Backup Bombers’ QBs don’t worry about depth chart

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This article was published 26/04/2017 (3436 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Matt Nichols is the firmly entrenched, undisputed No. 1 quarterback as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers begin 2017.

So what do Dominique Davis, who didn’t throw a regular-season pass for Winnipeg in 2016, and Dan LeFevour, who is playing for this ninth team in eight pro seasons, have to say about their place in the pecking order?

“In my experience, I’ve been on many teams that have played four, five, six quarterbacks in a season, so worrying about the depth chart right now doesn’t even matter,” said LeFevour following the first workout of spring mini-camp at Investors Group Field Wednesday.

LeFevour, who started three games for the Toronto Argonauts in 2016, believes mini-camp is about getting acclimated to a new team and a new surroundings. Nothing more.

“Just keep doing what you can do,” said LeFevour. “Dom’s going to do great, I know he’s a good quarterback. Matt’s going to do great and I’m going to worry about myself. I’ve gone into seasons where I was the No. 2 and became the No. 3 and ended up starting.”

Davis, who was a free agent in the off-season before re-signing with the Bombers, is starting his third season in Winnipeg. He has played in only one regular-season game in two years, but looked good in pre-season last year and was the presumptive No. 2 after Kevin Glenn’s departure to Saskatchewan.

LeFevour’s arrival complicates that but Davis is eager to take the next step in his development and get some meaningful playing time in 2017. The Bombers also have rookie QB Myles Carr at mini-camp.

“(I want to) keep improving, keep trying to flourish in this system and prove to these coaches that, you know, I belong here,” said Davis. “Just get the young guys ready for mini-camp.”

Davis considered other offers but chose to return.

“This was the place I wanted to be,” he said. “I feel like this coaching staff can help me grow and become a great quarterback in this league. The relationships I’ve built with my teammates and people around the city, I just didn’t want to leave…

“I wouldn’t say I’m a young guy. I turn 28 in July. I do consider myself a veteran in this system, but I see the young guys can come to me and ask questions about this system and I’ll have all the answers for them. If they need help, that’s my job.”

LeFevour’s mobility is a big part of his game but is calling him more of a runner than a thrower a fair assessment?

“I don’t think so,” said LeFevour. “When you look all the way back to college. I did both. Since I got to Canada, the packages I’ve had when I wasn’t starting had been specifically running, mostly with Hamilton.”

Davis, for his part, was already feeling stronger and more prepared Wednesday.

“Being out here today, everything was faster for me,” he said. “I can see things faster. I can recognize coverages better. I can locate the ball in certain places. I can anticipate stuff because I know, I did my study film this off-season and my hard work as far as my footwork and all that good stuff.”

Winnipeg head coach Mike O’Shea was pleased with his collection of quarterback talent at his disposal. Cool, blustery conditions prevailed Wednesday and his throwers were routinely on target, particularly with the aid of the north wind.

“I like the depth a lot,” said O’Shea of Davis and LeFevour. “I like the way they’re interracting with the room already. On the field, I think they’re both very talented quarterbacks. A good skill set in terms of arm strength, quickness and all that. We probably won’t really get a good look at the decision-making till we get into main camp. A little more competitive situation probably. But I certainly like what I see.”

The Bombers have mini-camp workouts scheduled for Thursday (10:45 a.m., 2:45) and Friday (10:45 a.m.). The sessions are open to the public.

 

Meanwhile, Winnipeg’s rookie camp is slated for May 24-27 with main training camp kicking off on May 28.

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @sawa14