Latest news with #Dickenson
Calgary Herald
3 days ago
- Sport
- Calgary Herald
Defensive linemen in Calgary Stampeders camp: 'Game-wreckers' wanted
Article content 'And then on the edges, you've got to be a full-time player … but you've got to be able to stop the run and then get after the quarterback.' Article content With 18 d-line hopefuls still in camp Wednesday, Dickenson and his staff have plenty of talent — and options — on hand. Article content Beyond Orimolade on the edge, returnee Clarence Hicks has been a standout during camp. As have fellow Americans Cedric Wilcots II and Shaun Peterson Jr., who earned two QB sacks in last Saturday's 31-4 pre-season victory over the visiting Edmonton Elks at McMahon. Article content Of the big American fellas inside, returnee Josiah Coatney, fourth-year CFLer Miles Brown and Jaylon Hutchings — who signed with the Stamps last October — are all turning heads. Article content Article content Then there's the Canadians in the mix — returnees Kail Dava, Kelon Thomas, Ryan Leder, Justin Sambu and Anthony Federico, 2024 draft-picks George Idoko and Jason Janvier-Messier and 2025 draftee — and Calgarian — Max von Muehldorfer. Article content Article content 'I think we have a lot of talent,' added Orimolade. 'I think there's a lot of guys that are still like budding, but I think number one, I think we're going to defend the run really well, and that's going to put us in a lot of opportunities to give guys behind the sticks. It makes it easier for d-line to get to the quarterback.' Article content The ending Article content So far, it stacks up as Orimolade, Brown, Hutchings and Hicks from edge to edge. Article content But with so many talents in the mix and Dickenson declaring jobs up for grabs, that could change overnight. Article content Plus Canadians starting on the d-line amounts to being ratio-breakers. Article content No matter, though … just as long as whoever's got those gigs are game-wreckers. Article content 'It's a hungrier group,' added Orimolade, when asked about the difference between the Stamps before he left and this year's edition. 'When you've had bad seasons, no one wants that taste in their mouth. They wanted the season to be over just because of all the losing, and it starts to weigh on you mentally. Article content Article content 'But now it's like everyone has the drive to be better this year. That's a big change. That was kind of missing. You get kind of complacent, and now you have the rejuvenation. It's good.' Article content Short yardage Article content The Stampeders have released American WR Ishmael Hyman, who appeared in five regular-season games for the Red and White in 2024 and made 18 catches for 220 yards and one touchdown … The Stamps signed global K Jordan Noyes, a native of Gravesend, England, who recently concluded his NCAA career with the Colorado State Rams. In two seasons with the Rams, he converted 29-of-39 field-goal attempts and added 62 converts for a total of 149 points. He also averaged 64.6 yards on 16 kickoffs. In a 2024 game at Nevada, Noyes connected on a 60-yard field goal. Noyes started his NCAA career with 30 games over three seasons with the Utah Utes. He was 8-of-12 on field goals for the Utes, a perfect 45-for-45 on converts and accounted for 79 points. He averaged 61.9 yards on 145 kickoffs … The Stamps placed rookie American FB Ryan Jones on the retired list after he underwent surgery for a broken leg suffered during the Red and White pre-season victory over the host BC Lions on Vancouver Island on Victoria Day … Stamps training camp continues Thursday at McMahon (9:15 a.m.). Article content
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Coach expects Calgary Stampeders to 'be sharp' in 2025 home debut
The Calgary Stampeders take the field for one final audition Saturday looking to put more than just a performance they can proud of together. They also want results. Where pre-season is forever about evaluating what you've got and never really about what the scoreboard says at the end of each game, the bottom line for this Canadian Football League contest certainly has some meaning for a club desperately trying to find and maintain an upward trend. 'We take it very seriously — take it very seriously,' confirmed Stampeders middle linebacker Marquel Lee, ahead of Saturday's pre-season finale against the Edmonton Elks at McMahon Stadium (7:30 p.m., CHQR 107.3 FM/770 AM). 'It's a game at the end of the day,' continued Lee. 'But we don't get many opportunities to come out and do our craft. So anytime we can come out and dominate and show our stuff and put together a win, we want to do that. 'And we want to get better. This is only our third or fourth week being together, so we've still got to build on the things that we need to build on going into the season and we want to use this as opportunity for a dress rehearsal and get those things together. 