Replacing the attitude

When Rob Murphy left the BC Lions to sign a free agent deal with the Toronto Argonauts, the Lions lost more than arguably the best offensive lineman in the league, they lost a big chunk of attitude from their offensive line. When Murphy arrived in BC in the 2006 season, he quickly staked claim to the left tackle position, and in doing so he instilled a whole new type of attitude within BC’s offensive line.

That attitude was infectious, and along with right tackle Jason Jimenez, guards Kelly Bates and Sherko Haji-Rasouli and centre Angus Reid, the Lions offensive line soon developed a reputation across the league for it’s brand of smack you in the mouth football. In a recent interview, Angus Reid stated it’s an attitude they intend to keep up, even if the man that brought it to BC has moved on.

So who are the candidates to replace the two time CFL outstanding lineman? Let’s take a look at four of the names that will be in training camp vying for the job.

#63 – Walter Stith

Walter Stith is a big man. At 6’9″ and just under 300 pounds, the second year Lion enters camp as the first man at the depth chart for Murphy’s job. Stith was the understudy to Murphy last season and filled in nicely while Murphy awaited the birth of his children at the start of last season. Stith played three college seasons at Western Michigan before transferring to NC A&T for his final season. Earned First Team All-MEAC honours at right tackle and was selected to play in the Hula Bowl in 2006.

After a brief stint with the Buffalo Bills, Stith was one of the last finds of the departing Bob O’Billovich. He made the Lions roster last year because he has the ability to play both tackle positions, and he has good pass blocking ability thanks to a large wingspan which help keep  pass rushing defenders at bay.

At just 26 years old old Stith is just entering the prime of his career. Coach Buono stated in a recent interview that Stith’s off-season training has been good and the club is pleased that Stith has bulked up his lanky frame. With a strong showing at training camp Stith is the leading candidate to find himself as the starting left tackle come opening day.

#66 – Darren Marquez

Darren Marquez was an off-season free agent signing by the club. At 6-5 and 315, Marquez as experience at the left tackle position. Marquez had 39 starts at LT for Southern Illinois and was selected All-Gateway Conference First-Team as a senior.

Signed as a free agent by Indianapolis in 2008, Marquez was released after one pre-season game. His scouting report on SI.com had this to say about his strengths:

“Athletic college lineman who’s at his best in a zone blocking scheme. Quick off the snap, blocks with good pad level, and can adjust to defenders. Keeps his feet moving throughout the action, shows good lateral range, and can block on the move. Fundamentally sound in all areas.”

Nimble feet are always a good thing for a big man in the fast CFL game. The knock on Marquez has been that he’s not strong enough for the NFL game. He’ll have to prove he’s strong enough to play in Canada as well, and will be in tough with the talent and ratio issues facing him, and the Lions desire to develop Sorensen.

#68 – Justin Sorensen

The Lions were thrilled to get 2008 first round draft pick Justin Sorensen under contract this off-season. Sorensen comes to the Lions after going unpicked in this year’s NFL draft, but sporting an impressive college career at South Carolina, starting 31 straight games for his club.

This high level of football on Sorensen’s resume is what has the Lions salivating at this non-imports potential. Although he played in Jason Jimenez’s right tackle spot in college, it is more than likely the Lions will take a look at Sorensen on the left, or perhaps even as a guard in Kelly Bates spot to start if Stith impresses and they feel Sorensen needs some seasoning at the pro level. Dean Valli has been penciled in on the depth chart in Bates’ spot entering camp.

Make no mistake, the Lions are very high on Sorensen, and with his Canadian citizenship he’ll be given every chance to win a roster spot.

#65 – Martin Bibla

In a recent interview, Wally Buono stated that many have said Martin Bibla could be a Rob Murphy clone. The Lions shoud be so luck to have Bibla step right in and be effective as Murphy was right off the bat. The 6’3″ 306 pound Bibla played in 32 games in the NFL for Atlanta before being released after his third season in the league. He’s also seen time in the Arena League

The 29 year old Bibla came from a great football school at the University of Miami and never allowed a sack in his entire college career. To be compared to Murphy, he must have a nasty side to his game, which would fit right into the clubs desire to keep that in your face attitude their line has come to be known for. Bibla played in the guard position in the NFL, so moving to left tackle, perhaps the most critical position on the online could be an adjustment.

Wildcards

With the recent rrade of Kelly Bates to Winnipeg, there is more than Murphy to replace, and Buono feels the time is now for young players like Jon Hameister-Ries, Dean Valli, Andrew Jones and Lorne Plante (all Canadians) to step up the plate. Offensive line will be a fun battle to watch as training camp progresses.