Frankly Speaking: Rams Training Camp Gets Feisty 

By Greg Urbanoski 

The Sunday morning edition of the University of Regina Rams training camp was notable for a few details. 

The first detail was the crispness of the plays the Rams were running on offense and defense. In previous years, it appeared the Rams were content to master just a few basic touches of the plays they were being taught, but on Sunday morning, the players seemed to be grasping the little details and more importantly, executing them.  

The second was a certain feistiness that came to the fore when Riley Sisco was pushed following a running play. Riley Sisco is a competitor and a linebacker, and the combination did not take kindly to an offensive lineman trying to establish himself during what appeared to be a routine running play. The pushing that arose following the play, and the appearance of both offensive and defensive players to both quell the matter and provide support, was a sign that the Rams, contrary to what armchair pundits may speculate, are becoming a team of players, rather than individuals. 

The tempo of practices was something that caught the eye of Rams Head Coach Frank McCrystal. 

It’s day two and we are running 40 full scrimmage plays,” said McCrystal. “But I like to see things getting edgy” 

“Everybody is moving and nobody is standing around. I am really pleased with their effort and with what they are putting forward.” 

McCrysal noted the Rams offensive line was firing off the line of scrimmage, not just on pass protection, but also on running plays. It seems the offensive line is taking suggestions the Rams are a one-dimensional offense to heart and are looking to establish a tone they want to translate to actual game conditions. 

“In the scrimmage this afternoon the defensive line was getting across the line of scrimmage fast and that was something we needed to be doing better,” said McCrystal. “If we are doing it now and stay on top of it, as well as stay focused with that kind of skill, then it bodes well for what we are doing defensively.” 

The Rams are also facing questions at their linebacker position, but the return of Matt Nesbitt has brought a new attitude towards stopping the opposing teams run. 

“There’s more run support but I think that’s the result of the defensive line doing a better job,” said McCrystal. “One thing that we have defensively is speed. Our guys are very fast.” 

The Rams are also looking at filling gaps on offense as a result of receivers Chris Bauman and Chris Getzlaf graduating to the Canadian Football League. While many are forecasting the Rams having trouble filling those shoes, players like John Kanaroski and Chris King were doing the little things well, like blocking defensive players on running assignments. 

“Kanaroski is just a great football player and part of what makes him as good as he is, is he understands the game,” said McCrystal. 

“He’s not just one dimensional. He understands blocking, running routes and understands what other players are doing relative to him. He broke his collarbone during the first practice last season and he toughed it out last year, took classes when he could have gone home.” 

McCrystal said the Rams are looking at building towards their inter-squad game next Saturday at Mosaic Stadium. He said the Rams will also be doing a half-hour of special teams, working on blocking and containment. 

Matt Nesbitt will be handling the long-snapping for the Rams and Brandon Ganne and Jon Atchinson will be looking to back-up. Steve Ryan is shaping up as a primary returner, but McCrystal said Taylor Kidby and Chris King will also make contributions in the return game.  

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