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Blue Bomber Report Record: 6–12–0
Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Who'll be new man in the middle?
Three candidates attending mini camp
Loved by fans, adored and respected by teammates — but the Bomber offensive lineman and community ambassador is retiring from the game. (KEN GIGLIOTTI/ WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store
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WHO takes over for Obby Khan in the middle of the Blue Bombers offensive line?
That's the immediate question facing the club now that the eight-year veteran has called it a career. The once stable O-line -- looking only at one change to replace the departed Brendon LaBatte -- is now auditioning at centre to fill Khan's heavily-taped shoes.
The club identified three candidates following the first day of mini camp at Canad Inns Stadium Wednesday.
"A big opportunity opened up for myself today so it's time to step up and compete for that spot," third-year lineman Chris Kowalczuk said, joining fellow non-import linemen Justin Sorensen and Steve Morley on the short list.
Kowalczuk's experience at the position is limited but the club identified him as the backup to Khan earlier this off-season (after LaBatte signed as a free agent with Saskatchewan). He stepped into the role at a practice in a pinch last summer and handled himself well, leading offensive line coach Pat DelMonaco to continue developing the athletic 27-year-old at the position.
Sorensen, 25, has taken a few snaps at centre when he was with the B.C. Lions and has some work handling the ball during practice throughout his four-year pro career. He's dropped a little weight this winter and is looking forward to the competition, he said.
"This is a chance I've been waiting for when I got here last season," he offered. "They don't come by too often."
If Kowalczuk or Sorensen can't handle the centre responsibilities, the club would consider moving Morley, 30, over from his starting guard spot to on top of the ball.
DelMonaco said there is no clear-cut depth chart for the open centre spot, adding decisions regarding the position won't start to show themselves until main training camp in June.
"Any of those three guys can do it, but it's a road, it's a process right now," he said. "We'll know soon, I believe. Once we start really looking at these guys, answers will come."
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition April 26, 2012 C4
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