1. Veteran status:
While there are a number of veteran starters being held out of Friday’s game, there are also a couple of veteran starters who will get their first game action of the season.
Andy Fantuz, Courtney Stephen, Brandon Banks and Zach Collaros will each hit the game field for the first time in 2015. Meanwhile, Simoni Lawrence, Craig Butler, Justin Hickman, Ted Laurent, Bryan Hall and Taylor Reed will not play in Winnipeg.
2. Rookie safety gets his shot:
With Craig Butler as one of the starters being held out of Friday’s game to avoid injury, and Neil King not ready for game action yet, rookie safety Jonathan Langa will play behind Mike Daly at the free safety position. Langa made the transition from linebacker to safety during training camp, so the position is still relatively new to him; he’ll be looking to have an impact and claim a spot on the team. Coach Austin has been impressed with Langa as both a person and a player in his first training camp with the team.
“He’s done really well,” said Austin, “he’s been excellent on the field and off the field, and he’s had a good camp. He’s a good young man.”
3. Collaros excited for real opposition:
Newcomers Jeff Mathews and Jacory Harris each had a chance to show off their talents in last week’s preseason opener, but the second preseason game will be belong to a couple of Ticats vets. Zach Collaros and Jeremiah Masoli, two returning signal-callers, will each see their first game action against the Blue Bombers.
Jacory Harris is the third quarterback on the depth chart, and while it’s possible he’ll see the field later in the game Coach Austin says the current plan goes as far as Collaros and Masoli each getting time. Collaros was enthusiastic on Wednesday, excited to play against another defence as opposed to the Ticats one that he’s faced all camp.
“I’m just excited to get back out there and play football,” said Collaros, “I think it’s always exciting to go against another defence. I know for me I’m really, really sick of going against our defence.”
4. Last chance for rookies to prove merit:
Rookies and veteran newcomers will have one last shot at proving that they belong on the final active roster. Coach Austin was happy with what he saw in camp from the 2015 rookies, and while he said that it varies from player to player, he said that “they’ve all done well.” As for grading guys who are out of the lineup, the coach realizes there will be some projection that needs to be done, and that they will have to grade the guys who play.
5. Thrust into action:
Four new players have joined the roster since the last preseason game, and they’ll be thrust right into action. Running back Michael Ford, defensive lineman Sean Daniels, receiver Jasper Collins and defensive back Donald Washington are all in the lineup Friday night. Each player will look to make an impact in their first game action with the team.
6. Just stay healthy:
All teams struggle with injuries, but the Tiger-Cats have been hit particularly hard throughout training camp. Coach Austin knows that there is a football game to be played, but he acknowledged both the need to be cautious and the feeling of nervousness when these situations arise.
“You get in a situation where you’re thin in a position,” said Austin, “and you hold your breath a little bit going into that next game.”
