Mr Dee

Then Derek Taylor throws out this little stat...I don’t have an overwhelming range of stats for LBs, but Konar missed 23% of his tackle opportunities in last two seasons. Average for a LB is about 15%

The bloody lesson is....watch your language!

PRICELESS...what personnel.

Nic Kowalski - Every CFL team should pursue this guy. Absolute stud and a Canadian to boot. For the #Bombers... they're fine at SAM, but that being said, Gaitor could move to a traditional DB spot and Konar would solve upcoming ratio decisions 🤷🏻‍♂️

Top money. End of the line. Doesn't even try to jump the stands. Not for us.

(2019 Main Training Camp Can’t remember a start to a main training camp where, even though we have openings at several spots (7?), we seem to have prepared to fill those spots with quality players and good prospects. Highlights coming into camp are the signings of Willie Jefferson and most certainly Chris Mathews. Not to mention the signing of all our draft choices, some of whom could be dynamic. We got bigger and better at receiver prospects. We’ve stacked the defensive line to make it easier for Bighill. We’ve added defensive backs and linebackers to fill any perceived shortcomings. Little by little, day by day, shortcomings will be noticed and those players will fall by the wayside. It’s training camp and the veterans will teach the newbies..in more than one way. Today, medicals and film room. Good luck to all. Let’s put out the best lineup we possibly can. OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Stanley Bryant*. Jermarcus Hardrick* Patrick Neufeld Michael Couture. Geoff Gray. Drew Desjarlais Manase Foketi*. Cody Speller. Asotui Eli Ben Koczwara. Matthew Ouellet de Carlo. Delroy Baker Jr.* Chauncey Briggs*. Kendall Calhoun* DEFENSIVE LINE Jackson Jeffcoat*. Willie Jefferson*. Drake Nevis* Brandin Bryant*. Craig Roh*. Jake Thomas Patrick Choudja*. Alex McCallister*. Steven Richardson* Maxx Forde*. Connor Griffiths. Tariq Lachance Evan Perrizo* LINEBACKERS Adam Bighill*. Jesse Briggs. Shayne Gauthier Thiadric Hansen***. Manuel Hernandez-Reyes***. Jonathan Kongbo (Inj) D.J. Lalama. Thomas Miles. Nick Temple* Dale Warren*. Kyrie Wilson* DEFENSIVE BACKS Brandon Alexander*. Elijah Battle*. Christian Boutte* Malik Boynton*. Amari Coleman*. Abu Conteh Tyneil Cooper*. Joe Este*. Kerfalla Exume Chandler Fenner*. Jacob Firlotte. Anthony Gaitor* Payton Hall. Nick Hallett. Jeff Hecht Chris Humes*. Dexter Janke*. Derek Jones Mike Jones*. Marcus Rios*. Winston Rose* Marcus Sayles*. Sergio Schiaffino-Perez*** RECEIVERS Darvin Adams*. Chris Matthews*. Nic Demski Drew Wolitarsky. Rasheed Bailey*. Matt Hazel* Lucky Whitehead*. Chris Hubert* Garrett Johnson*. Kenny Lawler*. Charles Nelson* Daniel Petermann Rashaun Simonise. (Kenbrell Thompkins*)-suspended Corey Washington*. Tim Wilson* (Josh Stewart*)-released RUNNING BACKS Andrew Harris. Brady Oliveira Johnny Augustine. Larry Rose III* QUARTERBACKS Matt Nichols*. Chris Streveler* Bryan Bennett*. Sean McGuire* Sawyer Buettner** Can you feel it?

Closing off the the off season - - #Argos sign former #Riders No. 1 pick, Canadian OL Josiah St. John. - “It's more tempo, more speed, and I think the biggest difference is that really everyone on this team and everyone here is a true professional,” international player, Max Zimmerman. - bold statement of the year so far: Belton Johnson: Excited to have renewed contract w/ @GreenZoneSK as CFL analyst. On that note, I predict Zack Collaros to be named MOP this season despite throwing 2 interceptions today at practice and zero concussions this season! - Mike O’Shea said the spend the day going over their roster and may make changes yet.. - yet another bold statement courtesy of Rod Pedersen: And a healthy, motivated Zach Collaros makes the Saskatchewan Roughriders a formidable threat. Folks, the Riders would've beaten the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in last year's WSF if Collaros was playing. That's a fact. But if/when he gets hurt this year, the Riders' season goes south fast. - good marketing - Fans in the lower mainland of B.C. received personalized, autographed postcards from Mike Reilly and the B.C. Lions this spring. They came in the mail and B.C. fans sent me photos of them. The fans were thrilled! - Bold statement #3 - I like what the Als did this off-season... could surprise some people by hosting a playoff game this year 🤔 Nik Kowalski - lastwordonCFL - “At the end of this season, Streveler will need a new contract, and if the Bombers believe he’s their guy going forward, Nichols’ window of opportunity in Winnipeg could well be closing.” “He’s clearly aware of that fact and that might be why we saw a leaner, fitter-looking Nichols tossing the ball around while the Bombers held their final rookie camp session on Friday.” - Ted Wyman, Winnipeg Sun

