Valli bumped to backup in changing of the guard
It’s been evident for some time that there’s been a changing of the guard with the B.C. Lions — and there’s a switch on the way involving one of their most tenured guards, Dean Valli, as well.
The CFL team completed its last round of mandated roster cuts to reach the 46-man roster limit and revealed few surprises relative to the winter of deletions that have taken place over the winter.
The change, coach Jeff Tedford admitted Saturday, was that the Lions will likely go at right guard with second-year lineman T-Dre Player when the club plays its regular season opener July 4 in Ottawa. Valli, who is starting his 10th year with the club, is relegated to backup status in support of Player and left guard Kirby Fabien.
“I really think it’s a case of T-Dre and Kirby having great off-seasons,” Tedford said, refuting a suggestion that Valli had taken a demotion.
“They both have made a lot of progress. They’re really dedicated. I walked down to the weight room today and they’ve both in there. Their fundamentals and techniques have really improved.”
Even Valli, who admitted he did not play well in the Lions first preseason game in Calgary, would acknowledge the shift.
“It’s just part of the changing evolution of the roster,” he said about not starting.
B.C. also needed to identify a left tackle on the offensive line, and import Tommie Draheim won the job to replace Canadian Hunter Steward, whose foot surgery could keep him out until September.
Richie Leone won the kicking job vacated by the removal of Paul McCallum, with fellow rookie Anthony Fera asked to take a spot on the practice roster.
B.C. also cut import rookie running backs Rickey Galvin and Damien Thigpen, electing instead to keep both tight ends Cam Morrah and A.C. Leonard in the offence. Alex Tillman made the final roster and will help return kicks despite two fumbles in Friday’s 18-13 loss to the Edmonton Eskimos.
Fabien will start ahead of Matt Norman, who was placed on the one-game injured list while the club determines the extend of a knee injury.