Ed Hervey Archives | BC Lions Football

Episode 144: Farhan Lalji (TSN)

November 7, 2019 By Brian Wawryshyn

Episode 144: Goodbye Coach Clay

DeVone Claybrooks was the first casualty of a 5-13 season on Wednesday, as the Lions announced he had been relieved of his duties.

Was he a scapegoat or were there solid reasons for the decision not to bring him back? Ed Hervey hinted there may be, while many fans were not happy with the news.

Farhan Lalji was at the Ed Hervey press conference and stops in to offer his thoughts, and after listening to him, you may feel the answers to the above questions lie a little more in the middle than you thought.

We also take a look at what lies ahead for the Lions as another off-season of uncertainty begins, with potential new ownership, many areas to address with a new coaching staff again, and the roster needs.

BC Lions Day 1 Free Agency Recap

February 12, 2019 By Brian Wawryshyn

Mike Reilly - BCLions.com — Mike Reilly: Photo BCLions.com

The worst kept secret in the CFL was finally unveiled by the BC Lions shortly after the opening of CFL Free agency. Ed Hervey got his man, and could barely wipe the smile off of his face.

Mike Reilly is back with the BC Lions, where he said he intends to play until he’s at least 40. His current deal will take him to the age of 37.

A four year deal worth $2.9 million is what it took to get the man many consider to be the premier quarterback in the CFL. That and the vision of Ed Hervey, who Reilly has complete confidence in to build the Lions into a contender for years to come. The added bonus of having his family near by was the clincher.

The deal set off a chain reaction through the league, as the Eskimos immediately shifted gears, successfully targeting Trevor Harris in Ottawa. Bo Levi Mitchell put a scare into Stampeders fans by listening to the Argos and Riders, but in the end chose to stick with the familiarity of Calgary, inking a deal similar to Reilly’s at four years, $2.8 million.

Judging by reaction on my Twitter feed, the signing of Reilly has fans excited about Lions football again, and don’t think that didn’t factor into the signing as well. The market here needed a shakeup, and this should provide it. Reilly is a proven winner, a consistent performer, and durable. He’ll also have no problem getting out in the community to be the face of the franchise. The club wasted little time getting Reilly’s face out there.

He's back.#CFLFA @Rikester13 @CFL pic.twitter.com/wxLXJ1YToC
— BC LIONS (@BCLions) February 12, 2019

“This is a historic day for our organization and for fans of the B.C. Lions,” said Lions general manager Ed Hervey. “Acquiring one of the CFL’s elite quarterbacks is an extremely rare opportunity and we’re thrilled to welcome Mike home to the Lions.”

Reilly seemed extremely confident and excited to be joining Ed Hervey in BC.

“It’s an amazing feeling for me, my wife and our extended families to know I am back with the Lions,” said Reilly. “I am grateful for my time in Edmonton and it will always hold a very special place in my heart, but the opportunity to rejoin Ed and return to Vancouver to be part of what he is building was too good to pass up at this point in my career.”

Mike Reilly can’t win games on his own, and the Lions added some pieces today that will help with that. Let’s break down day one of free agency in the Lions Den.

Additions

Mike Reilly	International	QB	(EDM)
Sukh Chungh	National	OG	(WPG)
Lemar Durant	National	WR	(CGY)
Aaron Gymes	International	DB	(EDM)
Duron Carter (Unofficial)	International	WR	(TOR)
Chris Edwards	International	DB	(EDM)
Josh Stanford	National	WR	(MTL)
Josh Woodman	National	DB	(EDM)

Obviously when you’re looking to protect your new shiny quarterback, you’re going to need to make sure he’s protected. The Lions took steps towards doing that by re-upping Hunter Steward the day before free agency and added some nasty to the interior of the line by plucking Sukh Chungh out of Winnipeg and inking him to a 3-year deal at a reported $250,000/year.

