O’Leary-Orange ready to step up

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This article was published 30/06/2022 (1166 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

At one point it seemed like Brendan O’Leary-Orange was never going to come off the field.

There was the 6-4, 207-pound receiver, donning a gold Bombers’ practice jersey and helmet, running routes in the corner of the south endzone at IG Field an hour after practise had ended Thursday afternoon.

“I’m just preparing like I do every single day, whether it’s to play receiver or special teams or do whatever the team asks of me,” the second-year receiver said.

The 26-year-old was coy in his response, but soon after it became abundantly clear why he was working overtime.

Wide receiver Nic Demski was added to the six-game injured list after practice, the team announced Thursday afternoon.

Demski sustained a cringe-worthy ankle injury while being tackled in third quarter of last Friday’s game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

The 28-year-old Winnipeg native was the offence’s primary target on the evening before he was forced to leave, racking up six catches for 96 yards.

That leaves O’Leary-Orange, who filled in admirably against the Ticats, to presumably make his first career start in Demski’s absence.

The timing couldn’t be better for the University of Nevada product to take the leap.

The Bombers will face the Argonauts on Monday in Toronto, O’Leary-Orange’s hometown.

“Obviously nothing is certain yet. But it is good to have that family support if you are in that position,” he said on Thursday. “I don’t really think of anything too big. I try not to get ahead of it, just take it one play at a time and get ready for the game, enjoy the game.”

O’Leary-Orange has quickly gained the respect of his teammates and coaches during the little-over one season he’s been with the organization.

“Brendan does a great job of understanding all the positions,” quarterback Zach Collaros said. “He really studies hard and really loves the game of football first and foremost, so as a quarterback you really appreciate that.

“I think he has all the intangibles, can run, has great ball skills and can get yards after the catch. If the (coaches) are confident with him being out there then I am, as well.”

Collaros didn’t specify how much time he’s spent working with O’Leary-Orange in the past, but emphasized the importance of practise to get on the same page with his receivers.

“I think we’re all still working through it being young in the season. I’ll spend more time with Brendan out here but he’s been working hard for two years and he’s done a great job.”

Coach Mike O’Shea was adamant the offence would not change without Demski in the lineup, saying he’s confident in whoever will replace him.

“(O’Leary-Orange) knows what he’s doing, that’s first and foremost. You have to be able to execute your assignment, right? The quarterbacks are depending on it, your teammates are depending on it, so, yeah, he’s good.

“Nobody plays a flawless game, but he’ll be right because of his physical stature, he’s big and strong and he can run and catch the football. So, what’s not to like about him?”

Football runs deep in O’Leary-Orange’s family.

His father, Doyle Orange, was an all-star running back for the Argonauts in the 1970s. He compiled 2,406 rushing yards over four seasons with the Argos and Ticats.

“Me and my dad speak a lot and the biggest thing that he has always preached to me is just to always be ready,” he said.

“It’s a next-man-up league and that’s just how it goes.”

O’Leary-Orange said he expects his family to be in attendance when he takes the field at BMO Field.

“Whether I’m starting or not… they’ll be there to support me.”

Rose practising

Cornerback Winston Rose was back as a full participant at practice on Thursday. The fifth-year pro missed last week’s matchup against the Tiger-Cats with a foot injury.

Couture still sidelined

Centre Michael Couture was seen wearing street clothes at practice Thursday, as he continues to nurse an arm injury.

The 28-year-old missed last week’s game against the Tiger-Cats.

Chris Kolankowski will make his second career – and consecutive – start if Couture can’t go.

Jefferson top performer

Bombers’ star defensive end Willie Jefferson received some recognition for his stellar performance in Week 3.

The eight-year pro was named a CFL Top Performers after lighting up the stat sheet with three tackles, one sack and a pick-six against the Ticats.

The touchdown was the fifth of Jefferson’s career and the fourth interception he’s returned for a major.

Twitter: @jfreysam

jfreysam@freepress.mb.