New additions strengthen already tight defensive backfield
CFL all- stars Byron Parker and Lin- J Shell join champion Lions after demonstrating their ability for several years with the Argos
KAMLOOPS – Cornerback Byron Parker didn’t come for the money. He came for Dante Marsh and Korey Banks and Eric Taylor. Halfback Lin- J Shell came for God.
The B. C. Lions, already blessed with a star- laden, bigplay secondary, should be even better in the defensive backfield this season with the free- agent acquisition of Canadian Football League all- stars Parker and Shell.
Their hunger to win after spending years in Toronto and their ability to push teammates to a higher level should help the Lions ward off the Grey Cup hangover that has allowed just two repeat champions in the CFL since 1982.
“Personally, I came here because of the players who were here,” Parker, a 31- yearold cornerback from the Atlanta area, said Wednesday at training camp. “Ultimately … I don’t play for the money. I want a championship ring. Money comes and goes. When I was looking across the board at all my options, the players they had out here definitely made my decision easier.
“Dante Marsh really didn’t give me a chance because he called me every single day during the off- season. Him and Korey Banks. And once I saw the acquisition of Lin- J Shell, and having one of my good friends [ former Argo defensive tackle] Eric Taylor ... out here, it just made it that much easier.”
Marsh, also a cornerback and an off- season resident of Atlanta, said he didn’t know Parker personally but admired his work in the CFL — seven seasons spent mostly with the Argos. Parker said they became workout partners.
Shell, a 30- year- old from Orlando, Fla., was lobbied by a higher force.
“I didn’t choose B. C., B. C. chose me,” the halfback said. “I kind of go where the Lord tells me to go and that’s kinda how it folded out.
“The major thing was the leadership they got out here. I’ve done some decent things in my short career, but I’m surrounded by guys who have been doing great things on a long- term basis. That can only help me.”
But, interestingly, it doesn’t leave Shell an obvious spot in the lineup.
An East Division all- star the last two seasons, Shell was second in the CFL last year with 102 tackles.
But with Parker, Banks, Marsh and Ryan Phillips occupying the import spots in the secondary and third- year Lion Anthony Reddick at nickelback — essentially weakside linebacker — Shell is a backup for now.
Parker, who has returned nine of his 28 career interceptions for touchdowns and is a three- time CFL all- star, fills the cornerback spot available with the retirement of Davis Sanchez.
“One thing that I’ve always known about the B. C. Lions since I came into the league in 2005 is they always expect to win,” Parker said. “If you don’t win a Cup, it’s a wasted year. That’s the mindset that they have here and we all have a group.”
GRID BIT — Injured offensive linemen Dean Valli and Jesse Newman returned to Vancouver to undergo MRIs on their knees.