Concordia head coach Gerry McGrath will open the Stingers' 2007 football training camp by welcoming approximately 95 student-athletes to the Loyola campus of the university tomorrow morning.
“We’re excited to be back,” says No. 1 quarterback Rob Mackay. “It will be a very competitive camp. We have a lot more depth than other years. It will be fun.”
More than 55 veterans and 40 rookies will spend the day doing paperwork, taking photos and going through academic counselling. Meetings and dinner will follow. Physical testing will take place Friday and on-field workouts and weight training begin Saturday.
“We’ve had an exceptional recruiting year, especially with the Team Canada players, and we have a large returning class,” says McGrath who is now in his eighth season as head coach. “I’m expecting a very competitive camp. I can’t wait to get on the field Saturday.”
Some of the top defensive recruits to watch for in camp include free safety Nick Arsenault-Hum from CEGEP Vieux Montréal, defensive tackle Maurice Forbes of the Mississauga Warriors and cornerback Kyle Smith from Kent Prep School. All three were members of the 2007 edition of Team Canada.
On the other side of the ball, receiver Arian Francois of the Mississauga Warriors and Montreal running back Edem Nyamadi from Bridgetown Academy will be in the spotlight. Again, both were with Team Canada in 2007. McGrath is also looking forward to seeing a couple of Vanier College graduates - offensive lineman Anthony Barrette, who was a member of Team Canada in 2006, and quarterback Liam Mahoney who led the Cheetahs to a Bol d’Or championship last season.
The Stingers will return 18 starters in 24 positions this season, including two all-Canadians. Second team all-Canadian Keith Dauper is back at offensive tackle, and first-team all-Canadian Sammy Okpro will anchor the defence from his halfback position.
McGrath also expects great things from third-year pivot Rob Mackay, who takes over the quarterbacking duties from Scott Syvrett, and fifth-year receiver Nick Scissons. Linebackers Cory Greenwood and Nathan Agadzi will fill the void left by the graduation of Patrick Donovan, the two-time outstanding defensive player in Canada. Fouth-year defensive lineman William Miller is also expected to figure prominently.
The Stingers will travel to Sherbrooke to play a preseason game with the Vert et Or on Sunday, Aug. 26 at 1 p.m. They open the Quebec conference season with a night game at home versus the Bishop’s Gaiters Sept. 7 at 7 p.m.
