Day three of training camp brought out the worst conditions the team has faced but showed the best they have to offer. The chance to practice in gloomy and dark weather will only pay off down the road. Standing out amongst the grey skies were many offensive positives.
The Dino Signs:
Wednesday marked the appearance of the highly anticipated 1st round pick, Darrius Ciraco. The 6th overall pick from the University of Calgary now wearing number 60 for the Tiger-Cats, looked comfortable in his new threads. Working with Offensive-Line Coach Dennis McKnight, Ciraco took reps among the other offensive linemen and did not look out of place at all. Ciraco was named Canada West All-Star and a Canadian Interuniversity Sports Second-Team All-Canadian during his time at Calgary which highlights his ability to lead a team. The Burlington, Ontario native now gets to play for his home team and become an integral part of this year’s front five. Though Ciraco stands at 6′ at 292lbs, he plays and looks much larger than he stands. His ability to explode off the line and run with the big dogs is sure to land him a prosperous career in Hamilton.
O’ Canada:
Over the previous years, and especially this draft, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats have set out to bring in a and develop Canadian offensive lineman. With Ciraco being the most recent example, Braden Schram, Mike Filer, and Brett Golding are a few examples of the “Canuck effect” occurring on the offensive front. Led by McKnight, the offensive line looks to be a true pillar of this team. Returning veteran-lineman Mike Filer has been bringing the younger and more inexperience payers under his wings and showing them what they’ll need to succeed. Canadian talent truly has become the strength of this Tiger-Cats team and is one of the teams many competitive advantages.
Downshift and Go:
Former defensive tackle Nikita Whitlock has looked incredible at the running back position this far. Lining up in the backfield has presented Whitlock with an opportunity to make an impact on the other side of the line. With Whitlock previously playing defensive tackle, he has the frame and the strength to shed defenders and build up his speed in open space. Whitlocks talents at running back are no surprise as he previously played as a fullback with the NY Giants.
