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Features April 30, 2025

2025 Training Camp Preview: Defensive Line

Changing our attention to the other side of the ball, it’s time to preview the Stamps defensive line entering camp.

After a 2024 season that saw the Calgary defensive line rank third last in sacks (32) and last in tackles for loss (24), the Red and White have a league-high 21 defensive linemen competing at camp this year.

Coach: John Bowman

Vets: Kwadwo Boahen*, Josiah Coatney, Kail Dava*, Anthony Federico*, Clarence Hicks, George Idoko*, Justin Sambu*, Kelon Thomas*, Charles Wiley

Off-Season Additions: Miles Brown, Folarin Orimolade, Cedric Wilcots II

Rookies: Jett Bush, Josh Carr Jr., Jaylon Hutchings, Savion Jackson, Jason Janvier-Messier*, Cedrick Lattimore, Michael Mason, Alex Nobles, Shaun Peterson Jr.

Departed: Elliot Graham*, Julian Howsare, Mike Rose, James Vaughters

* Denotes Canadian

Bowman Takes Over

I’ve been keeping in my excitement ever since the team announced the hiring of Canadian Football Hall-of-Famer John Bowman as the new defensive line coach.

This is my moment to fangirl.

You didn’t have to be a Montreal Alouettes fan to appreciate Bowman’s greatness on the field. When I wasn’t watching Calgary, I was full of admiration for a dominant Anthony Calvillo-led offence and Bowman-led defence in La Belle Province.

In three seasons coaching the Lions, Bowman oversaw a defensive line that never ranked lower than third in sacks.

Appointing the nine-time division all-star head of the Calgary d-line is a superb first step in getting the group back on track for this campaign.

Going With The Flo

The off-season saw the Stamps front office continuously make big moves.

Apart from the quarterback room, the defensive line probably saw the next biggest shakeup.

In January, Calgary announced a blockbuster trade sending LB Cameron Judge to the Argos in exchange for DL Folarin Orimolade. The reunion brings one of the most highly touted pass rushers in the league back to where his career began six seasons ago.

Who’s Gone, Who’s Here

The off-season also saw the departures of Julian Howsare, Mike Rose, and James Vaughters.

Still suiting up for the Red and White includes 2024 Most Outstanding Rookie nominee Clarence Hicks, who played in all 18 games and racked up 14 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions and one knockdown.

Canadian Content

The Stamps have seven national defensive linemen signed to their roster, including Kelon Thomas, Justin Sambu and Kail Dava, who had impressive performances when they dressed last season.

Two Rookies To Watch

The Stampeders brought in eight American rookies to compete at camp this season.

  • Jaylon Hutchings – The Texas Tech product has some familiarity with the Stamps as a late addition at the end of the 2024 season where he was placed on the practice roster before making his CFL debut in a road game against Hamilton. He also played the final game of the season in Regina a week later.
  • Cedrick Lattimore – Lattimore signed as an undrafted free agent by the Seattle Seahawks in 2020. He was added to Seattle’s active roster in 2021 for a wildcard playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams and made six tackles.