Big boys battle for spots on Redblacks’ D-Line
If there was one question mark for the Ottawa Redblacks coming into training camp, it may have been defensive line.
The defensive end positions looked solid enough anchored by A.C. Leonard and Jonathan Newsome, but the great unknown was defensive tackle, especially given the free-agent departure of steady Zack Evans.
But some of the concerns have been alleviated in camp with some promising performances from second-year lineman Michael Wakefield, Canadians Daryl Waud and Michael Klassen and impressive newcomers like Harold Brantley and George Uko.
“I’m impressed with the level of football IQ and understanding of the game that these guys bring,” said Redblacks defensive line coach Leroy Blugh. “(The defensive line position) might be a strength. The quality of the D tackles, the international guys, that we have — frankly, their arrow has been going up every day. The D ends we have are playing fast, learning and getting better. The system here puts them in good places to take advantage of their athletic ability.
“There are some tough decisions to make, but we’re in a great spot. Hopefully this (final pre-season) game (Thursday in Guelph against the Toronto Argos) helps give us some clarity on making good sound decisions.”
“It’s been a good surprise in that they ’ve been very active and tough to block,” said Redblacks coach Rick Campbell. “We need to see a bunch of those new guys, we’ll give them a lot of playing time in this next game so we have two games worth of film to watch. I think there will be some guys definitely who can help us.”
Both Klassen and Waud have looked good in camp and, if needed, could step in as starters.
“We have the four Americans and the two Canadians and they ’re all going really well,” said Campbell. “We’re going to have to figure out a rotation for Thursday night so we get them an equal number of snaps. That’s a wide-open competition right now.”
I’m impressed with the level of football IQ and understanding of the game …