Concordia head coach Gerry McGrath will open the Stingers' 2006 football training camp by welcoming 95 student-athletes to Concordia Stadium tomorrow morning.
"All the guys are excited and happy to be back in town," says third-year all-Canadian defensive halfback Sammy Okpro. "It looks like a promising year and a real competitive camp."
More than 50 veterans and 40 rookies will spend the day doing paperwork, taking photos and going through physical testing. Meetings and dinner will follow. On-field workouts and weight training begin on Saturday.
"I'm very happy with the quality of talent at this camp," says McGrath. "We've had a pretty good year recruiting, especially linemen. This was a weakness for us which we've addressed."
Some of the top recruits to watch for in camp include six-foot-four, 300-pound defensive tackle Alexandre Turp from CEGEP Vieux Montréal and offensive tackle Kristian Matte out of Vanier College. At skilled positions McGrath is pleased with the addition of slotback Cory Watson, an all-star out of Vanier, and running backs Andrew Hamilton, a transfer from Delaware State, and Corey Greenaway, an all-star from Collège Edouard Montpetit. Two top linebacker recruits have also created a buzz on campus. A lot of eyes will be on Corey Greenwood from Regiopolis Notre Dame and the Kingston Grenadiers, and Kamil Thompson out of John Abbott College.
The Stingers will return 21 starters in 26 positions this season, including six all-Canadians. Patrick Donovan, the 2005 President's Trophy recipient as the top defensive player in the country, is back at middle linebacker. Concordia also has quarterback Scott Syvret back in the fold. He was the Quebec conference MVP in 2005 and a finalist for the Hec Crighton Trophy, which is awarded annually to the outstanding player in Canadian university football.
The Stingers will travel to Kingston, Ont. to play a preseason game with the Queen's Golden Gaels on Sunday, Aug. 27 at 2 p.m. They open the Quebec conference season with a night game at home versus the Sherbrooke Vert et Or Sept. 8 at 7 p.m.
