PREVIEW: “We’re very young and very athletic, but we’re still trying to find ourselves”

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CONCORDIA STINGERS (RSEQ – MONTREAL, QUEBEC):

The last couple of football seasons were challenging for the Concordia Stingers, but now it’s time to move on. To that end Mickey Donovan has taken over the head coaching responsibilities and has definitely brought a high-energy approach to running the team.

It will be a new look and a new vibe for the 2014 Stingers.

There’s several new co-ordinators in Patrick Donovan (defence), Matt Connell (offence) and Marc Calixte (special teams) who bring a wealth of experience and very positive approaches. There’s a lot of fresh faces in the lineup as well. Approximately 130 players came through camp, and the coaching staff elected to keep 40 veterans and about 60 newcomers.

A lot of the talk going into camp surrounded Donovan’s recruiting of American players, especially out of Texas. Those players have not disappointed. In fact a few will be starters right away.

On offence, the Stingers will be exceptionally young with just six starters back and there will likely be a more balanced attack than in the past few years.

“The receiving corps is pretty special,” said Donovan. “But were young at every position except receiver.”

Defensively, the Stingers’ have nine starters back, including halfback Kris Robertson who returns after a year’s absence. He was exceptional in the 25-18 preseason victory over the Queen’s Gaels on Aug. 24. The entire defensive backfield was impressive in that game.

“Kris is a great leader,” Donovan said. “It’s exciting to be coaching him instead of against him. There’s great leadership on that side of the ball. The vets are doing a great job at guiding the young players.”

As usual special teams, especially the kicking game with Keegan Treloar, will be stellar. Robertson, the two-time all-Canadian return specialist, will have a big impact.

Overall, it’s too soon to make any predictions.

“We’re very young and very athletic, but we’re still trying to find ourselves,” Donovan said. “The character is great. The family is sticking together and the team is gelling. We’re aiming high. We will have high expectations every game.”

OFFENSE:

RETURNEES:

Offensive tackle Roman Grozman – In his third year, Grozman has been the Stingers’ most talented offensive lineman since the day he first stepped on the field in 2012. He’s powerful, aggressive and finishes every block. He checks in at 6’4” and 310 lbs. His impressive football résumé includes playing for the World Team at the under-20 championship in Austin, Texas, in February of 2011. He is considered a top prospect for the 2016 CFL draft.

Slotback Shayne Stinson – In his fourth year, Stinson is definitely a player to watch out for this season. In 2013 he caught 32 passes for 363 yards and a touchdown. He’s a smart route runner and breaks tackles after the catch. He brings a lot of experience and leadership to the team. In the preseason game versus the Queen’s Gaels, he was the Stingers’ top receiver with three receptions for 56 yards. He participated in the 2014 East-West Bowl last May.

Slotback Jamal Henry – In his fourth year, there are high expectations for Henry. In 2013, he caught 23 passes for 346 yards and five touchdowns. Henry is one of the key leaders on the team and is instrumental in helping to guide the younger players. He participated in the 2014 East-West Bowl last May and was the leading receiver for the East with four catches for 40 yards and a touchdown.

NEW ADDITIONS:

Quarterback Colin Sequeira – Sequeira has been impressive in his first training camp. Donovan has praise for his strong arm and decision-making. He’s also pleased with how well he is adjusting to the university level of play. In the preseason game, he completed eight of 11 passes for 94 yards and did not throw an interception. He also scored a touchdown on a plunge from one-yard out. In Quebec, he was a standout at Selwyn House School where he once threw for 527 yards, eight touchdowns and three two-point conversions in a single game in 2011.

Offensive Guard Kenny Johnson – Several new linemen have joined the Stingers this season, but it’s Johnson who has earned the highest praise from Donovan. Johnson has impressed the coach with his intelligence, athleticism and team-first attitude. He’s also catching on to the Canadian game quickly. The all-district lineman from the Texas high school ranks is 6’2” and 280 pounds.

