DB Rocquemore rockin’ it in camp

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This article was published 18/07/2021 (1511 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It was arguably the most impressive play of training camp.

Linebacker Jontrell Rocquemore was lined up near the line of scrimmage as quarterback Zach Collaros attempted to rifle a pass to a receiver.

Rocquemore jumped up and got both hands on the ball and was able to not only haul it in, but also take it back the other way for what would’ve been a touchdown, if it was a live game, that is.

“I dropped a pick yesterday and today I just came out more focused,” said Rocquemore, a 24-year-old product of Utah State who attended the Cleveland Browns’ rookie camp in 2019.

“I try to catch every pass, any ball that’s in my vicinity…and today was one of those opportunities to make a play on a great quarterback and be able to read him and capitalize on the opportunity.”

If Rocquemore ends up being a one-play wonder and fails to make the Blue Bombers, at least he has no shortage of things to fall back on.

Last year without football, he went back to Utah State and got his Masters of Business Admin degree. His undergrads are in sociology and political science and there was a time where he was considering working towards becoming a judge.

“I love helping people who don’t have voices who need the help. But there’s multiple ways to do that,” said Rocquemore, a 6-1, 210 pounder from Texas who played safety in college.

“With my MBA, there’s ways to build businesses and start giving back to the community and a wide range of things. So at this point, I’m just really open to opportunities. That’s why I’m here.”

When he finished his studies, he became a door to door salesman selling solar panels and launched his own photography business.

“I started reaching out to different brands and companies and doing a lot of photography work for them. If I can do anything, photography’s caught my eye, caught a lot of my attention. It’s a different form of art that I’m really appreciative of.”

So with all these passions, interests, and skills, why come up north and take a shot at the CFL?

“It’s a love of the game that’s brought me back,” he said.

“Being able to find myself beyond the game has given me even more confidence on the field because I understand the game is a game and I love it, but I’m also here for a different purpose. I can also serve in other ways. So, when I’m out here, I’m just really having fun. I’m just so grateful to be here and take it day-to-day.”

LAWLER LIGHTING IT UP

Wide receiver Kenny Lawler has been one of the biggest stars of training camp.

On Day 9 Sunday, it seemed he made a play every time he was on the field. Lawler made contested catch after contested catch and found the end zone on at least four occasions.

“Yeah, he’s been good,” said head coach Mike O’Shea.

“That was the expectation from himself and from us coming in that he was going to take another step forward and make those catches. I mean, he’s got unbelievable hands.”

BETTER DAY FOR THE ROOKIE KICKER

After a rough showing on Saturday where he missed four field goal attempts in a row, kicker Marc Liegghio bounced back on Sunday.

At one point the rookie out of the University of Western Ontario made approximately six of eight field goal attempts, highlighted by a 57-yarder that was celebrated by his teammates.

“Once again, when we talked yesterday, it’s one of those things where he’s getting used to a new snapper, new holders — not just one. He’s working through the wind at this practice field we’re at and he did have a better day today,” O’Shea said.

“It’s all part of the process of being a kicker where you just have to keep yourself focused on swinging well and making good contact and understanding what went wrong or what went right and then duplicating it or changing it depending on what side of the kick you were on.”

taylor.allen@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @TaylorAllen31