'But we also do want to win.' Special teamers in Calgary Stampeders camp: Battles at hand at punter, returner Offensive linemen in Calgary Stampeders camp: Battle on to fill big centre void With that, the Stampeders set up to go out and win Saturday with at least half of their expected season-starters in for the early part of exhibition contest. Very few got the opportunity to play in last Monday's pre-season victory — 26-16 — over the host BC Lions on Vancouver Island. But there are some not quite ready for prime-time with injuries holding them back until the start of the regular schedule. 'I've probably got seven or eight, maybe even 10 guys that won't play that could be starters,' said Stampeders GM/head coach Dave Dickenson, of his roster against the incoming Elks. 'But … yeah … definitely, if you can play and you're healthy, we want to give you that opportunity to go compete. 'Timing-wise for a lot of them, it will be their first pre-season game, because I left a good chunk of guys home last week,' continued Dickenson. 'I'm not expecting perfection but expecting them to play fast and physical and be sharp. Just play with your eyes — don't try to do too much, meaning take what the defence gives you. 'As a group, you've still got to run the ball and use your feet as a quarterback to extend plays. So those are the things we're looking for.' Of course, there's a couple of positions where the starting man remains unsettled for the Red and White. That brings on battles — especially at running back, along the offensive and defensive lines, at linebacker, in the secondary, with the punters and in the return game. 'You don't know how many reps you're going to get,' Dickenson said. 'Take advantage the opportunities. Play aggressive — don't play not to make a mistake. And put your best foot forward. 'The thing I've always thought about is if you take care of your business and it doesn't work out for you, you feel a little better about yourself. What you don't want, as a player is, 'I'm not prepared. I'm not playing the way I should play,' and that's when you have regrets. 'Just take care of your business, be ready when your number's called and give it everything you've got.' Every CFL team must be down to their playing roster by May 31. That is comprised of 45 active players, 10 practice-roster types practice roster types and those shifted to injured reserve. For the Stamps, that includes a decision likely to be made at quarterback behind starter Vernon Adams Jr., although it'll be the franchise's prized acquisition which gets the call to arms under centre for 'about a half,' said Dickenson. 'I just want positive plays (Saturday),' said Adams, who's looked strong in training camp for the Stampeders even though he admits to not being 100% comfortable with the new offence just yet. 'You know … no turnovers and let's score some touchdowns. So we get out there and do what we plan to do and let the other guys get in and do what they need to do. 'You're trying not to peak too early but just excited for the opportunity for the guys, the team and this organization to get out here and put on a good show for the fans,' continued the top-shelf QB. 'And that's what we plan to do.' Yes … given this is the season debut at McMahon, there's that will — after the many personnel changes and mission statements during the off-season — to give the home-town crowd a team to get behind. That fact may be as important as anything happening Saturday for the Stampeders. 'I think it's about coming out and being in our home stadium and showing the Stampeders fanbase our brand of football — what we want to bring to the season,' added Lee. 'Play-in and play-out, we want to show how we want to operate and our physicality and our togetherness. 'And we want to just show the crowd that there's a new sheriff in town.' tsaelhof@
National Post
22-05-2025
- Sport
- National Post
Special teamers in Calgary Stampeders camp: Battles at hand at punter, returner
Article content 'Erik, I think, honestly was one of the most solid returners in the CFL, and then, unfortunately, he broke his arm,' Dickenson said. 'He's very reliable catching the ball. He makes good decisions. He's got some juice. I think if he would've played all year, he would've popped a couple of returns for touchdowns. Article content 'And he's also one of our smartest receivers.' Article content Article content Indeed, Brooks played in just a half-dozen games before getting sidelined, returning 17 punts for 166 yards — a 9.8-yard average — and 13 kickoffs for 287 yards — a 22.1-yard average. Article content But the diminutive, dynamic talent is back — with confidence — to pick up where he left off. Article content 'I mean … it was difficult,' said Brooks of the injury and missing the final two-thirds of the schedule. 'But they let me know early that they like the work that I have put on my resume throughout those six regular-season games. So it gave me a sense of relief knowing that they still have faith in me to come back healthy and build on what I did last year. Article content Article content And then there are a few guys from last year — receivers Cam Echols and Ishmael Hyman — who have proven themselves in the return game. Article content 'The guys are playing hard and looking fast and doing the right things, as well,' Dickenson said. 