Head coach Gerry McGrath is looking forward to opening the biggest and most competitive training camp in his 12-year career at the helm of the Concordia Stinger football team.
Approximately 120 players are expected to report to camp tomorrow for physical testing, paperwork, photos and orientation. The team will begin on-field workouts on Saturday.
“We’ve done a lot of good work in the off-season, made a few changes and I’m excited to see how it translates to the field,” says McGrath. “We’ve had another exceptional recruiting year and we have a strong class of returnees. I can’t wait for the season to start.”
Heading into camp, there’s a lot of depth at the skilled positions on the offensive side of the ball.
“I think we have four outstanding kids at quarterback,” says the veteran coach. “We have a great situation at receiver with depth, size and speed. At tailback we’re really pleased with Mike Donnelly, Raul Thompson and Edem Nyamadi. We’re going to see some good battles in camp.”
Offensive tackle Anthony Barrette, who was drafted in the second round by the Montreal Alouettes last May, will set the pace for the young line.
Defensively, there’s a lot of young talent, but McGrath is watching one unit with great interest.
“The staff is really excited to see the linebackers,” he says. “We thought Max Caron and Travis Bent were outstanding in their first years. We’re looking forward to seeing what they bring this year.”
Of course, kicking is always a big part of any Concordia football season. A big recruit from Brandon, Man., Keegan Treloar, is the man to watch in 2011.
“We have Keegan with us,” McGrath says, “and I’m very interested in seeing him develop. He’s a pretty solid field goal kicker and we’re working on his punting.”
Concordia will travel to Guelph, Ont. for an exhibition game with the Gryphons on Saturday, Aug. 27 at 1 p.m. The Stingers open the RSEQ season at home to the Laval Rouge et Or on Saturday, Sept. 3 at 1 p.m. at Concordia stadium.
