CJFL: Blasetti ready to ‘run’ the offense with the Colts

Adam Blasetti still thinks like the offensive lineman he was back in the day.

With an experienced line at his disposal, the Calgary Colts new offensive co-ordinator is planning to run the ball through the opposition when the Prairie Football Conference schedule kicks off Aug. 12.

“We’re certainly going to try,” said Blasetti.

As a player, Blasetti was a four-year starter at centre and guard with the Colts and PFC opponent Edmonton Huskies; then went on to make the second-team All-Canadian squad with the University of Calgary in 2003. Blasetti then signed as a free agent with the Calgary Stampeders and attended training camps with the Canadian Football League team in 2004 and 2005.

“There’s nothing better for an offensive lineman than to run the ball,” Blasetti continued. “It’s kind of your time to show off. Nobody pays any attention to you unless you’re doing something wrong on pass protection because that means the quarterback’s been hit.”

Blasetti, who just turned 34, also enters his seventh season as Colts offensive line coach. He is just back after serving as a guest coach at the CFL’s Saskatchewan Rough Riders rookie camp in Regina.

Head coach John Stevens also has Ian Couture as quarterback coach, former Stampeder great Tom Forzani and recently-retired CFL star Ryan Thelwell as receivers coaches and Jason Hutchens coaching the runningbacks.

“The first thing I did after hiring Adam is we began having the offensive coaches meet weekly,” Stevens said. “We break down film, we talk about systems and philosophy. I’m pleased with how the offensive staff has progressed.”

Blasetti has the benefit of returning the entire front line from 2011, including two-time PFC all-star right guard Andrew Driusso, Frank Pelligrino, Kenton Boote and Gregg Hannah.

Hannah took part in the Stampeders rookie camp and was invited to remain as the main camp opened last week at McMahon Stadium.

The Colts have also recruited well on the offensive line, bringing in Shawn Swanney, a Lord Beaverbrook graduate who played five games in 2011 for St. Mary’s University in Halifax.

“He will probably start for us at right tackle,” Blasetti said.

Seventeen-year-old Sean McCreary is 6-8, 260 pounds. Blasetti previously coached him in Grade 9 at Rundle College.

They’ve also added Brian Summers from Ontario. He will battle for a starting tackle spot and will push for time at guard too.

Grande Prairie’s massive 6-5, 320-pound Taylor Holden is another prized addition on the offensive line.

Blasetti believes the Colts have prepared themselves well over the winter to be an even better team than the one that finished second to the eventual national champion Saskatoon Hilltops in the PFC final last October.

“We’ve had buy-in across the board from both sides of the ball about working out and being in shape. That’s a huge thing,” Blasetti said.

“I think as a team we’ll be better.”

Training camp begins July 21 at McMahon Stadium.

The Colts will find out Aug. 12 when they open the season at the Gordie Howe Bowl in Saskatoon against the Hilltops, who beat Calgary 32-3 in the PFC final on Oct. 23.

The Colts’ home opener is Aug. 19 at McMahon Stadium, with the Regina Thunder visiting.

For more information on the Colts visit [url]www.calgarycolts.com. You can follow the team on Twitter at @ColtsPFC.

BRIEFLY — The Colts are hosting their first alumni golf tournament June 29 at the Boulder Creek Golf Course just east of the city. The event is open to all. More information is available on the team’s website. Deadline to sign up is June 18. To book a spot, inquire about sponsorship or volunteer information, email [email][email protected].