With just two practices to go by, here are a couple of observations so far as we report from training camp in Kamloops.
Careful what you wish for.
The weather up in Kamloops is summer like and the morning Friday practice was very warm. Another practice goes this afternoon at 3:00, but players will not be wearing pads for this session. We were pining for some nice weather prior to coming up and we got it but a few degrees cooler would be preferable to the players.
Moore to come.
I’m very impressed with what I’ve seen from Nick Moore in the two practices I’ve seen. He is very quick and his stride seems long and effortless out there. He is a long target and I think he’s going to have a great year. He knows that with Geroy gone, it’s his time to shine and it looks like he’s up to the challenge.
Teaching the new.
Angus Reid returned to the field this morning, but not participate except for snapping in skully drills. He was however spotted tutoring 2013 draft pick Matthew Albright. It’s sad to see the career of Reid winding down, but there’s no doubt having him as an inspiration and a teacher to the next generation is going to be a valuable asset. Reid’s replacement at the moment is 2nd year Matt Norman who I thought has a great session Friday morning. He’s taking a ton of snaps in all situations and did well in 1 on 1 drills too.
Noticable
New running back Andre Dixon caught my eye in the morning session. He had some nice carries, but had my attention for his work ethic as well. At the end of every play he ran back to the huddle, showing all he’s taking this tryout seriously.
On defence Josh Bell had a nice day in the secondary, picking off a deep throw to Ernest Jackson. The defence are clearly the more in sync unit at the moment and they haven’t been shy about letting everyone know about it either.
Free agent signing Julius Williams sat out for the second straight practice. Not that big a concern and he doesn’t look badly hurt, but one of the reasons the Eskimos let him go was he fact he was often hurt.
Jabar Westerman is taking starting reps on the inside of the d-line and had a noticeably dominant morning, especially in 1 on 1 drills where on one rep he just steamrolled tackle Tavaris Jeffries.
The injury to Julius Williams has Keron Williams moving back to the outside.
Solomon Elimimian was back practicing after nursing a sore hamstring the last two practices.
Back again at 3:00pm today. Hopefully it’s a little cooler!