During training camp, the Stampeders running backs have been focusing on the little details that lead to success.
The Stamps have added a few new faces to a backfield that already boasts last year’s rushing leader — and new single-season record-holder among Canadians — Jon Cornish.
“I think all the vets and rookies are doing a great job,” says running backs coach Brent Monson. “The rookies have come in and all of them are working hard, hitting the books and studying at night. Then they’re coming out here and showing it. All the rookies have improved in camp.”
When it comes to star back Cornish, Monson stresses that it’s important to forget the past and only look ahead.
“I’m not looking at last year,” said Monson, who also serves as the Stamps’ strength and conditioning coach. “I don’t think he is looking at it either. He’s focused on this year and camp.”
With extra attention paid to his work in the weight room and nutrition, Cornish is certainly preparing himself for another great year for the Red and White.
Another interesting storyline the past two seasons has been the transition of two rookies from linebacker to fullback — Wilkerson DeSouza a year ago and now Charlie Power.
Shifting from a defensive state of mind to offensive can certainly be a tall task for anyone, but the two youngsters are up to the challenge.
“The hardest transition I see is the amount of learning involved. They are doing a great job of doing it and putting it together on the field,” says Monson.
And let’s not forget Calgary native and U of C Dinos product Matt Walter, who averaged 7.1 yards a carry during his rookie season in 2012, and speedy import LaMarcus Coker, who has battled injuries in his first two seasons but has shown a penchant for big plays in limited action.
With such a competitive camp, in a position full of talent, Stamps fans are excited for what may be in store for 2013.
Shaky arrives
Receiver Shaky Smithson joined the team on Saturday. The Bamlitore native has an interesting back story — he survived a hard upbringing in his hometown to star at the University of Utah and wound up gaining custory of his younger brother while at college.
He spent the past two seasons with the Green Bay Packers but was unable to play due to injuries. He answered some media questions after Saturday’s practice.
How frustrating was it to be sidelined with injuries over two seasons with Green Bay?
Very frustrating. Being a player, you want to always be on the field. When you have a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers that can get you the ball, you want to run those routes and make plays. But at the same time, you know it comes with the game.
What type of injuries were you dealing with?
Between the two years it was my shoulder and ankle.
How did you come by your nickname?
I grew up in Baltimore. I was always very small and my cousins gave me the nickname because I was playing with the older kids. When I was six, I was playing with 10- and 12-year-olds, but I was fast and shifty and they called me “Shaky.”
How special is the relationship you have with your brother?
Very special. I took custody of my younger brother in college. It was due to the violence in Baltimore. It was very tough growing up in Baltimore but it humbles you and makes you a great person. I was going to school in Utah when I took custody of him. It was a big transition. but I was ready for it. It was definitely a big sacrifice — I couldn’t have a normal college life and there were times I couldn’t go out because I had to stay in and help him with his homework. He ended up graduating high school with a 4.0 (grade-point average) and led his football team to state. He just got his release from the Navy and will be heading to junior college in California. I’m very proud of him.
How did growing up in Baltimore prepare you for pro football?
In Baltimore, you grow up fast. When you’re 13, you’re pretty much 21. It makes you step up at an early age. It really helps you on the field when those big boys are coming at you. You don’t get too scared because you’ve seen everything.
Play of the Day
During the special teams period, head coach and general manager John Hufnagel found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time as a booted ball headed his way, with a returner closing ground in a hurry. Showing excellent instincts and mobility that harkened back to his days as a CFL quarterback, Coach Huff scrambled out of harm’s way and the play unfolded without incident.
Transactions
- Signed import receiver Shaky Smithson
Injury update
Import receiver Maurice Price sat out Saturday’s practice. There were no other developments on the injury front.
Tomorrow’s schedule
The Stamps are on the field for a practice in the morning and a mock game in the afternoon on Sunday, June 9 at McMahon Stadium. The practice is at 9:05 a.m. and mock game at 4:30 p.m. (gates open at 3:30 p.m.).