Key training camp battles loom

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This article was published 04/06/2011 (5334 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Quarterback

Actually, it’s not a battle at all, with the No. 1 and No. 2 spots determined before camp even opens.

Buck Pierce is going to start the season as the No. 1. Whether the injury-riddled Pierce finishes the season, however, is an entirely different matter and one which the Bombers season is expected to largely depend.

Pierce’s backup will almost certainly be Joey Elliott, who debuted with the club last season and whom the Bombers brain trust believes has the makeup of an eventual starter in the CFL.

After that, Alex Brink and Justin Goltz will battle for the No. 3 job.

Receivers

This has the makings of the most hotly contested battle in camp.

The Bombers list 16 players on the depth chart under wide receiver and slotback and the consensus is whatever they decide, this year’s pass-catching corps will be more fleet of foot.

Imports Damian Sherman and Clarence Denmark are both lightning quick, Aaron Hargreaves has impressed the brain trust by showing up to camp slimmer and trimmer and then there are the rookie Canadian prospects, Jade Etienne and Kito Poblah, who are both expected to contend.

They will all be challenging incumbents Greg Carr, Terrence Edwards, Cory Watson and Terence Jeffers-Harris.

Offensive line

There will be a battle at tackle. Andre Douglas and Kelly Butler are the incumbents, but veteran Glenn January returns to make things interesting and Marlon Winn — who spent a bunch of time on the practice roster last season — will also get a serious look from a coaching staff impressed by his abilities.

The Bombers also think non-import Chris Greaves, who they drafted in 2010 as a defensive tackle out of Western and then converted to a guard last season, also might have the ability to eventually be a ratio-changer at the tackle position.

Defensive end

Someone is going to have to fill the gaping void at end created by the departure of Phillip Hunt to the NFL. That audition is wide open and will include a tender 20-year-old in Dashawn Cassel, who is straight out of junior college but who the Bombers insist has a legitimate shot at making the team.

Linebacker

The Bombers are thinking Joe Lobendahn, who was a huge force up the middle in 2009, is poised for another huge year after some disappointment in 2010. And he’ll be pushed, first by import Rico McCoy who impressed the coaching staff last season, and also by non-import Henoc Muamba, in whom the Bombers are heavily invested after making him the first overall pick.

Punt returner

Cornerback Jovon Johnson handled a lot of the work last season, but the job is wide open on a club deep in fleet-footed receivers. Cornerback Johnny Sears, who the front office thinks might be one of the most versatile players on the club, will also likely get a look.

— Wiecek