Dinos 2014 Perpetual Energy Training Camp Preview: Defensive Backs

The secondary returns all five starters from 2013 including a one CIS first team all-Canadian and a pair of Conference all-stars. Cyril Iwanegbe earned first team all-Canadian status as well as being a CW all-star last year, while teammate Adam Laurenesse was an all-star cornerback. Other starters returning are inside halfback Robbie Woodson, who gained a starting spot as a true freshman, safety Nathan Mitchell, and cornerback Michael Schmidt. Once again Marcello Rapini returns to coach the secondary. Rapini stresses technique and discipline and that saw his young group improve tremendously over the course of the season.

Woodson, who missed half the season due to an ankle issue was solid down the stretch despite being just 18 years old. Mitchell and Schmidt gained valuable experience as starters in 2013 as sophomores.

Rapini has excellent depth in his group this season,  junior Hunter Turnbull can play anywhere in the secondary and was one of the team’s top tacklers last year. Boston Rowe, originally a quarterback, is a superb athlete and has been moved to safety. Rowe has an excellent understanding of the game and outstanding potential. Eli Bouka moved from offense to defense last year and outstanding speed at corner. Kellen Forrest is also available after seeing action in 2013 at inside halfback.

Newcomers include Antonio Penn who is a transfer from NCAA Div 1 West Virginia Mountaineers and the Statz twins from Provincial Champion Notre Dame in Calgary. Both Nick and Aaron Statz are cornerbacks. Another outstanding freshman prospect is Andrew Britton from Henry Wise Wood High in Calgary. Also in the group are freshman Kendrick Ankamah from MCLA in Calgary and veteran Ufoma Ikporo.

The secondary lost depth players Tom Knitter and Adam Ballingall which means that some of the new players recruited will have to fill that role.