Bombers’ special teams ace comes up big on defence

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This article was published 08/09/2022 (1161 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

For most teams, having their third-string safety start would be bad news.

That hasn’t been the case for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

With star safety Brandon Alexander recovering from a torn ACL, the Bombers have had to lean on a pair of Canadians to take his place.

Wilfred Laurier product Malcolm Thompson was the guy for the first seven weeks before an injury forced the Bombers to turn to special teams ace Nick Hallett.

Hallett’s been starting ever since, and the 28-year-old from London, Ont., has shown that he can do more than make tackles on special teams.

The third-year player made the biggest play of his career on Sunday. With the Bombers protecting a 20-18 lead over the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Hallett intercepted a Cody Fajardo pass to clinch the victory for Winnipeg.

It was the first interception of Hallett’s career.

Despite Thompson being healthy and dressed, the Bombers opted to start Hallett.

“I think since I came in, I’ve shown I can play. I’ve been learning more and more each year,” Hallett said.

“I think we’re blessed in Winnipeg as we have multiple guys that can step into the role when called upon. It felt good to just be able to show that. Since I’ve been starting, I think I’ve shown that I’m good enough to step in when needed. So, yeah, it’s been a real confidence boost.”

Defensive backs coach Jordan Younger would agree.

“For him, this was a long time coming. He’s been ready for this for a while now. He’s one of the higher IQ football players on our team,” said Younger.

“His ability to understand what we’re doing, understand how the pieces move, and communicate that, makes the guys immediately close to him better. Because of that, his awareness and high football IQ, he’s able to be Johnny-on-the-spot and make those plays late in the game like he did in the Labour Day Classic.”

Hallett likely won’t be starting for much longer as Alexander has returned to practice. The two split reps at safety on Wednesday. Thursday was closed to media so it’s unknown what Alexander’s involvement was or who will be starting in the Banjo Bowl on Saturday.

As solid as Hallett has been, adding Alexander to a team that’s already 11-1 will be a huge boost.

“Every room has a few guys that are just special to the room and Brandon Alexander is one of those guys,” said Younger.

BOMBERS RELEASE ROOKIE

The Bombers released American defensive end L.B. Mack III from their practice roster on Thursday.

Mack, a rookie out of the University of Rhode Island, had two sacks and five defensive tackles in six games this season.

FAN APPRECIATION DAY

The Bombers are inviting season-ticket holders to their annual Fan Appreciation Day on Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at IG Field.

Fans will have access to the field for a list of activities and players will sign autographs from 1:30-3 p.m. around the stadium concourse.

taylor.allen@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @TaylorAllen31

Taylor Allen
Reporter

Taylor Allen is a sports reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. Taylor was the Vince Leah intern in the Free Press newsroom twice while earning his joint communications degree/diploma at the University of Winnipeg and Red River College Polytechnic. He signed on full-time in 2019 and mainly covers the Blue Bombers, curling, and basketball. Read more about Taylor.

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