Southern camp pays dividends for Blue and Gold

By: Paul Wiecek Posted: 3:00 AM CDT Saturday, Apr. 18, 2015

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers gambled last year that holding their annual spring mini-camp in sunny Florida for the first time -- instead of indoors in Winnipeg as they'd done for years -- would pay dividends.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 18/04/2015 (3820 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers gambled last year that holding their annual spring mini-camp in sunny Florida for the first time — instead of indoors in Winnipeg as they’d done for years — would pay dividends.

It was a gamble that paid off big — seven of the players the club brought to Florida last April are still on the roster today and six of those seven started at some point last season.

Here’s a look at the gems the Bombers got their first good look at in Florida last season:

MAURICE LEGGETT

Safety

Leggett was the anchor of the Bombers secondary for most of last season, seeing action in 15 of 18 regular-season games and recording 65 tackles, three fumble recoveries and two quarterback sacks. He also finished second in the CFL with five interceptions.

BRUCE JOHNSON

Halfback

Johnson was another mainstay of the Bombers secondary in 2014, seeing action in 15 games and recording 47 tackles.

PARIS COTTON

Running back

Cotton played his way into the starting tailback position for the Bombers by season’s end, finishing the year with 66 carries for 361 yards, while also returning punts and kicks.

DON UNAMBA

Linebacker

Unamba saw action on defence and special teams in 13 games for the Bombers last season and was a starter by year end, finishing the year with 23 defensive tackles, 22 special teams tackles, an interception and one fumble recovery.

BRIAN BROHM

Quarterback

Brohm was Winnipeg’s No. 2 QB behind Drew Willy last season and saw action in four games, including one start. He finished the year 39-for-70 for 454 yards and one interception.

ROBERT MARVE

Quarterback

Marve was third on the QB depth chart last season but showed flashes of brilliance in the two games he did play, finishing the year 11-for-22 for 140 yards and one TD.

KASHAWN FRASER

Defensive end

Fraser played in seven games for the Bombers in 2014, recording 12 tackles and a sack.