Training Camp 2013 Update: Running Back

The running backs will have slightly different look in 2013. Four year starter Stephen Lumbala graduated with his degree and is now playing for the Montreal Alouettes after being selected fifth overall in the CFL Draft. Known as a strong playoff performer with excellent ball security, Lumbala`s presence will be missed.

Mercer Timmis had an impressive freshman season last year and now takes over as the feature back. Timmis gave indication that he will be solid CW performer dressing for six games last year. Competing with Timmis for playing time is junior Denzel Morrison who also dressed and played considerably in 2012.

Pure freshman Connor McGough (Crescent Heights, Medicine Hat), converted linebacker Anthony Anderson and Mac Sarro are competing for time at the fullback spot.

Senior Cuong Thai-Lieu returns for his second year after a stellar career with the Calgary Colts is a solid change of pace. Other players contending for playing time are Jeff Schidlowsky, Quentin Chown and Jordan Gabriel-Cannon.

Training Camp 2013 Update: Defensive Back

Marcello Rapini returns for eighth season with Coach Blake Nill’s staff. Known for his attention to detail and teaching techniques Rapini has just one starter returning from last year’s group. Only Cyril Iwanegbe returns at inside halfback. Gone are three time CW all-star halfback Ty Noble, veteran safety Wyatt Getty, and cornerback Jamahl Knowles is with the Montreal Alouettes practice roster. The graduating players not only were key players in games brought a strong level of commitment to each practice supplying leadership.

Converted receiver Adam Ballingall moves to one cornerback spot having played that spot in the East-West game in 2013 while Junior All-Canadian Adam Laurensse joins the team from the Edmonton Wildcats will be the other cornerback. Sophomores Hunter Turnbull and Nathan Mitchell saw considerable time last year as pure freshmen and will play inside. Both are young but once they gain experience should be solid Canada West players.

Pure freshman Robbie Woodson (St. Francis) has been most impressive in training camp and despite his youth will see playing time in 2013. Woodson is the younger brother of former Dinos running back Anthony Woodson, now with Winnipeg of the CFL. Tom Knitter, saw action last year on special teams and is also available inside.

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.