Chungh is exactly what Hervey is looking for.; an extremely physical presence on the interior of the offensive line. Still to be decided is the spot at centre and right tackle, where I’ve been told the Lions will audition for the position, moving on from Jovan Olafioye.

Many feel that national receiver Lemar Durant started to break out in Calgary last season. Like Chungh, the BC player comes home to play for the Lions, and will likely slot in for Shaq Johnson, who I’ve been told the Lions may move on from.

To help stretch the field the Lions went out and have reportedly signed the colourful and controversial Duron Carter. Carter spoke with the Lions last year after being released by the Lions. Hervey made overtures that it might be something he would look at in the future, and he’s done just that.

Carter is of course a risky signing. For whatever reason, he hasn’t been able to find a place to call home, but Hervey is gambling that BC will be the place. He definitely fits into that image Hervey is moulding for the Leos. He wants them to have swagger, and Carter fits that bill, and oh yeah, he’s a pretty good player as well.

It’s hard to imagine DeVone Claybrooks or Mike Reilly putting up with any nonsense in their locker room, so maybe this will be a good fit for Carter to buckle down and play some football.

Aaron Grymes is one of the best cover DB’s in the Canadian Football League and he’s now a BC Lion. Another former Hevery employee from Edmonton, Grymes brings a physicality that will be exciting for Lions fans to watch.

The club re-signed TJ Lee prior to free agency, but lost Anthony Orange to the Eskimos. They were rumoured to be in on Taylor Loffler, but he ended up with the Alouettes. Hervey went back to Edmonton to sign DB’s Chris Edwards and Josh Woodman. Anthony Thompson, Otha Foster, Winston Rose and Garry Peters remain unsigned.

Rounding out the signings was the addition of national reciever Josh Stanford (MTL) who adds national depth at the position for the Lions, and who very well could cost 3rd year Danny Vandervoort, who hasn’t seen a lot of playing time, a roster spot.

Departures

Boseko Lokombo	National	LB	(MTL)
Anthony Orange	International	DB	(EDM)
Ricky Collins Jr.	International	WR	(EDM)
Chris Rainey	International	KR/RB	(TOR)
Dyshawn Davis	International	LB	(SSK)
Devier Posey	International	WR	(MTL)

The biggest surprise for me here was Bo Lokombo, who really started to show signs last year that he’s ready for a full time starting role. He’s a special teams demon, a local guy as well and the Lions lost a good one here. But as was the case with Adam Bighill, linebacker isn’t a position where Hervey likes to spend a lot of money and Montreal was happy to snap him up.

Chris Rainey was no surprise, after seeming to fall out of favour in the second half of last season, even being taken out of the lineup a couple of times. He’s still a legitimate threat and a fresh start in Toronto might do him good.

Lots Of Work To Do

Hervey got a lot done today, but what you didn’t see was any guys on the current roster who are now free agents, re-signed except for running back Brandon Rutley. The Lions GM dished out some strong hints that Lions fans are going to be saying goodbye to some familiar faces. In his words, “You have to rob from Peter to pay Mike”.

Names like Manny Arceneaux, Jovan Olafioye, Travis Lulay, Jonathan Jennings, Shawn Lemon etc. are likely gone. Other have likely been offered deals and now have to decide whther they want to be part of things going forward.

It’s a new era of BC Lions football, and it’s only just beginning.

More:

Pawdcast Episode 127: Season Wrap Up

November 14, 2018 By Brian Wawryshyn

Episode 127: Season Wrap Up

Ed Hervey and the BC Lions saw their season come to an end last week and now the GM heads into his second year on the job without Wally Buono’s input and with a ton of questions to be answered this off-season.

Who will be the new head coach? What coordinators will they bring in? What about the long list of free agents the Lions have to deal with and how will that process be affected by the pending new CBA?

Will the new core include guys like Solomon Elimimian, Manny Arceneaux or Travis Lulay? Or will Hervey put his mark on this team by doing another big roster turnover?

