Stamps Pre-game Preview

Tonight, the Calgary Stampeders are heading into their first pre-season game of 2007 vs the Edmonton Eskimos. There have been several changes this off-season for both clubs and this will be the first chance for players to showcase their talent in a game situation.

On the field, former NFL first round draft pick Akili Smith will be observed in a game situation for the first time in his CFL career. Youngsters Barrick Nealy and Ryan Cubit have also played well throughout two-a-days and are anxious to test their skills.

On special teams, possibly the most interesting individual battle of training camp comes in the fight for the starting punting job between last year’s Western Division All-Star Burke Dales and 2001 Grey Cup Champion Duncan O’Mahony. Returner Calvin Bannister will have an opportunity to show his crowd-pleasing speed, in which he displayed in the Red and White mock game.

On the offensive line, Derek Armstrong and Riley Clayton return to the offensive line for their second seasons and are sure to see significant game time with injuries to John Comiskey and Tyler Lynem. Garrick Jones should also not be overlooked as he steps into a Red and White jersey for the first time.

In the backfield, Canadian newcomers Rob Cote and Gerald Commissiong have been thrown into the fire at the fullback position after Cory Hathaway’s season ending injury while Wes Cates and Ken Simonton are also in the mix for a tailback spot alongside CFL All-Star Joffrey Reynolds.

At the receiver position, the return of Marc Boerigter north of the border only adds to an extremely talented receiving corps and should provide some exciting action. J.R. Tolver and Keenan Howry have proved their capability in the Canadian game all through training camp and should not be missed.

Looking into the defensive line, two players to keep your eye on tonight is import talent Keron Williams and Tearrius George, both of whom have played exceptionally well over the course of training camp.

In the secondary, Brandon Browner should use his six-foot-four frame to potentially interrupt passes just as he has done during training camp. Trey Young, Crance Clemons, Coby Rhinehart, Jermaine Chatman, Wes Lysack and Sadrick Williams are all returning to the secondary with another year of experience under their belt.

At the linebackers position, Tony Bua, former University of Arkansas standout is eager to hit the CFL field while Matt Grootegoed and Rob Rodriguez return to the Stamps for their sophomore seasons with starting roster spots on their mind. Shannon James and Cornelius Anthony have done nothing but impress coaches and fans with their solid play all through camp.

The Stamps travel to Saskatchewan for their last pre-season game next Friday before returning to McMahon Stadium to open the regular season at home against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday, June 30 at 8:00 pm.