Ticats sort through quarterbacks

Until the Canadian Football League Players Association decides to go on strike — and that possibly could happen early next week — players around the league will continue to prepare for a season, the same way they have in the past. Monday, the Tiger-Cats wrapped up their second day of practice at training camp.

Zach Collaros was anointed as the Ticats’ starter before he even put on a jersey. And so far, Kent Austin is pleased with that decision: “Zach’s a natural leader. He’s quiet now, because he’s thinking. Leadership isn’t necessarily verbal, it’s who you are.”

Collaros: “As a quarterback you want that pressure, more responsibility than pressure. It’s our job to be prepared. They do a great job of helping us prepare each and every week.”

Third-year back-up Dan Lefevour says this has been his most enjoyable camp so far: “I don’t have to study until midnight what’s going on schematically. Easier from that standpoint.”

Both Lefevour and third-stringer Jeremiah Masoli played integral roles in the 2013 playoff run, and they hope to make an equal or even greater impact this season. Masoli: “I don’t think anybody is going to be surprised when I get on the field this year.”

It might be a surprise to some if former Dallas Cowboy, Stephen McGee takes the field: “I wanted to come up to Canada to start, I didn’t come to be a backup.”

But, McGee knows he’s not going to replace Collaros any time soon: “I have to learn the game, earn my stripes.  I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get that done.”

Rounding-out the quarterback corps is Troy University alum, Corey Robinson, and Sir Wilfred Laurier starter James Fracas, a non-roster invitee, who will be returning to school in the fall — that’s six in total.

Kent Austin: “Trying to push to 8 or 9 if we can.”