Where the battles are

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 13/06/2010 (5654 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

If you’re Doug Brown or Jovon Johnson, you probably had a good night’s sleep. A stress-free training camp allows for that.

Conversely, if you’re in the mix for employment with the Blue and Gold: Maybe have that extra cup off coffee this morning — just to be safe.

Those who follow the Winnipeg Blue Bombers know where the battles are on the roster. Some candidates have shown well in camp workouts, while others are running out of time to make an impression on the coaching staff.

Today’s game against the Montreal Alouettes will shine a little more light on who has the upper hand at the specific spots, but let’s take a look where things stand before kickoff:

JOB OPENING No. 1 — Defensive halfback

Previously held by: Jonathan Hefney, Lenny Walls.

Applicants: Keyuo Craver, Alex Suber, Clint Kent, Brandon Stewart and Jason Tate.

Camp story so far: Craver appears to have the inside track on one of the spots but after him, the competition is wide open. All have shown flashes of skill in camp with Tate and Stewart drawing the most attention.

JOB OPENING No. 2 — Weak-side linebacker

Previously held by: Siddeeq Shabazz.

Applicants: SaMario Houston, Courtney Smith, Chris Smith and Nick Kordic are on the depth chart at the position.

Camp story so far: Tough to see a lead horse in this group. The Bombers moved Courtney Smith from strong-side to compete for this job, so it’s not a stretch to assume they’d be willing to move others. The forecast remains foggy.

JOB OPENING NO. 3 — Receiver

Previously held by: Adarius Bowman, Terrence Edwards, Brock Ralph, Aaron Hargreaves.

Applicants: Those four, plus David Ball, Chris Davis, Willie Foster, Terence Jeffers-Harris, Travis Shelton, Kenny Strickland, Cory Watson, Scott McHenry and Jabari Arthur.

Camp story so far: Bowman and Edwards are in, and Ralph, too. Davis and Ball have sure hands, but the ratio could dictate their roles. A Canadian passport helps guys like Arthur, McHenry and Watson — all of whom are looking to take Hargreaves’ spot. Jeffers-Harris, Strickland, Foster and Shelton are auditioning for returner gig. This is where the Blue can tinker with the ratio to get the numbers right.

JOB OPENING NO. 4 — Offensive line

Previously held by: Glenn January, Steve Morley, Obby Khan, Ryan Donnelly, Brendon LaBatte, Luke Fritz.

Applicants: Those six, plus Kelly Butler, Chris Greaves, John Hashem, Adam Bestard, Chris Kowalczuk, and Andre Douglas.

Camp story so far: Butler is challenging January for an import spot on the line, but the club could start the season with two Americans there. The coaching staff is keen on Fritz and Greaves has moved from the defensive line to the offensive side with relative ease. Donnelly has been hurt. Khan, LaBatte, and Morley — all Canadians — are secure.

JOB OPENING No. 5 — Quarterback

Previously held by: Michael Bishop, Stefan LeFors.

Applicants: Buck Pierce, Steven Jyles, Adam DiMichele, Alex Brink.

Camp story so far: Barring a big shift in thinking, Pierce is going to be No. 1 with Jyles a close No. 2. Both will get over a quarter today. The real question is in the No. 3 hole. If Brink or DiMichele make an impression, it could go a long way to securing a roster spot.

adam.wazny@freepress.mb.ca