THE TEAM 990 SHOW HOST BLOGS

So I've been making that wonderful drive down to St. Jean sur Richilieu all week to watch the Als start training camp. Ok I didn't go on Tuesday, but Andie told me all about it. So I'd thought I 'd give the TEAM 990 internet listeners a little break down.

It's been five days of training under new head coach Marc Trestman, and the players have noticed a difference. As Line Backer TJ Hill Put it "Coach Trestman is more in your face". He was comparing him to the more Laid back styles of former coach but still GM Jim Popp. The one thing I've noticed about Trestman is that he's very involved. From running with each play from Scrimmage to individually talking to the Reciever/DB/ RB involved in the set play moments after the play finishes. You can sense Coach Trestman NFL experience by how regimented training camp has been in the first three days.

Being on time and working hard is really all the Coach wants and he's been getting it. Seven year veteran Anwar Stewart has been a a perfect example so far in camp. His intensity during defensive and Special teams drills are rolling off on the many newcomers.

Let's look at some players that are sticking out early so far in the first five days.

1-RB Jarrett Payton: Only his 2nd year in the CFL, but he already walks and talks like a veteran, his training camp teammates can see it too. he runs out hard every play and looks poised to be one of the top runners in East this year.

2-DB Randee Drew: he had a great rookie campaign last year and look for him to knock some socks off this year. He plays a tight aggressive style that has been aggrevating alot of wideouts so far.

3- WR Larry Taylor:  you notice this first year player every practice. he's very quick and very flashy. but he has two things against him so far, he's 5'6" and American.

4- WR Danny Deriveaux: the 2nd year local boy seems to be every QB's favorite target.

On the Quarterback side, Anthony Calvillo has the best arm in camp. he looks sharp and looks poised for a big year under Trestman. Second string Marcus Brady still relies on his legs when he's in trouble. AC and Brady are clearly the 1-2, at the three spot its tough to say as Ricky Santos, Brad Banks and Adrian McPherson haven't gotten many reps, and when they do they don't look spectacular.

The Als Picked up WR/ Returner Jason Armstead and good sign for him is that the Als released returners Aslan Davis and Tony Tompkins. With Armstead not practicing today, Taylor was back catching fake punts.

On the injury side, nothing major so far but a long list of players have bumps, bruises and icepacks taped all over: OL Josh Bourke ,DB Chip Cox , WR Kerry Watkins,  LB Reggie Hunt, WR Ben Cahoon, LB Diamond Ferri, LB Kai Ellis, RB Mike Imoh and a couple of others.

So it's another week until you get to see your Als in game action, But from what I can tell so far in five days is that they'll be itching at the bit to hit someone that's not a teammate.  

If you want to know more about Als training camp so far or just want to make fun of my grammar, email me anytime

campbell@team990.com

-Campbell