Worth the wait

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This article was published 16/07/2024 (445 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

TyJuan Garbutt wants to show the Winnipeg Blue Bombers he was worth the wait.

The unheralded defensive end from Fredericksburg, Va., is expected to suit up for the first time this season — and second time in his career — when the Bombers visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Friday (8:30 CT).

Garbutt, 25, was injured in training camp last spring and didn’t make his pro debut until the regular season finale when he registered one tackle against the Calgary Stampeders.

Entering this season, he was pegged to be a key cog in the Bombers’ rotation along the front four. That is until he went down again in pre-season action and was placed on the six-game injured list.

The talented rusher is healthy now, however, and motivated to pay dividends on the Bombers’ patience.

“In my mind and my soul, I feel indebted to this organization, because a lot of guys, they don’t even get that many chances and a lot of organizations, they don’t care that much about a single guy,” Garbutt said following Tuesday’s practice at Princess Auto Stadium.

“It’s not that they care about me more than anybody else, but it just shows that when I have been on the field and even when I’ve missed time due to injury, I’ve done enough for them to recognize that this is the type of guy that they want to be around the team.

“It does feel pretty good knowing that they trust and they believe in me.”

It’s more than plausible Garbutt not only suits up but is the best option to start this week.

The Bombers have flipped through starting defensive ends like a seasoned dealer this season, with the only constant being Willie Jefferson. The injury bug bit hard early and often, as Garbutt, Miles Fox and Celestin Haba hit the six-game injured list before the regular season even began.

The club’s options have been scarce since then, as four different players have started opposite Jefferson. Last week, it was rookie eighth-round pick Owen Hubert who drew in.

Along with a plethora of other injuries to the interior of the line, it’s been nearly impossible for the defensive front to get in a rhythm.

“…A lot of guys, they don’t even get that many chances and a lot of organizations, they don’t care that much about a single guy.”–TyJuan Garbutt

“I feel like we’re still trying to find our footing but we know where we want to be. We know where we want to get to: we want to get to the quarterback, we want to stop the run on first down, we want to be tough,” said Jefferson, later revealing that elements of Garbutt’s play style remind him of his longtime running mate Jackson Jeffcoat.

Garbutt, who is named after his father’s foster brother, came to the Bombers with a ton of experience in college. He spent six seasons at Virginia Tech and spent nearly three of those starting for the Hokies. His most productive years were interrupted by the pandemic, but Garbutt still managed 121 tackles — 29 for a loss — 12 sacks and four forced fumbles over 49 contests.

At 6-2, 261 pounds, Garbutt is believed to be a player who will help add some nasty to the trenches, and perhaps there’s no greater week for the Bombers to have it than when it travels to face its prairie rivals.

Defensive coordinator Jordan Younger said he sees a versatile skillset in the young defensive end, a package that includes the ability to beat his man with power, speed or finesse.

“Strong. Eager. He’s been waiting for his opportunity, he’s been patient, he’s done everything we asked him to do. He was in the running to be a starter before he got injured in the preseason and we’re excited to see him out there and see him get a chance to run around,” Younger said.

“He’s still young, still a rookie, (so) he’s gonna have his ups and downs and his learning moments but at the end of the day, we believe he’s a talented football player.”

The last two years have certainly had their moments of frustration — a pair of injuries and little playing time will come with that — but Garbutt prefers to view it as motivating.

His faith kept him believing there was always a plan for his professional career and that his time to make an impact would eventually arrive.

“I feel like we’re still trying to find our footing but we know where we want to be.”–Willie Jefferson

Come Friday, he wants to remind the organization and fans about his unrelenting motor.

“I would say that it was motivating and just a way to show perseverance. Things didn’t go exactly as planned… but I’m a big person in my religion so I always see it as everything happens for a reason,” he said.

“I’m very happy just to be able to go out there and help my team. I feel like in these positions especially… you’re just chomping at the bit to get out there so I’m just excited to go out there and help do whatever my team needs me to do.”

joshua.frey-sam@freepress.mb.ca

X: @jfreysam