Rams Defensive Backfield Expects the Best in ‘08
By Greg Urbanoski
The University of Regina Rams defensive backfield is looking to make a finishing statement in 2008.
As the teams prepares for their 2008 Spring Camp, Defensive Backfield coach Blaine Pearce said the unit has high expectations for this year, based on its experience and talent.
“Last year we had a veteran group and we have had people like Tamon George and Darren Geddert step up,” Pearce said. “We’ve got veterans like Charlie McCrystal, Andrew Rumbaugh and Aadon Fieger who are going to be great leaders.
“The experience helps us in terms of coverage, but this unit has gotten better in supporting against the run. They have a real commitment to playing different coverages and they are good at changing the defences depending on what kind of opponents we are facing.”
While it is the last year of university eligibility for McCrystal, Rumbaugh and Fieger, Pearce said what is also exciting is seeing the next group of defensive backs coming up through the system.
“We are going to have a great group of athletes out for spring camp and there are definitely players who can make it in the CIS (Canadian Intercollegiate Sports),” said Pearce.
Those taking in the practises this weekend at the University of Regina campus can see the defensive back field work on straight man-to-man pass coverage and a cover three zone during their first practise on Friday night.
“We want to get the kids familiar with what we do and what they can show us,” said Pierce. “We are going to have nearly 20 DBs in camp and we are going to look at criteria like athletic ability, their performance on the field and how well they adapt to changing circumstances.
“A large part of this is the mental game. These are student athletes and they have to prepare themselves mentally and physically to get ready to play. They have to be aware mentally in being able to watch film and understand the strategies we use and when we apply them.”
Among those Ram DBs in the spotlight is Rumbaugh, who will be taking part in his fifth spring practise.
“I don’t where the time has gone,” he said. “I guess I spent it in the books.”
Rumbaugh will be taking part in just footwork and conditioning exercises during the camp for a very good reason. There is a good possibility he may be drafted at the Canadian Football League annual Canadian draft coming up on April 30.
“I’ve talked to Toronto, Hamilton and Montreal,” said Rumbaugh. “Coach Frank (McCrystal) is keeping me out of contact to just doing conditioning work and hopefully I’ll get picked up.”
Rumbaugh has spent a lot of work in the off-season getting ready for this Rams camp and the prospect of being drafted in the CFL.
“This is the heaviest I have ever been,” said Rumbaugh, who is normally listed at 190 pounds but is now at 200 pounds. “I worked on getting my strength up and I’m really excited about getting the opportunity to perhaps move on and go the next step.”
Rumbaugh said the Rams defensive backfield is a veteran group, but also has a good mix of talented younger athletes.
“We’re fast and quick and able to defend a number of ways,” Rumbaugh said. “Our defensive line has gotten better and we have a great group of linebackers so the expectations for our defence have grown.
“I came to the Rams because they have been such a dominant powerhouse since their Junior days and since they have joined the CIS they have put a lot of players into the CFL. They have a program that supports players and they bring in character guys and commit to them on and off the field.
“Any adversity you might encounter, they are there to support you. They’re very much a support group, like a family. Hey, I don’t think there are any other CIS coaches who would help you do an English paper on Saturday morning.”
