EDMONTON – I am a Sam.
A Sam I am.
The very name of the position may carry its Dr. Seuss overtones, but there’s nothing in the least Green Eggs and Ham or One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish simplistic in mastering it.
“Well, I’m feeling a lot more comfortable, let’s say that,” confesses Jamar Wall on a Grey Cup eve morning walk-through on the slick surface at Commonwealth Stadium just completed.
A fixture in the Stampeders defensive secondary umbrella for six seasons, Wall is preparing to make his first title-tilt start at strongside linebacker when the Red & White take on the Ottawa Redblacks Sunday.
The Sam, if you’ll remember, was filled last Nov. 26 at TD Place Stadium against Toronto by Shaq Richardson.
When Richardson decided to test the NFL waters down south, Wall shifted to the new role, making room for import DB Emanuel Davis to slide into his old spot.
“Honestly, I’ve been trying to play the Sam for awhile,’’ he conceded this week. “So I was prepared.
“I was thinking of it being more of a defensive back position, though, when in reality it’s more of a linebacker position, especially the way we’re playing this year.
“So it took me awhile to adjust, to figure it out. I was confused on some things, getting frustrated because I wasn’t making the plays I was used to making.
“But we were winning, so I couldn’t really complain.
“Sitting in meetings with teammates and coaches, I said: ‘I need to make plays.’ So I had look in the mirror and ask: ‘What do I need to do?’
“This is the first year I haven’t had any picks, and it’s kinda humbling. But If I’m not making interceptions, what do I need to do? Do I need to be closer to the box? More tackles? Whatever.
“I had to adjust. I’m really, really involved with the run now, and that’s different for me.
“The guys were supportive, you know, like: ‘This’ll be great! Something new.’”
Jamar Wall and teammate Adam Berger during walk through in Edmonton on Saturday. (Photo by Candice Ward)
Buddy back slaps aside, when there’s a formation switch in any successful enterprise, the one doing the moving, being asked to take on different responsibilities, is the one being counted upon to keep said enterprise humming along.
“They have trusted me,” acknowledged Wall. “Whenever someone’s gotten hurt, I’ve been the rotational guy. I’ve always prided myself of knowing every position in the secondary.
“When I first got to the league that’s what actually helped me make the team in the first place. When someone went down, I could go in. So they trusted me.”
That trust has been well founded. Even given rookie Tre Roberson taking over on one corner, Davis at DB and Wall shifting ahead in the formation slightly, the Stamps’ historically thieving, malevolent defence once again topped the charts in a slew of statistical categories.
“He’s one of the quarterbacks of our defence,” praised defensive co-ordinator DeVone Claybrooks, speaking of Wall. “He knows it inside-out. He’s been here with me since Day One. He’s the one who lines everybody up. And a great leader.
“His versatility allows us to do unique things that a lot of teams aren’t able to.
“Plus, he’s a great tackler and fills in the run game, which is a requirement for the Sam position. So he fits there nicely.”
No one needs reminding that the Redblacks attack is riding the crest of a tidal wave, having pummeled the Hamilton Tiger Cats for 46 points in the East semifinal.
But over their last two starts, counters Wall, that Stampeder D, which wobbled slightly during a three-game losing run, has re-found its swagger.
“(Before) the B.C. game we kinda had a heart-to-heart thing as a secondary and it opened the eyes of a lot of guys in the room, including myself,’’ he said.
“I think since that game we’ve really took a look and said: ‘What do we have to do to make this team better?’ We’ve done that. I feel I’ve done that.”
A full season at the new post is drawing to a conclusion. And Jamar Wall is feeling a lot more like a Sam I am, right on cue.
“I guess,’’ mused the 30-year-old, “you can teach an old dog new tricks.
“It’s something I had to do to make us a better team and I’m glad it came at the time it did, opening my eyes when it did.
“I’m more comfortable but I’m still learning. In no way, shape or form am I perfect but I have gotten better at it.
“Hopefully I’ve gotten good at the right time.”