Ticats mini camp for linebackers

With the off-season departure of starting linebackers Jamall Johnson and Simoni Lawrence, the Tiger-Cats have a couple of holes to fill on defense — and this week’s mini camp could go a long way to determine who has the inside track on filling the void.

The Ticats aren’t “just” looking for two new starting linebackers — they’re looking for players with character.

Orlondo Steinauer is the Defensive Co-ordinator: “When you lose energy and tenacity with Simoni, and you lose leadership and wise vets like Jamall, you lose a lot, but you bring in other people. Life goes on.”

And the audition process continues at mini camp. One candidate is Rico Murray — the defensive jack of all trades — who in week eight alone made four tackles, a sack, an interception and a forced fumble.

Second-year Ticat Frederic Plesius is garnering attention, not only because he brings Canadian depth, but his size and strength are also assets.

Fellow sophomore Eric Harris got some playing time last year, but concussion symptoms kept him from showing his full potential: “I overcame it, i’m here, i healthy 100% and i’ve been working hard in the off season. so i’ll see if i can play the part this year.”

Off season acquisition Abe Kromah also missed most of last season with a broken leg, but had a stellar rookie season with Saskatchewan in 2012. So far, his transition has been smooth, with one exception: “Just terminology. You have to un-coach yourself, not like when I was a rookie and it was fresh. But it works so i’m looking forward to it.”

CIS Defensive player of the Year, Pawel Kruba is also trying to make his mark at linebacker, but says he’d also welcome a chance to play special teams in his CFL debut: “It is a different feeling, the coaches put it more in your hands, so you know you have to put in the work and it’s nice to see it pay off.”