CIS Preview: Climbing the mountain in Guelph

When Lang took over as Guelph head coach in March 2010, he wanted his coaches to be able to recruit football talent.

“Someone once told me,” said Lang, “to build a good program make sure you hire good recruiters. Even to the extent that they’re better recruiters than coaches.”

Lang points to offensive coordinator Todd Galloway and his defensive counterpart, Kevin MacNeill, as great spotters of talent. Director of Recruiting Bill Brown has also done an outstanding job building the program. This year’s recruit class includes help on both sides of the ball. Exciting speed on offence and defence will contribute to any success the Gryphons enjoy this year and beyond. The focus of this season’s recruiting, though, was to build a better offensive line.

Before the recruiting of athletes began, Guelph needed an offensive line coach. They found one in Mike MacDonald, a retired RCMP officer and long-time O-line guru. MacDonald and the Gryphons began the “O-Line Academy” last year to teach young players how to properly use technique and footwork on the line. An unintended by-product of the camp is young men wanting to continue to learn from MacDonald at the CIS level. Their 2012 recruiting class was huge, literally and figuratively. On the offensive line alone, MacDonald says Guelph signed five “blue-chippers” including Steve Mburanumwe (6’4”, 275), Tyler Case (6’7”, 255), and Kyle Fraser (6’4”, 260). MacDonald expects them all to compete for playing time when September comes.

When Guelph has the ball, the line will be protecting quarterback Jazz Lindsey, who will likely be at the helm. Lindsey threw for 330 or more yards in two of his last three starts, including one against a strong Western Mustangs team.

Ex-QB Chris Rossetti will be moved to wide receiver. He has impressed this spring.

“He has good speed, good hands, and good football intelligence. He knows where to go in zone coverage and can make things happen athletically,” says Lang.

Running the ball could fall to three new players, with Travis Jennings, Ray Bahr, and Connor Anderson all seeing time carrying the rock.

The bedrock of Guelph’s defence will be linebacker John Rush. Rush started for Team World in the International Bowl this past February and brings that experience back to school with him.

“He’s a phenomenal athlete with a real good understanding of the football field. He’s also a great leader. Guys just galvanize around him.” Lang continued, “he also helps with recruiting on defence…people want to come here because of John.”

Rush’s abilities free up other defenders and allows fellow ‘backer Jake Reinhart to roam free. Coach MacNeill will use Guelph’s strong linebacker crew this season and experiment with a 3-4 package and more exotic blitzes.

The team’s motto for 2012 is, “Climb Higher.” Coach Lang likens his team’s goal of being the best to being at the top of the mountain.

“There are settlers and climbers on every mountain. Settlers are happy with how far they’ve come and make a camp. Climbers don’t stop until the summit. There are no settlers on this team.”