CFL Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Training camp report

Published on June 2, 2008 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers News Release


WINNIPEG, MB - Day two of Blue Bombers training camp may have had the same practice times, but the sessions added plenty of new system installations on offence, defence and special teams.

The Winnipeg players were on the field from 8 a.m. to 10:20 a.m., and then again from 10:40 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. One pivotal piece to the Blue Bombers franchise, for this season and beyond, was a key offensive threat in Monday's two-a-days on the same morning he committed to a longer contract with the team.

Arjei Franklin, the third-year receiver out of the University of Windsor, signed a two-year extension Monday and was one of the club's top receivers on the practice field.

"When I look at my situation here in Winnipeg, I think it's a good one. I know I have an opportunity to play here and we're a championship-calibre team," Franklin told a large media scrum after the second practice of the day. "Who wouldn't want to be part of an organization like this?"

Ike Charlton (#0) certainly does. The 30-year-old has great expectations for this team and was solid for the second consecutive day. The linebacker spent the off-season as motivated as ever, based on last season ending one win shy of the team's goal.

"I thought about it a lot. I used it as motivation," said Charlton. "I started working out in January. I'm been watching a lot of film and basically perfecting my craft - playing the strong-side linebacker."

NOTES FROM MONDAY'S PRACTICE:

- About 100 fans enjoyed both practices under sunny skies. It was a great turnout for a Monday morning.

- Franklin and Kerry Johnson (#12) showed off their steady hands, hauling in several passes each.

- All three of the kicker/punters in camp were booming punts out of the end zone, and taking turns with field goal kicks.

- Defensive back Jason Nugent (#13) made some big plays during the one-on-one's. Nugent broke up a couple of deep passes when covering his receiver.

PLAYER OF THE DAY:

Jovon Johnson (#29, CB)

Johnson was flying all over the field Monday recording four interceptions. At the beginning of the second practice, Johnson picked off two consecutive passes. The cornerback from the University of Iowa spent some time in Saskatchewan last season with the Roughriders. He is not a stranger to the Canadian game, and hopes he can stick on and continue to make an impact with the Big Blue.

"I came out to practice with every intention of making plays, and that's what I did. That's how I play the game," Johnson said, "I love it here. Hopefully when it's all said and done, I'll be here helping us go back to the Grey Cup."

NOT ON THE FIELD:

- Slotback Dan Sheldon (#84) is day-to-day with a thigh contusion.

- Josh Lay (#19), a cornerback, is day-to-day with a leg injury.

TRANSACTIONS:

Canadian receiver Arjei Franklin (#86) received a contract extension Monday. It is a two-year pact that keeps Franklin locked up until February, 2010.

Blue Bombers training camp continues daily at Canad Inns Stadium with the first practice of each day this week scheduled for 8 a.m. Media availability with players and coaches will be at approximately noon on Tuesday, June 3 and Wednesday, June 4 inclusive. Practice begins at 8 a.m. Thursday, June 5 with media availability scheduled for 11 a.m. All training camp practices are open to the public.

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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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