“The energy was incredible”

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This article was published 20/05/2018 (2784 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers opened training camp with more than 100 people showing up to Investors Group Field Sunday to welcome back the return of CFL football to the city.

The number of players on the field almost matched those sitting in the stands, as nearly 90 players participated in the three-hour workout. Training camp will run over the next three weeks, including two pre-season games, before the regular season kicks off June 14 at home against the Edmonton Eskimos.

“It felt great, honestly. The energy was incredible out here – the guys were flying around,” said Bombers quarterback Matt Nichols. “I don’t think you ever have to say anything extra to get the guys up for Day 1 but now we’ve got to make sure that we come out and replicate that every day.”

For the veteran players, Sunday was the first day back on the field following a three-day rookie camp that wrapped up Friday. It was also the chance for them to finally strap on a helmet and compete against their teammates, which had many feeling hungry for the new season.

“The energy is here, the mindset is here and it’s just good to be back,” added all-star defensive back Chris Randle.

All players put through medical testing on Saturday were cleared, the team said, though strong-side linebacker/defensive back Maurice Leggett and running back Kienan LaFrance were mostly spectators. Leggett continues to nurse an Achilles injury he suffered late last season, while LaFrance is recovering from a lower-body ailment.

Three players – receivers Chris Givens and Dominique Reed, as well as defensive back Eric Patterson, all imports – were added to the suspension list, and defensive back Tharold Simon, also an import, was placed on the retired list.

The sun was out in full force Sunday, with temperatures reaching the low-20s and so, too, were the fans, many of which showed their appreciation by cheering on each play. But as perfect as day as it was for football, much of the action on the field was overshadowed by the moves made off it over the past 24 hours.

The signing of veteran linebacker Adam Bighill Saturday afternoon had hardly settled in with fans when Sunday morning the team announced running back Andrew Harris was inked to a two-year extension. Bighill is expected to report to camp in the coming days, while Harris, who was back with the first-team offence Sunday, is now committed through the 2020 season.

“When I first came here, being part of this organization, being at home, it was a dream come true,” Harris said. “To kind of fit the mould and be one of the guys on this team, and be a leader on this team, it just feels good to secure myself for a few more years. I wanted to come here and start creating winning ways and bring that culture. I feel like our team is going in the right direction and being a part of that is a great fit for me.”

Harris had approached the team earlier this month hoping to secure an extension before the start of training camp. His current three-year deal was set to expire at the end of the season, making him a potential free agent next year.

Now that Harris is locked up for the foreseeable future, he says he can turn his mind to following up one of his best seasons in the CFL. Last year, Harris led the league in rushing with 1,035 yards and added another 857 through the air on 105 receptions – a CFL single-season record for running backs.

“I wanted to get something done; I was the one pushing for it,” added Harris. “I’m just happy that I can just focus on playing ball and not worrying about what’s going to happen after this season.”

Harris also played a big role in helping the Bombers acquire Bighill. The two were teammates with the B.C. Lions, winning a Grey Cup together in 2011.

After Bighill was released from the NFL’s New Orleans Saints earlier this month, Harris said he spent 20 minutes on the phone trying to convince him to come to Winnipeg. He said he mentioned the city’s well-groomed golf courses – Bighill is apparently a big fan of the game – and told him the cost of housing was significantly lower than on the west coast.

“I remember my first year when he came in with B.C. it was almost annoying to practice against him because he’s one of those guys that’s just scrappy,” Harris said. “He’s going to find a way to give you a Charlie-horse, or poke you in the eye, or step on your feet because he just goes so hard. He talks about being a savage and he’s absolutely a savage. He’s going to be a great asset for us, however he fits into our defence and special teams. We’re happy to have him for sure.”

Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea wouldn’t confirm where Bighill would line up on the defence, whether it will be at middle or weak-side linebacker. The Bombers are in desperate need for someone to play the middle and with Bighill the most experienced at the position, he’ll likely get a long look there.

“We got a good, solid group of linebackers here so we got time to figure it out and see where everybody lands in their spot,” O’Shea said. “Competition does get tougher by one body, obviously, but he’s a good addition and he certainly brings a wealth of experience besides all his other attributes.”

Bighill, a four-time CFL all-star, was named the CFL’s top defensive player in 2015, following a year where he racked up a league-best 117 tackles. After a stellar season with the Lions in 2016, Bighill, a native of Montesano, WA., signed with the Saints for the 2017 NFL season, playing in three games that year.

He was waived earlier this month and after a workout with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, signed with the Bombers.

“Everyone in the league knows that Adam is an unbelievable football player,” O’Shea added. “He brings a tough style of play on the field every single day and he works hard. Off the field he’s a good ambassador for the team and the community… his work ethic and leadership is unquestionable.”

jeff.hamilton@freepress.mb.ca

twitter: @jeffkhamilton