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Blue Bomber Report Record: 6–12–0
Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Bombers OK with pass-rush personnel
Rodney Fritz
Jason Vega
SO who, exactly, is going to be rushing the quarterback for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers this coming season now that defensive end Odell Willis has gone to Regina?
With the CFL atwitter on Thursday with news Willis was arrested on drunk driving charges, the relevant question in Winnipeg remained the same: How are the Bombers going to replace the league-leading 13 sacks Willis registered as a rush end for the club last season?
It won't be with the acquisition of a big-name free agent like Stevie Baggs or Anwar Stewart, says Bombers GM Joe Mack.
"To be honest with you, I feel pretty good about the young guys we already have," Mack said Thursday. "I think we are looking to give more opportunities to guys like Jason Vega, Kenny Mainor, Rodney Fritz, Bryant Turner. They all played pretty well last season.
"And we've also signed some new guys (non-import Ryan Lucas, import Brandon Collier). So I'm feeling like we've got some pretty good depth there already and I'm not anticipating bringing in a higher-priced player at this time."
Mack didn't rule out an upgrade on the defensive line, however, prior to training camp opening in June.
"We'll wait and see who's available and who's available in the draft," said Mack. "We'll probably sign one or two more guys, but I feel pretty good about that position right now."
Mack also suggested more help along the defensive line -- should it become necessary -- is among the easiest for a CFL GM to find because the position up here is so similar to the one played in the American game and U.S. linemen can often make an immediate and seamless transition to the Canadian game.
"It's much easier to find guys who can help you right away," he said.
-- Wiecek
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition April 13, 2012 C4
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