After a lengthy offseason, it is a game week in Hamilton. Monday’s practice marked the turn of the tide in TigerTown as the team while under construction by Coach June Jones, prepares for their Friday matchup against their rival, Toronto Argonauts. This team has come leaps and bounds in a week as every player has reaped the benefits of this year’s training camp. As Friday’s game is just four days away, these are the key takeaways to note about today’s practice:
Try me now:
This season, the Tiger-Cats are among one of the most interesting teams to watch. Aside from the sheer physical ability of these athletes, their charisma and personalities are what separate them amongst the rest.
Mid-drill today, Ticat linebacker back Larry Dean turned to the fans and yelled “Can I get an “Oskee wee wee?” With an ear to ear smile, Dean grinned with excitement as the fans roared out “Oskee wa wa! Holy mackinaw! Tigers! Eat ’em raw!”.
It’s great to see a team that even in preparation for a rival matchup, takes the time to show the fans that they wear the Tiger-Cat logo with pride and passion.
Strength in numbers:
After leaving yesterday’s practice early, offensive lineman Tony Washington returned to the field today. Washington has been a monumental asset to the offensive line in Hamilton. Signed as a free agent back on August 7th, 2017, Washington embarks on his first full season in Hamilton. Last season, Washington started in 12 regular season games, in which he started nine times at left tackle and three times at right tackle. With the 2018 campaign right around the corner, the success of this year’s talented offensive line will be relying heavily on Washington and his group to propel this offence to greatness.
With Coach June Jones running a high-tempo offensive playbook, Washington is the perfect fit for this system. Though he stands at 6’7″ 318, he is quick off the line and can get to the sidelines to help push the screen pass game likely ran this season.
SAM I Am:
At Monday’s practice, rookie defensive back Jackson Bennett was seen getting reps at the coveted SAM linebacker position. This comes as no surprise as the shifting from DB to linebacker was seen earlier with D.J May. As of today, May has been released, with Bennett sliding into the SAM spot.
Bennett does have experience at the linebacker position. In 2017, Bennett was named an OUA First-Team All-Star with the University of Ottawa Gee Gee’s as SAM linebacker. Though not cemented in this role with the Tiger-Cats, Bennett will be a player to watch, and see how Jerry Glanville decides to plug in his versatile characteristics into the Ticats defence.
