CJFL Offseason Forecast: Expectations are higher in Kamloops

The Kamloops Broncos have seemingly turned a corner, making the playoffs in back to back seasons for the first time in club history.  Last season, the Broncos fell just short of taking out the eventual BCFC champion Rams in Langley during a semi-final, losing by two points.
Despite their recent success, the Broncos will have a new leader and philosophy heading into 2015.

What’s Changing?

The most notable change for the Broncos is at the head coaching spot.   Brad Yamoaka takes over after the departure of Duncan Olthuis.  Also Todd Graham becomes the new defensive coordinator and Joe Collavini the new defensive backs coach.

Tim Parker joins the Broncos board, becoming the new Vice-President.

Graduating Players:

* WR Rudy Uhl: For the most part the Broncos, who finished 6-4 will return their most dangerous weapons on both sides of the ball.   That said, they lose a very good receiver in Uhl as he makes the jump to the CIS.  Last season he collected 25 catches for 404 yards and 4 touchdowns.

*RB Sheldon Brown:  One of the biggest and most physical running backs in the BCFC last season, Brown graduates following 31 carries, 152 yards and a pair of majors in 2014.

What Will They Need?

Like most teams, the Broncos are looking for more depth, specifically the front eight on the defensive side of the ball.  A number of players are returning, but having depth will give the Broncos a little more security if one of their starters is injured.

Counting On:

After a season setting a number of club records, the expectations are higher for individual players heading into 2015.  Offensively the Broncos will rely on their high flying offence to score points.  Derek Yachison returns on the weekend, while practicing with the BC Lions during the week.  Last season he caught a team high 49 balls for 766 yards and five touchdowns.  Devin Csincsa will also be looked at to produce following a 35 catch season, collecting 611 yards and six majors.

On the ground the Broncos will ask Jacob Palmarin to do even more.  He tallied a Conference high 91 carries last season for 613 yards and a touchdown.    Aaron Morran will look to grow into a dynamite 1-2 punch in the backfield for the Broncos following a season which saw him carry 51 times for 417 yards and four touchdowns.

Offensive lineman and anchor Cam Brown will also need to provide leadership to the younger players in the trenches.

The Broncos will open spring camp May 8-10 on the campus of beautiful Thompson Rivers University