Q&A with Ticats GM Bob O’Billovich

Bert Faibish
Ticats.ca

We’re only a couple weeks into preparing for the 2010 season, but from what you’ve observed so far, how good do you think this linebacking group can be?

Obie: I think that they were the best in the league last year, so there’s no reason why they can’t pick up where they left off. We’ve got some good young guys in there that are looking good and Ike Brown has come back prepared to play, so we think that’s a very strong area. We’ll have a good starting contingent and our non-imports are very good there as well, so we’re very deep at that position.

Which receiver do you think might benefit from the attention Arland Bruce III and Maurice will receive from opposing defenses?

Obie: Since those two guys are so well known in the league, some of the younger guys might be overlooked and it may give them some opportunities to put them in the same class. One guy that’s had a good training camp is Chris Bauman and our non-import receivers have been impressive to date — all of them. It could be anyone.

Can you provide an update on the interior defensive line, and how you plan on filling the void left by Darrell Adams’ retirement?

Obie: With Darrell’s retirement, Demonte’ Bolden has the most experience at that spot, along with Matt Kirk. I think we’ve got the flexibility to do a number of things on the interior, depending on what decision we make on the overall make-up of the defensive line.

How about the competition in the secondary?

Obie: There’s great competition back there. I think the veteran guys we picked up in the off-season have all been competing hard for a job. Geoff Tisdale has adapted well to the corner position from halfback, where he’s been playing the last two years, so I think it looks like that will be a competitive group of guys. Whoever it is, we’ll have an experienced secondary going into the season.

In your opinion, what position group has the opportunity to see the most improvement this season?

Obie: I think the offensive and defensive line, just because they’re going to have more familiarity with each other. So I think the fronts on both sides of the ball are going to be improved.

Which young players have caught your eye with their performances throughout training camp so far?

Obie: Ryan Hinds has been better than we had hoped for from what we’ve seen thus far and I think Matt Morencie has looked pretty decent for a guy that’s in his second CFL training camp. He’s been a welcome addition.