Depth Assessment: Offensive Line

LAST SEASON
 It appears Offensive Coordinator Tommy Condell will have plenty of offensive line depth to work with in 2019. The Ticats are returning all five of their starters from last year’s playoffs. Darius Ciraco, Mike Filer, Brandon Revenberg, Kelvin Palmer and,  thanks to a recent signing, Ryker Mathews are all back in the hammer this season. In addition, the Ticats also signed two time CFL All-Star Chris Van Zeyl on the eve of training camp. Hamilton also used their second overall pick to select hometown boy Jesse Gibbon.
IN:
*Ryker Mathews – Signed May 26.
Chris Van Zeyl – Signed May 19.
Jesse Gibbon – Drafted second overall in 2019 CFL Draft.
 *was released following the 2018 season to pursue NFL opportunities.
 OUT:
 Landon Rice – Free Agent
OFFENSIVE LINE ROOM
BRANDON REVENBERG
Revenberg is entering his fourth season after being selected by the Ticats in the first round, sixth overall in 2016. He started 17 of 18 games at left guard last season for the Ticats. He had a phenomenal season and was named the East Division’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman and named an East Division All-Star. He’ll be looking to repeat that 2018 success this season.

 
RYKER MATHEWS
 Perhaps one of the most interesting storylines in camp is what to do with the offensive tackles. This storyline became even more interesting when Mathews re-signed with the Ticats yesterday. After starting 17 games at right tackle for Hamilton last season, Mathews was released in January to pursue NFL opportunities. He spent time with the New England Patriots before being released earlier this month.

CHRIS VAN ZEYL
 The Ticats made a splash on the first day of training camp bringing in the 35 year old Van Zeyl after he was released by the Argonauts. The McMaster alum is a two time Grey Cup champion. A two time CFL All-Star and a five time East Division All Star. Van Zeyl is the most experienced member of the offensive line having played 156 games at right tackle for Toronto. Something to watch is how the coaching staff plans to utilize both Mathews and Van Zeyl as they are both natural right tackles.

KELVIN PALMER
Another interesting decision is what happens with Kelvin Palmer now that Mathews and Van Zeyl are both on the roster. Palmer is back with the Ticats after re-signing in January. Palmer started four regular season at left tackle for Hamilton after signing on September 1.

MIKE FILER
 Filer is back for his eighth season in Hamilton after re-signing in February. Having played 94 games in Hamilton, Filer brings a considerable amount of veteran experience to the Ticats’ offensive line. Last year, Filer started 17 of the 18 regular season games at centre for the Ticats.

MATHIEU GIRARD
 Girard is going into his fourth season in Hamilton. Last year he played in 13 regular season games and both playoff games. Girard can play both Centre and Guard and his versatility will be a big asset for the Ticats.

DARIUS CIRACO
The Ticats selected Ciraco sixth overall in last year’s CFL draft. Ciraco had a terrific rookie campaign, starting all 18 games for the Ticats. He was named Hamilton’s Most Outstanding Rookie and he’ll be looking to build off of a great rookie season.

JESSE GIBBON
 As for this year’s first round pick, Hamilton’s own Jesse Gibbon was selected second overall in the 2019 CFL draft. Gibbon has experience playing guard and tackle and offers the Ticats youth and versatility. He’ll have some veterans to look up to as the Ticats have plenty of experience in the offensive line room.

Returning players Isame Faciane, Brett Golding, Avery Jordan, Kay Okafor and Everton Williams will be joined by new additions Christian Harris, Demetrius Rhaney and Avery Young to compete for roster spots to round out the offensive line depth.