Productive morning practice
The Calgary Stampeders were given a slight reprieve from the tough grind of training camp on Wednesday.
After three days of two-a-days, the players were given the afternoon away from McMahon Stadium.
They still had to get through the morning though, with head coach and general manager John Hufnagel focusing on team development.
“We were in a lot of team situations,” Hufnagel said. “We had our no huddle offence going, we had our second and long situations going in team offence and we had inside run and half skelly.
“We tried to get a good work in today but also soften the load a little bit with the receivers. Hopefully, this afternoon off will help them catch their breath and be ready for tomorrow morning.”
After a rainy start to training camp, the sun came out for a second straight day and allowed for a solid morning of practice.
The players should embrace their afternoon off as two-a-days start up again tomorrow.
Transition from quarterback to receiver
Brad Sinopoli has spent the past two seasons as the third quarterback on the Stampeders roster. During the off-season, coaches decided to switch the Ontario native to receiver. Check out this video to find out first-hand how the transition has been going.
Q&A with Juwan Simpson
Last night you were doing some special video with TSN for the upcoming season, how did that go?
It was pretty cool. I was kind of concerned because it was a bit of a late night thing, but it was real cool being outside in front of the camera and lights.
When you were posing for the camera where were you getting your motivation from?
I just stared off into the camera. I wanted the viewers to just see my face. I was trying hard not to laugh because (Charleston) Hughes and (Steve) Baggs were giving me a hard time. I just tried to zone out and get into my own world.
Do you think there might be a TV career in your future after football?
Guaranteed. A face like this not on T.V.? It’s just not right.
There seems to be some great battles happening in the linebacker position. How do you like the intensity this year?
It’s real good. I worked hard in the off-season to prepare myself for a tough camp; I knew it was going to be tough this year. Guys have come in and done a great job. Competition at all levels whether it’s d-line, secondary, whatever; it’s been good competition. I like where we’re going and I like what we’re going to have when camp settles.
How good is it to have so many guys return that were here last year?
Well, that camaraderie and brotherhood; there’s nothing like it. It makes the locker room just that much better. Being out here with these guys and knowing what they’re going through and that we’re going through the same thing, it makes you want to work not only for yourself but for the man beside you.
Has anything in your game changed from last year to this year?
Not really. Looking back on last year, I had a pretty decent year. I’m just trying to get better every practice. I’m always trying to capitalize on the offence’s mistakes. If I can do that, I sense a successful year ahead for not only me but the team.
Anything you want to tell the fans for the coming season?
I look forward to seeing you every home game, and if it’s not sold out I’ll be highly upset. I know the fans don’t want me upset. LOL
Photo Gallery
>>Photos from Training Camp – June 5
Transactions
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Injury Update
- Import linebacker Rod Davis (foot) missed practice
- Import receiver Tim Hawthorne (hamstring) missed practice
- Import offensive lineman Edwin Harrison (calf) missed practice
- Non-import offensive lineman J’Micheal Deane (ankle) missed practice
- Non-import receiver Chris Bauman (wrist) missed practice
- Import defensive back Reggie Jones (knee) missed practice
- Import running back Jonathan Williams (thumb) missed practice
Tomorrow’s schedule
The Stamps are on the field for two sessions on Thursday, June 6. Practices run from 9:05 a.m. to approximately 11 a.m. and from 4:10 p.m. to approximately 6 p.m.