Dinos 2014 Perpetual Energy Training Camp Preview: Special Teams

Special teams are often neglected but they are not with the Dinos. The Dinos take a great deal working on special teams and over the years it has been well worth it. Last year specialty team coach Taylor Atilio’s units did a fabulous job making numerous key plays.  

Veteran Johnny Mark is back for his fourth season and will handle both the kicking and punting chores for the Scarlet & Gold.  A Canadian Interuniversity sport first team all-Canadian, Mark was selected 20th overall by the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the 2013 draft. Mark attended their camp and was asked to remain with club but opted to return to complete his degree requirements.

Tanner Doll was a dependable long snapper and returns in that capacity again in 2014. He has established himself as a very consistent performer at that spot.

Other key players on special teams are Mac Sarro and sophomore linebackers Brad Friesen and Ian Ojekale, both of whom saw extensive action on special teams as pure freshmen.

The return duties will be shared by veteran Jake Harty and speedy Eli Bouka with others being available if needed.

The team lost a pair of critical players on special teams. Adam Ballingall and Tom Knitter were key cogs on special teams in 2013. Ballingall led the Conference with two blocked kicks and barely missed a couple of others coming off the edge.  Both have neglected to return, in Ballingall’s case to focus on a heavy academic course load and Knitter graduated.

A couple of promising new kickers are Alec Curtis and Callum Duke, both of whom will be groomed to replace Mark next year.