Stampeders’ Michel a step above
Wide receiver no longer an unknown after player-of-the-week performance
Marken Michel entered last weekend as an unknown threat in the Canadian Football League.
But after making six receptions for 190 yards and scoring one touchdown — the highest receiving yard total by a Calgary Stampeders player since Romby Bryant’s 211yard game in 2009 — that might have changed slightly.
“I kind of like it that way,” said the 24-year-old on flying under the radar. “I don’t like the spotlight. I’m not big on ‘Marken, Marken’ and everyone screaming my name. I like to do things behind the scenes and just do what I do and have fun. It’s a lot more special to me.”
Michel was having some fun in Saturday’s 60-1 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats when he was called upon to replace Kamar Jorden, who went down with a knee injury. His biggest impact was when he brushed off the double coverage of Hamilton defensive backs Justin Rogers and Richard Leonard and caught a phenomenal 60-yard pass from Bo Levi Mitchell, right after the snap. The touchdown dance said it all. “I was definitely excited,” Michel said with a chuckle. “It’s one of those things where you just have to have fun with it and enjoy the game and try not to create such a big situation in your head.
“I just want to stay grounded and have fun.”
Yes, Michel’s touchdown helped give the Stampeders a 39-1 lead and arguably was a small part of a very lopsided score.
And yes, the rest of the game was a complete train wreck for the Tiger-Cats. But you’d be hardpressed to find any player that doesn’t like to make plays, regardless of the situation.
For his efforts, Michel earned the CFL’s player-of-the-week nod — the second straight week a Stampeder was given the weekly honour after Jerome Messam and Charleston Hughes were acknowledged.
“It’s definitely an honour,” said the second-year Stampeder, who spent time last season with the Minnesota Vikings and on the Stamps’ practice roster. “It’s definitely a confidence-builder — the first catch I had helped me get grounded and relax. But you never want to see a teammate go down and I can’t wait until K.J. gets back on the field and can make plays again.
“The coach preaches a nextman-up mentality, so you’ve gotta be ready to step on the big stage and make big plays.”
The coach also agrees that Michel, a former standout at the University of Massachusetts, was a difference-maker against Hamilton and will call upon him again Thursday (5:30 p.m., TSN/News Talk 770) with Jorden headed to the six-game injured list.
“Ultimately, the ball found him and he made some nice plays,” Stampeders boss Dave Dickenson said. “I didn’t know he’d get 190. But he’s a good player. He’ll have another challenge. I think Toronto’s DBs cover quite well and our receivers will have to be really sharp to have a good game.”
Reggie Begelton and Jarrett Boykin, both on the practice roster, are options the Stampeders could turn to as Michel moves up the depth chart.
“Kamar’s position is a little bit more what Reggie learned in camp but Jarrett took some reps in practice, so either one of those guys will be up but they’ll be in a backup role,” Dickenson said. NOTES: Dickenson acknowledged the absence of running back Jerome Messam (maintenance) during Tuesday’s practice. “We had a couple guys (missing at practice),” he said. “(Messam) only had 11 carries (against Hamilton), but back-to-back weeks he had pretty full workloads.” Messam had a three-touchdown performance and recorded an 8.3-yard average per carry (11 carries for 91 yards) … Fullback Rob Cote (concussion) practised Tuesday, but Dickenson wouldn’t say if he’ll be ready to play Thursday versus Toronto.
You never want to see a teammate go down and I can’t wait until K.J. gets back on the field.