Training Camp Preview That TaIt guy is crazy good: a very good summation... https://www.bluebombers.com/2019/05/17/training-camp-preview-2/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter Starters from the 2018 West Final returning to camp: Offence (8): QB Matt Nichols, RB Andrew Harris, WR Darvin Adams, SB Nic Demski, WR Drew Wolitarsky, LT Stanley Bryant, LG Patrick Neufeld, RT Jermarcus Hardrick Defence (9): DE Jackson Jeffcoat, DT Drake Nevis, DT Brandin Bryant, LB Adam Bighill, LB Anthony Gaitor, LB Kyrie Wilson, DB Brandon Alexander, DB Marcus Sayles, DE Craig Roh Specialists: K Justin Medlock, LS Chad Rempel Other returnees: QB Chris Streveler, QB Bryan Bennett, FB Mike Miller, FB John Rush, SB Daniel Petermann, WR/KR Charles Nelson, WR Rashaun Simonise, OL Michael Couture, DT Jake Thomas, LB Chandler Fenner, LB Thomas Miles, LB Shayne Gauthier, LB Jesse Briggs, LB Kyrie Wilson, DB Abu Conteh, S Jeff Hecht. Injured list at season’s end and returning: SB Kenbrell Thompkins, WR Corey Washington, CB Chris Humes, OL Cody Speller, OL Geoff Gray, S Derek Jones, OL Manase Foketi Practice roster at season’s end and returning: RB Johnny Augustine, DB Tyneil Cooper, DB Jacob Firlotte, DE Patrick Choudja CAMP BATTLES Field corner/boundary corner The incumbent: left vacant by the exits of Chris Randle (Ottawa) and Kevin Fogg (Toronto). The challengers: Chris Humes and Winston Rose are the leading candidates to replace, but there is a long list of others who first shone at the free-agent camp in Florida and then in rookie camp, including Joe Este, Christian Boutte, Mike Jones, Marcus Rios, Elijah Battle and Amari Coleman, along with Tyneil Cooper, who dressed for five games last year, making three starts. Centre The incumbent: left vacant with the retirement of Matthias Goossen. The challengers: Michael Couture, Cody Speller, Tui Eli, Matthew Ouellet De Carlo. Couture and Speller are the front runners, having been groomed for the position over the last few years. Eli is a 2019 draft pick who, if he can regain his form from his days at Hawaii, may also eventually become a contender. Right guard The incumbent: vacant with the departure of Sukh Chungh (B.C.) The challengers: Geoff Gray, Drew Desjarlais, Manase Foketi, Ben Koczwara, Matthew Ouellet De Carlo. The Bombers could opt to use three imports up front, with Foketi the leading candidate there, but the collection of Canadians – including Gray, a 2016 first-round pick, and Desjarlais, a 2019 first rounder – gives the club some intriguing options to keep it a homegrown spot. Safety The incumbent: vacant after Taylor Loffler left in free agency for Montreal. The challengers: Derek Jones, Jeff Hecht, Dexter Janke, Abu Conteh, Nick Hallett, Kerfalla Exume, Payton Hall. Most figure this is Jones’ job to lose, as the coaches have long raved about his athletic tool box. The veteran Hecht is an interesting option, as he consistently makes plays wherever he lines up on defence. Weak-side linebacker The incumbent: this is the old spot of Jovan Santos-Knox, who signed with Edmonton as a free agent this winter. The challengers: Kyrie Wilson, Nick Temple, Jesse Briggs, Jacob Firlotte. Essentially a two-man race between Wilson and Temple. Wilson has the inside track, having filled in for Santos-Knox when the latter was injured during last year’s playoff run. Kick returner/Punt returner The incumbents: both Kevin Fogg (Toronto) and Ryan Lankford (Ottawa) left in free agency. The challengers: Lucky Whitehead, Charles Nelson, Nic Demski, Tyneil Cooper, Tim Wilson. Nelson flashed some skill last year and Demski was second to Fogg in punt-return yardage last year. Whitehead has already made a solid impression through the Florida camp and three days of rookie camp.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2019/05/17/rookie-camp-day-3-recap-3/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter Matt Nichols said Friday his offseason diet and regimen has him feeling the best he’s felt in years. “It’s something I worked extremely hard on this offseason,” said Nichols. “I talk about it every year, about trying to improve your game and for me there are aspects that always can be improved that I’ve focused on being able to make sure I’m able to run around a little bit better, extend plays and making some more plays with my feet. “That’s something I really focused on this offseason to have that translate into this season.” Geoff Gray O’Shea was asked at the conclusion of rookie camp for his thoughts on OL Geoff Gray, who is in the fight for the right guard spot. The former Manitoba Bison joined the club last year after NFL stints with Green Bay, the Jets and Cleveland. “He’s extremely athletic,” O’Shea said. “He’s very, very strong in the weight room. He’s got a lot of flexibility and a lot of bend for an offensive lineman. Super smart guy, as smart as they come so he learns easily. He’s a very rare combination with his size and athleticism and strength and intelligence. You look for him to really contest for a spot.”

