Bring on training camp

Posted: 10:39 AM CDT Friday, Jun. 1, 2012 Last Modified: 12:24 PM CDT Friday, Jun. 1, 2012 | Updates

The foundation has been set for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers rookies: Now bring on training camp.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

The foundation has been set for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers rookies: Now bring on training camp.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 01/06/2012 (5189 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The foundation has been set for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers rookies: Now bring on training camp.

The CFL club wrapped up its three-day rookie camp with another intense session Friday morning. Head coach Paul LaPolice was pleased with the rookie class assembled by general manager Joe Mack and his scouting staff, calling it one of the stronger rookie groups the team has had in three seasons.

“We threw a lot of stuff at the rookies so they could at least hear it, and we’ll have meetings (Friday night),” LaPolice told reporters.

THE CANADIAN PRESS archives FULL CLOSE CUT CLOSECUT - The new Winnipeg Blue Bombers 1980s-style logo is unveiled at a press conference at Canada Inn Stadium in Winnipeg, Tuesday, April 24, 2012. The CFL club is changing its helmet logo back to a simple 'W'. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

“We try to install our first three days of (main) camp, so they get three days to hear it more than the vets. They responded well. They got faster every day.”

Following medicals Saturday, all 37 rookies will go to the main camp, which starts Sunday morning at Canad Inns Stadium. Defensive back Demond Washington, who missed all three rookie workouts, is also expected to be at training camp. Reasons for his absence – he was supposed to be in Winnipeg on Wednesday – were not given Friday.

LaPolice also indicated that defensive backs Jovon Johnson and Jonathan Hefney will be a day or two late for camp. Both have been excused for personal reasons.

The Bombers can carry up to 75 players (plus draft picks and CIS free agents) for the next two weeks. The league put in a new rule this season which allows clubs to carry an extended training camp roster until their first preseason game.

The club also announced the additions of import defensive end Brandon Akpunku and import defensive back Jeremy McGee. Both are on the field this morning for the final day of rookie camp.

A Blue Bomber press release says:

Akpunku (6-1, 240, North Texas) was selected to the All-Sun Belt Conference second team as a senior in 2011 after leading North Texas in sacks with 7.5, which was tied for second in the conference. He finished his collegiate career with 17 sacks, which ranks him sixth all-time at North Texas.

McGee (5-10, 185, Ole Miss) attended training camp with the St. Louis Rams last season and registered five tackles in the preseason before being among the team’s final cuts. McGee played in 38 career games at Ole Miss after transferring from UCLA where he spent time returning punts and kickoffs as a freshman. He made 13 starts at Ole Miss and registered 72 tackles and 13 pass knockdowns.