'So that's why we know we have good competition.' Article content It's up to Brooks to fend them all off. Article content His experience with the Stamps — albeit limited — should help him in that regard. Article content As should his knowledge of the offence, whether he's catching or even running the ball. Article content After all, the California kid's done it all in his football career, growing up as a running back but then moving to receiver and blossoming as a returner. Article content 'I just feel like the more you can do, the better … you know,' Brooks said. 'You just make yourself versatile by just learning multiple positions — not just limiting yourself to one but just trying to learn the whole concept. Article content 'But I feel like when you make yourself versatile, you have a better shot at whatever you're trying to do. So growing up, I was just trying to be able to know all the positions in the offence by getting the ball in my hands and just trying to make plays however I can.' Article content He hopes that happens with the Stamps often in his second season. Article content 'Success will be getting through healthy — that's first and foremost,' added Brooks. 'But I want to get some more touchdowns — I know I had one last year receiving. I want to get some special-teams touchdowns, as well. I was close to breaking a few. So I want to get at least five punt returns, a field-goal return in there and at least two to three kickoffs.
National Post
13-05-2025
- Sport
- National Post
Quarterbacks in Calgary Stampeders camp: Vernon Adams Jr. leads the way
Article content But if anybody can, Adams, who is known for his game-breaking ability and leadership, can catch that up pretty quickly. Article content 'Honestly, this was the quickest off-season I've had,' Adams said. 'You know, I think it was because I was so excited, and I would always talk to my receivers and even the offensive line, at times, and just tell them, 'I'm itching, guys — like I can't wait to get out there. So … yeah … I'm just happy to be here and get back to work.' Article content The plot Article content Before Adams was acquired, it looked like Walker was going to be fast-tracked to the starting QB job in Calgary. Article content He agreed last fall to come to the Stamps in a trade with the Toronto Argonauts after playing in 21 NFL games — starting nine combined with the Carolina Panthers and the Cleveland Browns — from 2020-23. Article content 'P.J. came up here last year, which gave him a head-start,' said Dickenson, of the New Jersey native. 'He left his kid and his wife back home. I think he really wants to make it worth something. Article content 'And that's what I'm excited for our team about these quarterbacks, because I feel like they've got the right things in their heart and they're here for the right reasons.' Article content Article content He's talking, too, of Love, another Cali QB who was signed this spring after a one game-start with the UFL's Memphis Showboats last year and nine game-starts with the USFL's Michigan Panthers in 2023. Article content 'They both played professional football, so it's not like they're rookies,' said Dickenson of Walker and Love. 'P.J. has played a couple, three, four years in the NFL, and Josh has played a lot of big games, as well, and has played professional football for multiple years. He's committed to the CFL … I feel like he can be a good player in our league. Article content 'So … yes, they're new and they were not with us, but these are not rookie type of guys. They expect to play well, and they expect to make great calls and the right decisions. They're just looking for an opportunity.' Article content That chance, however, is likely limited with Adams brought on to become the face of the franchise. Article content Still, their effort so far proves they aren't shying away from the situation. Article content 'It's great — competition is everything, competition is king …' Walker said. 'When you come out here and you compete every day, it brings the best out of every player. So for me, it's just come out here and compete at a high level. I got a you-versus-you mentality, so it's me-versus-myself, and I'm just going to go out and compete.' Article content Article content With his resumé, though, Walker is likely to push him. And Love has similar solid credentials, too. Article content But what of returnee Bonner, who's been hyped as a strong leader himself in the huddle? It's the Texan's third year here and he's earned goodwill from the coaching staff and knows the system better than the other QBs in camp. So he's in the mix, as well. Article content Article content 'In the last 15 years, Calgary has been the top offence in the league,' praised Adams, when asked of Dickenson's system. 'So it works. Article content 'Now I just have to add my little flavour to it and just take care of the ball,' added Adams. 'I think that's been my biggest thing in my career, just throwing interceptions and giving up the ball. So I need to get these playmakers the ball and make me look good.' Article content