Ridiculous...

Ok TB, now I know you do this on purpose. A big Kongbo to you, with a hint of Eli..

Sew it seams..

Newcomers to watch Willie Jefferson, defensive end Chris Matthews, receiver Lucky Whitehead, return specialist Asotui Eli, centre Marcus Sayles will wear 14 instead of 36 Charles Nelson has swapped from 12 to 3. Chris Matthews, who wore 13 during his first stint with the club (2012-2013), will wear 80 in his return to the blue and gold. Position battles Weak-side linebacker Safety Right guard Virtually every international defensive back spot The seventh and final spot will be either right guard or receiver — specifically, field-side slotback. Bombers’ depth chart heading into training camp: one mans version.. https://3downnation.com/2019/05/16/john-hodges-blue-bomber-training-camp-preview/

I can see these 9 teams in groups of 3. The top 3, the middle 3, and the bottom 3. These teams as Zamperin has slotted seems about right, with only final positioning to be determined. Rick Zamperin: Stampeders and Alouettes at opposite ends of CFL power rankings The season’s first CFL power rankings. 👁‍🗨From here on in, it only gets more interesting. 1. Calgary Stampeders. The defending champions are not only No. 1 by default, they still are going to be a tough out in 2019. There are a lot of changes on defence but with QB Bo Levi Mitchell — a two-time Grey Cup champion and last year’s Most Outstanding Player — still chucking the ball, the Stamps remain the CFL’s top seed. 2. Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Head coach Mike O’Shea may employ the most balanced roster in the league, but at the end of the day the Bombers will need quarterback Matt Nichols to make the jump into elite level status to challenge for a championship. 3. Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Orlondo Steinauer is the new head coach in Steeltown and he inherits a talented team that may have the clearest path to a division title with Ottawa undergoing a facelift and Toronto and Montreal in full rebuild mode. 4. B.C. Lions. The addition of star quarterback Mike Reilly and receiver Duron Carter will greatly improve B.C. offensive fortunes. Now new head coach DeVone Claybrooks has to push all the right buttons. 5. Edmonton Eskimos. In what amounted to a nearly complete makeover, the Eskimos added QB Trevor Harris, receiver Greg Ellingson and linebacker Larry Dean this off-season. But we’ve seen many times in the past that making a lot of changes doesn’t guarantee success. 6. Saskatchewan Roughriders. Speaking of changes, the Riders have a tonne of talent, but with uber boss Chris Jones long gone, the responsibility of guiding Saskatchewan falls on rookie head coach Craig Dickenson. A healthy Zach Collaros would greatly improve the Roughriders’ chances in 2019. 7. Ottawa Redblacks. The Redblacks are seventh on the list primarily due to their trip to last year’s Grey Cup. Ottawa, along with Toronto and Montreal, have a gargantuan question mark at the most important position on the field, quarterback. 8. Toronto Argonauts. Ricky Ray retired just weeks ago, leaving the starting QB duties to James Franklin. If he doesn’t start to live up to hype that followed him from Edmonton, it’s going to be a long season in the big smoke. 9. Montreal Alouettes. Not only is the team’s ownership status in flux, the on-field product leaves a lot to be desired. It has been a revolving door at quarterback since Hall of Famer Anthony Calvillo retired after the 2013 season, but at least the Alouettes don’t have to deal with the Johnny Manziel circus this season. No surprise that the bottom 3 teams are in the East. The imbalance will be there again.