How about ownership? Will Davis Braley still be the Lions owner when the 2019 season starts?

Brian and Mojo take it from start to finish this week in a season wrap up episode that discusses these issues and a lot more.

Brought to you in part by AngusReid64.com

Download this episode!

Missed our last episode? Our chat with TSN’s Farhan Lalji and Podskee Wee Wee’s Josh Smith is here.

BC Lions 2018 CFL Draft Recap

May 3, 2018 By Brian Wawryshyn

It’s that time again! Football is around the corner, and the BC Lions have added new cubs to the den in the 2018 CFL Draft. Here is a recap of the Lions picks today.

1st Round: 3rd Overall: Peter Godber, Offensive Lineman: Rice University (NCAA)

Ed Hervey did what most thought he would do and addressed the offensive line with his first selection in the draft, 3rd overall.

Peter Godber is a physical player who may be ready to contribute sooner than later for the Leos. His football skills are impressive and he’s also set himself up for life after football, majoring in Sports Management and Kinesiology.

Gobder soured some in football circles with his decision not to test at the CFL Combine, and was sent home after he announced he would opt for a pro-day showing instead. He is represented by agent Jonathan Hardaway who has a reputation of focusing on NFL deals for his client and being a tough guy to negotiate with.

While his stock may have dropped during the combine, it rose again during his pro-day where his testing numbers were impressive. At 6-foot-4, 307 pounds Godber posted the following numbers:

5.36 40-yard dash
4.68 short shuttle
7.65 three-cone
28″ vertical
8’4″ broad jump
36 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press.

Godber, a known gym rat played at a high level starting 35 of 48 games during his NCAA career at Rice, and would be a solid addition to the interior of the Lions offensive line. His addition will push the likes of David Foucault and Charles Vaillancourt for the starting right guard spot after the Lions parted ways with Kirby Fabien this off-season.

Gord Randall, USports Analyst for Krown Countdown U had this to say about Godber:

Godber doesn’t have the highest ceiling in the draft but they’ll get him right away (and he’s better than Rutherford).

1st Round: 7th Overall: Julien Laurent, Defensive Tackle: Georgia State (NCAA)

Hervey went to the defensive side of the line of scrimmage with his 2nd pick of the first round. With the 7th overall pick they secured in Wednesday’s trade with Winnipeg, the Lions selected defensive tackle Julien Laurent out of Georgia State.

A two-year starter, Laurent anchored Georgia State’s offensive line that was stingy against the run in 2017, and was part of a defence that helped set school records for fewest points per game allowed (24.5), fewest rushing yards per game (136.4), fewest yards per rushing attempt (4.13) and most sacks (24). Laurent tied for the team lead with 6.5 tackles for a loss, 24 tackles and a pass breakup.

His real strength is against the run and he should be able to free up the Lions linebackers to make pressure plays by drawing attention on the line of scrimmage. His addition also helps the Lions commit to a Canadian starter on the defensive line, with Junior Luke and David Menard already in the mix,

ACADEMIC HONORS:

• 2017 CoSIDA Academic All-District (first team)

• Dean’s List, Spring 2015, Spring 2017

• Athletic Director’s Honor Roll, Spring 2016, Fall 2016

ATHLETIC HONORS:

• 2017 All-Sun Belt Conference (honorable mention)

2nd Round: 16th Overall: David Mackie, Fullback: Western (USports)

The Lions picked up a fullback with their 3rd pick of the day picking up David Mackie from the Vanier Cup Champion, Western Mustangs

A key component of the Mustangs offence, Mackie earned his first OUA All-Star nod this season, earning a spot on the 1st Team. He is described as a versatile player and is good at picking up blocks as well as catching the ball out of the backfield. His skills as a long snapper could prove valuable as well as contributions on special teams. He was the 18th ranked prospect in the draft.

The Lions have gotten 11 solid seasons from Rolly Lumbala, who isn’t done yet, but the Lions have added some depth at the position.

