Massive former all- star fills gap in suddenly depleted line
KAMLOOPS — To say offensive linemen are dropping like flies in the opening days of the B. C. Lions’ training camp would be grossly inaccurate.
No flies weigh 300 pounds and if there were bugs that big, they’d drop like meteors and create massive craters and change ecology so violently that entire species would disappear. And none of that has happened because dinosaur- sized Canadian Football League veteran Patrick Kabongo lumbered into camp on Tuesday.
The Congolese- Canadian eight- year veteran, released by the Edmonton Eskimos in January, was signed by the Lions and airlifted into camp after guards Dean Valli and Jesse Newman suffered knee injuries and rookie tackle Cody Habben decided to go home to Washington rather than pursue a football career.
“We had two [ injured] on the same day, which is part of the deal we’re in,” head coach Mike Benevides said.
“Am I concerned? You’re always glad that the injuries aren’t catastrophic and that’s kind of the information we got back. I think we’re in good shape.”
But we’re not sure about Kabongo, who weighed in Tuesday at 364 pounds and had enough weight issues in Edmonton that Eskimo coach Kavis Reed ordered the guard to lose 60 pounds before last season.
Despite Benevides’ optimism, there is tremendous uncertainty about the injuries sustained by Valli and Newman on Sunday. Neither player has yet had a MRI and, although Benevides expects each to return within a few weeks, the coach admits more information is needed for an accurate prognosis.
Valli was the starting right guard and Newman the top backup on the offensive line.
Starting right tackle Jovan Olafioye rested a sore ankle on Tuesday but expected to participate in drills today.
Benevides’ first impression of Kabongo was like everyone else’s: the 32- year- old is freakin’ huge.
“I’ve been an all- star at 370,” Kabongo told reporters. “Weight, every coach has got their thing that they want. If my weight was an issue for them, I lose weight. If coach Benevides comes to me and says ‘ we need you to be 380,’ perfect, I’m your guy. Everybody’s got a different philosophy.
“For me, it’s always good to play between 340 and 350. I’m definitely going to lose a bit here. It’s everyday conditioning and eating right.”
Kabongo, a CFL all- star in 2008, lost his starting job in Edmonton last season and knew after his release that he might be finished with football.
“When you’re not on a team, it’s very difficult because it’s a huge mental game,” he said. “My agents ... talked me off the ledge a couple of times. It’s tough. I don’t wish it on anybody. Some days are great and some days are not so great. You’ve got to keep on chugging along. But there are other things besides football. For me, whatever comes, comes.”
Given his non- import status and the chances of Valli and Newman missing the start of the season on June 29, Kabongo will probably get an extended trial in B. C.
“Size and mass creates distortion at the line of scrimmage and that’s what we want,” Benevides said. “I’m glad he’s here and we certainly need the depth.”
GRID BITS: The Lions released American running back Taylor Atwood and junior football invitee Danny Turek, a receiver with the Okanagan Sun. Fullback Rolly Lumbala missed Tuesday’s workouts because of a sore calf, while defensive lineman Khalif Mitchell defensive back Anthony Reddick had flu- like symptoms.