The 2016 season is fast approaching, and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats are preparing for another run at the Grey Cup championship. LWOS takes a look at the 2016 Tiger-Cats Depth Chart.
Hamilton will be entering the forthcoming training camp in less than two weeks time with a lot of questions surrounding the Tiger-Cats depth chart. Gone from the team are several notable players, including defensive end Eric Norwood, defensive tackle Bryan Hall, linebacker Taylor Reed, and defensive back Erik Harris. However, the club did manage to re-sign critical pieces including slotback Andy Fantuz and defensive tackle Ted Laurent to contracts. Furthermore, they signed two big names in slotback Chad Owens from Toronto and defensive end John Chick from the Riders to solidify both sides of the ball.
Now, here’s the Tiger-Cats depth chart…
Quarterback
With incumbent Zach Collaros unable to compete until at least early August, the starting quarterback position is up for grabs. Jeremiah Masoli performed well in relief in the post-season, and he’s the considerable favourite to win the nod. However, expect Jeff Mathews to challenge Masoli at camp since he didn’t get a full opportunity to flourish when Collaros went down. Last year’s week 20 starter Jacory Harris doesn’t deserve the opportunity to compete for the job due to his inadequate performance in Ottawa.
Running Backs
The power of the offence for the upcoming season will come from the hands of C.J. Gable. When healthy, Gable is a game changer. Barring injury, expect Gable to start with draftee Mercer Timmis and Anthony Woodson to battle for backup RB position. Carl-Oliver Primé is expected to start at fullback.
Receivers
Much of the receiving corps is written in stone. Fantuz, Luke Tasker, and Owens are considered locks in the slotback positions. In the wideout positions, expect to see Terrence Toliver and Spencer Watt anchoring the outside. Also expect Matt Coates, Giovanni Aprile, and Tiquan Underwood to get considerable time during camp while battling for the backup role.
Offensive Line
The offensive line will most likely feature Jeremy Lewis and Jake Olson at the starting tackle positions, with fan-favourite Peter Dyakowski and Ryan Bomben to start at guard, and centre Mike Filer to anchor the line. Draftee Brandon Revenberg and 2014 All-Star Brian Simmons will be the swingmen of the line, along with Mathieu Girard to backup Filer.
Defensive Line
This defensive line could be something very special this season. A highly coveted acquisition in Chick and the resigning of marquee name in Laurent will co-anchor a very promising unit. Accompanying Laurent and Chick will be Adrian Tracy at the opposite side of Chick, and Linden Gaydosh playing opposite Laurent. Michael Atkinson and Drake Nevis are the prime backup candidates at this point.
Linebackers
This position is in a tough hole going into camp. Simoni Lawrence and Alex Hoffman-Ellis are near locks to start, with one filling the weakside linebacker spot and the other playing the middle. Frederic Plesius could be pushing for a spot in the middle, but is likely a backup with special teams duty. Replacing Eric Harris is the challenge, with Rico Murray the leading contender for the job. Aside from these players, the Ticats still need depth at this position, with Bryon Archambault out still due to injury and Beau Landry concentrating on special teams.
Secondary
The loss of Craig Butler has taken some value out of the secondary unit, but Mike Daly filled in admirably for him last season. He should get the first chance to do so. Expect considerable competition for a unit in which took everyone in the CFL on an enjoyable ride to see last year. In addition to Daly the cats have Courtney Stephen, Johnny Sears Jr., and Emanuel Davis as projected starters heading into camp, with most other jobs up for grabs.
Special Teams
The biggest need going to training camp is the starting kicker/punter. There is no clear indication to who will be doing the kicking duties this season. Fully expect All-Pro Brandon Banks and Owens to get the major playing time as the returners.
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