Burris out, Harris in at quarterback for Redblacks
‘I’m going to make sure I’m his biggest cheerleader,’ Burris says
Ottawa Redblacks coach Rick Campbell hinted at changes immediately following his team’s 43-19 shellacking at the hands of the Montreal Alouettes on Friday.
On Sunday, the Redblacks’ first day back to practice, there was a bombshell — the CFL’s most outstanding player in 2015, Henry Burris, will be replaced at quarterback by Trevor Harris, who threw for 1,499 yards with nine touchdowns in parts of five games before getting hurt (knee and ankle) July 22 against Saskatchewan.
Burris and Harris were told about the move before team meetings Sunday morning.
“In the back of my mind, I kind of knew something was going to happen,” said Burris, 41, who missed four games with a broken pinky finger and returned for a 23-20 loss to the Toronto Argos July 31. “You always feel like you can get out there and get it done. Each week, I felt I was getting better at throwing the ball crisper. There were some areas I could have improved; I missed some throws that I wish I could have back. Things you go your way sometimes, and sometimes they don’t.
“You get more praise and you get the blame sometimes, but that goes with the position. It’s a disappointment that I won’t get back out there with the guys, but I know Trevor’s going to do one heckuva job, and I’m going to make sure I’m his biggest cheerleader on the sideline. We have the best quarterback room in football. We support each other. We all want to see each other succeed.”
Explained Redblacks coach Rick Campbell: “Any decision we make, we’re trying to give the Ottawa Redblacks a chance to win games. We went back and looked at everything, Trevor was playing at such a high level when he was in there — that was the decision that was made.”
When asked how Burris took the news, Campbell said: “Just like I thought he would … very professional. I know he cares deeply for this team.”
Harris, 30, is excited for the opportunity but piled praise on Burris.
“We’re just focused on trying to get wins. In terms of who’s playing, who’s getting all the spotlight — we don’t worry about that,” he said. “The thing about Hank is you can put just anybody you want in a room and say, ‘Who in here’s thrown for 65,000 yards, won two MOPs, two Grey Cups, turned around teams, got shuffled around but kept a great attitude and became a better person through it all?’ There’d be one guy raising his hand, and it’d be Henry Burris. I couldn’t have more respect for a human than I do for Hank. He’s done nothing but encourage and help me. He’s forever going to be one of my favourite teammates.
“When I first talked (to the Redblacks) in free agency, I asked, ‘How does Henry feel about this?’ They said, ‘Henry’s great about it. He wants to help tutor you, show you some things.’ I was like, ‘Man, that’s a no-brainer for me — learn from one of the legends in the league.’ He’s going to add to the team no matter what role he’s in. He’s a Hall of Fame player, he’s a Hall of Fame person, as well.”
Burris said his finger is about 85 per cent to 90 per cent healed and he’ll do whatever he’s asked.
“This gives me time to get healthier,” he said. “Of course, I want to be out there with my team helping us put up W’s. It’s a call I don’t make. I just have to make sure if I’m needed down the road, I’m ready to go.”
The Redblacks play host to the BC Lions on Thursday. A look back: Full marks to the Alouettes for a terrific game plan and execution it. Not so much for Ottawa. Said Campbell: “There are some guys who are busting their butts and playing hard, but as a group, it wasn’t good enough. It’s a reminder of the urgency level you have to have to compete at this level. You have to be on point and do it with great enthusiasm to have a chance to win. When you get your butt kicked like that, all of us — coaches and players — you re-evaluate what you’re doing and how you’re doing it.” The end around: RB Travon Van was taking starting team reps on Sunday. Said Campbell: “We’re excited to have Travon back. He brings a bit of a different speed dynamic.” OL Alex Mateas didn’t practise, but the team hopes he’ll be ready to go Monday … Redblacks added linebacker Chris Weatherd (Tennessee) to the practice roster on Sunday.
I couldn’t have more respect for a human than I do for Hank. He’s done nothing but encourage and help me. He’s forever going to be one of my favourite teammates. — Redblacks QB Trevor Harris, talking about Henry Burris