CFL Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Training camp report - Day four

Published on June 4, 2008 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers News Release


WINNIPEG, MB - Blue Bombers training camp was business as usual Wednesday morning. While temperatures were cold, the on-field product was heating up as battles for training camp positions became more intense.

By day four of training camp both the offensive and defensive units had clearly improved and the one-on-one drills were fiercely competitive.

The learning curve of understanding a new defence and the Canadian game has been steep for linebacker Dwayne Slay (#46), who until last week had not played football since January, 2007. Then, he was a member of the Chicago Bears. During the first practice of Super Bowl week that year though, Slay tore his Achilles tendon. It's been a long road back since.

"I took a whole year off to rehabilitate the torn Achilles. Being out here right now is almost like a dream, I'm enjoying every minute of it because I know what it feels to not be on the field for a whole year," said the Georgia native. "It was a good eight months after I tore my Achilles that I could run full throttle. When I took my first steps I was excited, after being off of it for six or seven months. I took of the boot cast off and didn't use the crutches. It was a great moment."

Slay has taken some reps at strong side linebacker during camp, and feels great so far. His legs feel fine and appear to be fully healthy.

"As you can see, I'm running around pretty good. I feel great. Nothing's ailing me. I'm excited to be out here with a lot of the guys. I'm learning from the coaches. It's just a great place to be right now," Slay said.

In college at Texas Tech, Slay, 23, played safety. Defensive coordinator Greg Marshall believes Slay is better suited for the strong side linebacker position in the CFL game, but will give him some reps at weak side as well.

"Dwayne's coming along. His biggest challenge right now is he's got to get used to playing man coverage," said Marshall. "It's not something that he's done a whole lot of up to this point. But he's making progress and he's picking up what we're asking him to do defensively. He's moving around pretty good. He's getting used to the bigger field and the speedy game. I think he's doing a good job"

Slay is grateful for his opportunity at battling for a job with the Blue Bombers.

"I have a passion for football and look forward to having some fun this season," he said. "I'm happy to be here. It's super. It's just a great place to be right now for me."

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Thoughts from Wednesday's practices:

- Blue Bombers legend Bob Cameron was in the stands watching practice today.

- TSN's Dave Randorf and Chris Schultz were on the sidelines watching practice. The crew will return Thursday and have been doing feature stories as well as season preview pieces.

- Wide receiver Romby Bryant (#81) continues to make a number of catches.

- Quarterback Ryan Dinwiddie (#4) looked sharp with his ball placement.

- Cornerback Robert Bean (#25) and defensive tackle Doug Brown (#97) returned to practice from minor injuries on Wednesday.

Not on the field:

- Defensive lineman Jon Oosterhuis (#77) - out 1-2 weeks with a strained calf.

- Defensive lineman Matt Kudu (#95) - leg injury.

- Defensive back Jovon Johnson (#29) - out 4-7 days with an ankle injury.

Transactions:

The Blue Bombers released defensive back Josh Lay (Pittsburgh) and wide receiver Abraham Morlu (UNC-Charlotte).

Player of the day:

Robert Bean (#25, CB)

Bean participated in the early practice before sitting out the second session because he is battling a stomach virus. The Mississippi State product recorded two interceptions and a pair of knockdowns during one-on-one's.

"I felt pretty confident and pretty good. I just have to get my energy back," said Bean.

Blue Bombers training camp continues daily at Canad Inns Stadium. Practice on Thursday, June 5 is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Media availability with players and coaches will be at approximately noon. The team will resume to the normal camp schedule on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7 with back-to-back practices, beginning at 8 a.m. The second session of the day will start at 10:40 a.m. Media availability on Friday and Saturday is expected to be at approximately noon. All training camp practices are open to the public.

Season tickets are still available through the Blue Bombers football club offices or by calling 204-784-7448 or going to http://www.bluebombers.com

Check out the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Statistics

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Canadian Football League Stories from June 4, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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