Running back Gunner Tatum – Tatum, who checks in at six feet, 215 pounds, carried the ball 226 times for 2165 yards and 18 touchdowns in his last season with the Golden Cranes. He also caught six passes for 100 yards and two TDs. He is a first team all-state running back and the district defensive MVP. He runs a 4.6 40-yard dash. He carried the ball 15 times for 98 yards in the preseason win versus Queen’s.

DEFENCE:

RETURNEES:

Halfback Kris Robertson –  After four seasons as a defensive back and return specialist Robertson was selected in the second round of the 2013 CFL draft by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. His dreams were cut short by an injury that sidelined him all of the last season. The two-time all-Canadian returner is back with the Stingers for his fifth and final season. He was in fine form in the preseason game versus Queen’s. He took back an interception 42 yards for a major.

Defensive tackle Sam Narkaj – In his second year, Narkaj arrived in August of 2013 and was relatively unknown to the coaching staff. He earned a spot on the dress roster and had a solid rookie campaign. This year he has made people take notice with his strength (32 reps on bench press) and intensity on the field. He has been a force in training camp, and Donovan is looking forward to watching him make his mark in the conference this season.

Safety Mike Charland – In his third year, Charland is already attracting a lot of interest from the CFL scouts, even though his draft year is 2016. His scores for physical testing are off the charts, he has exceptional leadership skills and he delivers. He was the leading tackler in the RSEQ in 2013 with 46 solos and 13 assists for 52.5 tackles. He also snagged three interceptions.

NEW ADDITIONS:

Cornerback Connor O’Brien – O’Brien played football at Selwyn House School, St. Paul’s School in Concord, N.H. and St. Lawrence in Canton, N.Y. With the latter, he suited up in 2012 and 2013. He recorded 28 solo tackles, 17 assists, eight breakups and two interceptions over two seasons. Last season he earned Liberty League second team all-conference honors. Donovan says he is a very physical player and is very knowledgeable about the game.

Linebacker Jeremy Pelletier – Coach Donovan has been very impressed with Pelletier’s work at training camp and his football ability. At 6,2”, 220 lbs., he brings good size to the position. He also has good speed and has been clocked at 4.74 in the 40.

Defensive tackle Andre McKissack – McKissack is probably the most talked about recruit the Stingers have ever brought in. He has not disappointed in training camp. Donovan says his young star is strong, explosive and will demand double-teams this season. The 18-year-old has a maximum bench press of 450 pounds and a maximum squat of 590 pounds. He runs a 5.0 40-yard dash.

SPECIAL TEAMS:

RETURNEES:

Kicker  Keegan Treloar – Going into his draft year, Treloar will be doing everything he can to prove he is worthy of a shot in the CFL. Last year he connected on 11 of 14 field goals, including successful attempts from 48 and 50 yards in the same game (Sept. 28 vs. McGill). His average was 51.2 yards on 29 kickoffs.

Punter Clark Green – In his second year, Green checks in at six foot three, 175 pounds. In his rookie campaign he averaged 35.3 yards on 69 punts.

CONCORDIA STINGERS (RSEQ – MONTREAL, QUEBEC):

2013 RECORD: 0-8 regular season

HEAD COACH: Mickey Donovan (first season)

NUMBER OF RETURNING STARTERS – OFFENSE: N/A

NUMBER OF RETURNING STARTERS – DEFENSE: N/A

KEY RETURNEES: Roman Grozman (offensive line – tackle), Shayne Stinson (slotback), Jamal Henry (slotback), Chris Robertson (defensive back – halfback), Sam Narkaj (defensive line – tackle), Mike Charland (defensive back – safety), Keagan Treloar (special teams), Clark Green (special teams)

KEY LOSSES: Reid Quest (quarterback), Kris Bastien (slotback), Mike Harrington (slotback),Alex Lemire (linebacker), Max Caron (linebacker), Quinn Smith (defensive line – tackle)

NEW ADDITIONS: Colin Sequeira (quarterback), Kenny Johnson (offensive line – guard), Gunner Tatum (running back), Connor O’Brien (defensive back – cornerback), Jeremy Pelletier (linebacker), Andre McKissack (defensive line – tackle)

Source:  Catherine Grace, Concordia Stingers Sports Information