Hamilton Spectator
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
New quarterback, new turf, new era begins for Stampeders at camp
CALGARY - New starting quarterback, new turf at McMahon Stadium, new outlook for the Calgary Stampeders. A day after opening their training camp at Shouldice Park, the Stampeders returned to the friendly confines of McMahon on Monday to practise on the new turf that was installed over the off-season. 'It's awesome, man,' said veteran CFL quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., who the Stamps acquired in a trade with the B.C. Lions in November. 'I walked out here and I'm like, 'This feels good,' because last year when we were coming here as the away team, it was tough, but it feels amazing.' 'New' has been the buzzword around Calgary when it comes to the Stampeders, who finished last in the 2024 CFL standings with a dismal 5-12-1 record. In addition to acquiring Adams to bolster their offence, the Stamps signed free-agent receivers Dominique Rhymes and Tevin Jones in the off-season. Add in returning receivers Reggie Begelton, Jalen Philpot, Clark Barnes and Cam Echols, as well as highly-touted rookie Damien Alford, and Adams has plenty of options. '(We have) a lot of guys from different teams, a lot of guys with a lot of experience here, so, I'm excited,' Adams said. 'Everyone's bringing a little bit of their juice here and we're trying to change the culture, so it's just exciting.' Adams said competition has been fierce through two days of camp. he said fellow pivots P. J. Walker, Logan Bonner and Josh Love have been driving him to be better. 'These young guys are pushing the vets and they're pushing them to be the best they can be,' Adams said. 'And so are the quarterbacks – we're all pushing each other, so it's good.' Calgary coach and general manager Dave Dickenson has liked what he's seen from Adams and his other QBs so far. 'All four today made big throws,' Dickenson said. 'So, you like to see that. Obviously, for me, the quarterback is the guy that kind of takes that room, the offence, rallies the room and can make the coach look good.' With new players auditioning for spots on offence, defence and special teams, Dickenson and his coaching staff have their work cut out for them leading up to the start of the regular season. 'People are on edge a little more,' Dickenson said. 'They know that there's a possibility that maybe jobs are more available than they've been in the past. 'So far, I'm really happy. The leadership of this group has been energy. It's been bringing great tempo (and) putting in all the extra time right now. It's just whether we can sustain that, keep improving, get our team going in the right direction.' Having previously played for the Stamps from 2018-22, defensive lineman Folarin Orimolade isn't new to Calgary. Acquired from the Grey Cup-champion Toronto Argonauts in January for linebacker Cameron Judge, Orimolade said he has unfinished business to accomplish with the Stamps. 'It's not a beginning, but like a continuation or something that wasn't done yet,' Orimolade said. 'That's how it feels. (There are) a lot of the new faces around the team. There's been a lot of change, but I think in order to progress, change is necessary.' Orimolade described the first two days of training camp as fun and competitive. 'I think camp's always competitive, but I think people are putting their best efforts forward, so I that's all you can do in the beginning and then try and polish it day by day as we keep on going,' he said. 'We've got a good team. I think we're going to surprise a lot of people this year, so I'm excited.' Dickenson was happy that the Stamps were able to reacquire Orimolade to anchor the team's defence this season. 'I think he's special,' Dickenson said. 'He's that guy that can do lots of things. He's picked off passes for touchdowns. He's obviously a great pass rusher, but he does hold up in the run game. I think Flo, honestly, will take us a long way this year, so we've got to keep him healthy, keep him fresh, but man when he's going, he's tough to stop.' The Stamps will play a pair of pre-season games – next Monday afternoon in Vancouver against the Lions before returning home to McMahon to face the Edmonton Elks on May 24. Exhibition games aside, Adams can't wait to get things started for real when the Stamps host Bo Levi Mitchell and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in their season and home opener on June 7. 'Oh, man, it's going to be amazing in that first game,' Adams said. 'The pre-season game probably won't be as full, but I know a lot of people will be excited to be out here to see us back at work.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 12, 2025.