The Mustangs posted this on Twitter following Mackie’s selection:

Here’s a look at the newest member of the @BCLions, David Mackie! #PurpleReign #CFLDraft pic.twitter.com/9xFLEkNBLY

— Western Mustangs (@WesternMustangs) May 4, 2018

3rd Round: 21st Overall: David Knevel, Offensive Lineman: Nebraska (NCAA)

At 6’9″ 305 (330 on his pro-day) pounds, David Knevel is a specimen, but the Lions may have to wait while to get him as he has NFL aspirations and has reported workouts lined up:

Add Knevel: Reported NFL minicamps stints w/ Saints, Raiders come first #BCLions #CFLDraft

— Lowell Ullrich (@FifthQtr) May 4, 2018

Knevel, who was at one time the top ranked player by the Central Scouting Bureau, the sees himself as a tackle. The Lions have taken chances on players like this before, both with Danny Watkins and Brett Boyko, that haven’t panned out. But the pick is very solid if Knevel, who says he’d love to play in Canada if the NFL doesn’t workout ends up coming North.

Here is Knevel talking about his pro-day performance.

4th Round: 34th Overall: Isaiah Guzyak-Messam, Defensive Back: Wilfred Laurier (USports)

The Lions went back to the defence and picked up defensive back Isaiah Guzyak-Messam in the 4th round with the 34th overall pick. The Lions originally didn’t have a pick in the round but swung a deal with Montreal, sending the 36th and 46th pick to the Alouettes.

At 6’1″, 207 lbs, Guzyak-Messam played in 7 games in 2017 registering 2 interceptions, 28 tackles and 7 pass knockdowns.

As you’ll see by his 2018 highlight tape, he likes to hit…hard.

6th Round: 47th Overall: Rashari Henry, Defensive Lineman: Wilfred Laurier (USports)

The Lions stuck with the Laurier Golden Hawks in the 6th round after sitting out the 5th, selecting defensive lineman Rashari Henry. Playing from the defensive end position Henry was a teammate of one of last year’s impact picks, Kwaku Boateng of the Edmonton Eskimos and has also been inspired by former Lions first round pick Ese Mrabure, who is now with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Here is a great piece on Henry’s CFL Combine experience in his own words.

You can checkout his highlight package here:

7th Round: 54th Overall: William Watson, Wide Receiver: UBC (USports)

The Lions looked in their own backyard with their 7th and final pick of the day, selecting UBC’s William Watson with the 54th overall selection. Watson was named to the College Football America 2017 Yearbook U Sports Starting Lineup, CFA’s version of an All-Canada team. The Lions have Danny Vandervoort looking to play a bigger role, but the retirement of Marco Iannuzzi adding some depth at this position couldn’t hurt.

Gord Randall, had this to say when I asked him about Watson:

Will is a scrapper who has a real underdog mentality. He’s got marginal size but he will work for you, guaranteed.

Struggled with drops earlier on in his uni career but worked to improve that and also became a polished route runner. He’ll battle well for contested balls and elevates well for a smaller guy.

Has done some returning but has never been the main guy there. Certainly motivated and could be tough enough and athletic enough to stick as a teamer. One other thing to keep in mind about Will… Geroy knows him better than anyone.

All in all it was a solid day at the office for Ed Hervey and the Lions. Next up training camp…it’s great to have football back. I’ll be chatting with Eskimo Empire Podcast host Andrew Hoskins and Travis Currah of the 2 and Out CFL Podcast about the draft and other CFL topics this weekend on a special Episode of the BCLionsDen.ca Pawdcast. Stay tuned!

The BCLionsDen.ca Pawdcast: Episode 108

January 25, 2018 By Brian Wawryshyn

Off-Season Updates

An off-season update on all the BC Lions news to date and some other CFL topics. How serious is Johnny Manziel about the CFL? Is James Wilder Jr. entitled to an NFL tryout or a renegotiated contract? With some key free agents signed, what direction will Ed Hervey go?