year before being injured returns in the middle and will be joined in the middle by Alex Ogbongbemiga who saw action last year along the defensive line. The University of Houston transfer has outstanding quickness. Doc Cassama will be used at outside linebacker after spending the first three years with the team as a defensive back. Specialty team player Tanner Doll has had a good camp so far and along with red-shirt freshman Carson Stambene, son of former Dinos player Joe Stambene and red-shirt freshman Emilio Gallotta.

Harris has a trio of outstanding freshman players. Brad Friesen (Edmonton Jasper Place) has been extremely impressive and will challenge for playing time in the middle. Tyson Lee (Notre Dame) and Iyanu Ojekale (Centennial) both are outstanding pure freshmen who just need experience. “These three players are outstanding young football players with an outstanding future in front of them for our program,” states Harris.