Love it! Question to Asotui Eli Does he have that football fire burning in his belly again? “It’s getting up, it’s getting higher and higher,” he said. “I’m getting little flashbacks on the field and getting back into the whole brotherhood mentality… your brothers’ got your back and stuff like that. It feels good. It’s definitely building up. I’m getting a little more excited, a little more energy and a little more passion. It feels good. “I’m not in the best shape in my life, but I’m getting better every day and I’m getting tips and there’s a lot of great resources with this program. I plan to utilize them to try and be the best I can be to help the team be the best they can be.” - https://www.bluebombers.com/2019/05/16/asotui-eli-rekindling-fire-football/

"It's been a great experience, these guys are good for the room... it's a good eye-opener that football is being played around the world." Coach O'Shea on the impact of CFL 2.0 ▶️ | bit.ly/2YyzQXH 👁‍🗨 Cruel business - If a bear is released in the woods, leave it be. (32 years old, played 1 full season in his 6 year #CFL career.) (246 tackles for LB Bear Woods the last three seasons with only 24 misses. Under 10% missed tackles makes him #1 among MLB, even better than Elimimian and Dean.) 👁‍🗨 As to Brian Bennett making the team...as soon as I saw those ST tackles last year..he has a job. Someone’s going to have to rival Streveler to get Bennett off the roster. 👁‍🗨 Boy do I see big name cuts all over the league..especially Calgary and B.C. 👁‍🗨 Tampering (previously known as Herveying) - for players and teams to talk 9 days prior to Free Agency is now legal....it makes sense and could stop furious bidding. Rasheed Bailey is another to keep an eye on, for sure. - Darrin Bauming TSN

This is who I had my eye on, but finally, there are lots of receivers to keep our eyes on..

That’s right. You don’t maneuver special teams like he has without being athletic.

And this is exactly where they should be.

3downnation - 14 reported points (I see 13) three-year deal with a $50,000 increase in the salary cap each season. minimum salary stays the same in 2019 ($53,000) then jumps to $65,000 in 2020 and 2021. the three-year deal times up with the expiration of the league’s TV contract with TSN. some form of revenue sharing on any new TV deal and CFL 2.0. medical coverage for up to three years for injured players. Canadian quarterbacks will be part of the ratio. some protection for veteran American players, including three of the seven international starters must have played three years with their current team or four years in the CFL. the ratio will remain the same through the duration of the CBA. no more unpaid bonuses in the lead up to a new CBA. the addition of an extra roster spot for an international player. work permits for American players will be open, allowing them to seek other employment in Canada during the off-season. a rookie salary scale that’s said to start at $85,000 for the first overall pick. the deal went to CFLPA team reps on Wednesday and is to be given to the union membership later on. A ratification vote is expected to be held until sometime next week. https://3downnation.com/2019/05/15/what-we-know-about-the-new-cba/

Dan Ralph covers football for the Canadian Press..

Brian Bennett - “I needed to be out here and compete and do what I need to do,” said Bennett, who will get a challenge for his job from rookies Kevin Anderson and Sean McGuire. Both were on the field Wednesday. “We all realize that last year Matt and Chris had bigger roles than I did and for me I’m still battling every day. There’s reps out there that I don’t think I could afford to miss. “I had to think about it and make sure that it was the right decision for having my teammates backs. I talked to my teammates and they were in full support of my being here.” https://winnipegsun.com/sports/football/cfl/winnipeg-bluebombers/tentative-cba-deal-allows-for-joyous-opening-of-rookie-camp-for-bombers#click=https://t.co/6Px0cVUc0b

"The plays you are able to make with so much field is amazing, I'm excited for that." - Lucky Whitehead FULL VIDEO ▶️ | http://bit.ly/2vXkkZo #ForTheW https://www.bluebombers.com/2019/05/15/lucky-whitehead-may-15/

https://medicinehatnews.com/sports/national-sports/2019/05/15/tentative-deal-gives-americans-incentive-to-remain-with-cfl-teams/ TO – The tentative agreement between the CFL and CFL Players’ Association gives American players more incentive to stay in the league. According to two sources, the proposed three-year deal includes provisions for Americans to be deemed Canadian after as little as three years. Internationals who spent three years on one CFL team will be considered Canadian in their fourth years while Americans who spent four seasons north with more than one club will be considered a national upon their fifth season. Both scenarios are aimed at protecting veteran Americans and giving them more reason to stay put. Canadian starters – especially offensive linemen – are among the league’s highest-paid players after No. 1 quarterbacks.