Rookies eager to take the field
As rookie offensive lineman Brett Jones puts it, you always keep your eyes on the prize.
For the rookies, that prize is your first chance to play on a CFL field in a CFL game against CFL-quality opponents with CFL fans cheering you on.
After two weeks of training camp, that finally happens on Friday night when the Stampeders face off with the BC Lions at McMahon Stadium.
“I’m just really excited. It just dawned on me that I get to play in a CFL game and I’m excited for tomorrow,” said Jones, a 2013 CFL draft pick.
With some injuries on the offensive line, Jones will likely play a significant role in the Stamps offence.
It’ll be his first time against the next-level talent, and he’s ready for the challenge.
“It’s going to be a jump — the BC Lions have a great team so it’s going to be interesting to see how I do,” he said.
“Definitely a lot of nerves but I’m trying to be as confident as I can and make the calls and get the job and get the win.”
Rookie defensive end Ben D’Aguilar is in the same boat. He just wants to show he belongs at the pro level.
“I want to go out there and fly around, show the coaches that I know the responsibilities and what I’m doing, and that I can help the team out in the short term and long term,” he said.
He knows it’s going to be a stiffer competition than what he faced in the Vanier Cup when he was last on the field.
“You just try to rise up the competition,” he said. “There are going to be times when you get knocked down and thrown for a loop but as a rookie, you learn from them and don’t let them keep you down.”
That’s the style that head coach John Hufnagel is looking for – an ability to adapt under the lights.
“Know what you’re doing on the field,” Hufnagel said. “Don’t allow the mistakes to take away from your physical talents because that’s what you’re looking for. You’re looking for players that can learn and then put that learning into action when the lights go on. Sure I want them to play hard with great effort, great courage but I need them to be doing what they need to be doing.”
Peach looking for a spot on the o-line
It’s hard to believe looking at him now, but there was a time Billy Peach was the fastest BMX biker in Canada for his age group.
It just doesn’t seem possible considering the rookie offensive lineman is listed at six-foot-four and 323 pounds, but back when he was 7, 8, 9 and 10, no one could get around the track faster on two wheels.
“I just grew out of the bike,” said Peach, a native of St. John’s, NL.
Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on your point of view, his body hit a growth spurt and it was football from then on for the kid.
“By that time, I was a pretty big kid so I was just powerful when I was younger and then I hit that growth spurt,” he said.
A few years later, his father’s job relocated him down to Florida and he started on at the high school in Largo, being named a first-team county all-star and second-team regional all-star.
It pitted the offensive lineman against some of the best athletes in Florida – some who were four- and five-star recruits to Division 1 football. After looking at his options, Peach decided to continue his career with the Jacksonville University Dolphins in the Pioneer Football League.
He won a pair of league championships in 2008 and 2010 before rounding into a starter in 2011. With a dominant offensive attack, the Dolphins almost made it three championships in four years but fell in the title game.
His strong performance caught the attention of the Stampeders, who made him their third round selection, 19th overall in the 2012.
With one year of eligibility remaining at Jacksonville State, Peach pushed back his debut with the Stampeders. However, instead of returning back to school, the 23-year-old decided to take a year off from competitive football and focus on training.
“I trained in Florida and went to L.A. for three months and trained,” he said. “To be the best, you have to train with the best and I had the opportunity to train at a high level.”
It gave him the opportunity to get bigger, faster, stronger while also leaning out in the process.
Finally, he signed with the Stampeders on Dec. 5 and joined the team for rookie camp last week.
“I’ve been gone for five or six years but calling this home is going to be nice,” he said. “When I was in college, I only got home for Christmas or Thanksgiving if we were out of the playoffs. It’s been a big change.”
Guard Dog on Duty
*Note: The Stampeders players are not the only ones gearing up for a brand new season. Everyone around McMahon is preparing to do Whatever it Takes to get back to the Grey Cup this year. Ralph the Dog was recently spotted at the stadium as he was doing some training. We caught up with the Stamps’ loveable hound to see what he’s been up to during training camp.
What are you doing today Ralph?
Trying to get a little workout in before obedience training tonight. It takes a lot of hard work to get in shape for a long season with the team.
What does a typical workout for Ralph the Dog look like?
Not too different from the rest of the team. There is lots of ball chasing. Catching drills are by far the most challenging skill. Sure Nik Lewis has a streak of 157 games with at least one catch, but have any of them been with his mouth? It’s not as easy as it looks — just ask my friend, Harvey the Hound. Finally, I try to cool down with a lot of stretching. Last thing I need is to pull a hamstring while scratching behind my ears.
This year, the Stamps and their fans are pledging to do “Whatever It Takes” to have a successful season. How are you doing your part?
Well, last year we had a rash of injuries to the team. I wanted to make sure that if Coach Hufnagel was in a bind this year, I would be ready. I’ve spent lots of time in the video room working on my moves. I began by watching Air Bud: Golden Receiver. Now, if anything happens, I’ll be ready to jump in from the bleachers to the field at a moment’s notice.
I have also been trying working on my conditioning to make sure I can cover the stands more effectively. I’ve posted a map of Mosaic Stadium in my dog house. I study it every night to map out the most effective way to cover the stands at this year’s Grey Cup as we cheer on the Red and White. That’s right, I’m about to become Gainer the Gopher’s worst nightmare.
What are you looking forward to this year Ralph?
The kids are always my favourite. Every year I get to meet new little fans who shake my hand, give me hugs or dance with me in the stands. I’m also looking forward to another great run to the 101st Grey Cup in Regina. This time, we are going to bring the Grey Cup back to Calgary when the game is done.
Huff and Tate talk about Friday’s game
Quarterback Drew Tate and head coach John Hufnagel talk about Friday night’s pre-season match-up against the BC Lions.
Transactions
None
Tomorrow’s Schedule
The Stamps host the BC Lions at 7 p.m. in the first pre-season game. The game will be broadcast on News Talk 770 radio but there is no TV coverage.