With cuts on the horizon, the window for players to impress at Elks training camp is shrinking rapidly.
The last official day of training camp is set for Saturday, but Friday is what really matters, as that’s when clubs will need to shrink their rosters ahead of the league’s August 5th kickoff.
As far as the donning of the Elks era on the field, that chapter opens Saturday, August 7th when Ottawa rolls into The Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium for a football game far too long in the making.
You can make sure you’re there by getting your tickets here. For everything you need to get ready for game day, visit our Game Day Central page.
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
A lot has changed for defensive end Kwaku Boateng since 2017 when he broke into the CFL with the Green and Gold.
From training camp rookie, to back-to-back pick as Edmonton’s top Canadian, Boateng is now a clear leader on the defensive line for the Elks.
“I think this year is more so just doing my best, making sure that I’m leading by example,” Boateng said of his evolution from rookie to vet and how his mindset has evolved.
“I’m a big proponent of just leading by example. I don’t like to talk too much. I’d rather just go out there, ball and do my thing, but I’m starting to realize that there’s other players that look up to me, or are even looking to me for support.”
That has brought an awareness for Boateng that there he can’t have any lapses.
“I can’t be on the field messing up plays if they’re also looking at me to reciprocate those same plays, so I’ve got to be on top of my game each and every practice.”
To hear more from Boateng, including how he’s better understanding the entire defensive scheme, click here for his full media availability.
SHARPEN UP
There’s always competition at training camp for roster spots.
But that competitive spirit has carried over into the coaching staff, as head coach and offensive co-ordinator Jaime Elizondo and defensive co-ordinator Noel Thorpe have matched wits.
“Oh it’s always competitive, there’s no question, because I have a tremendous amount of respect for what Jaime’s done in this league and continues to do,” Thorpe said of his D going head-to-head with Elizondo’s O each day at practice.
“We’re always going to challenge each other not just on the field, but behind closed doors in the office. Put it up on the board and challenge each other, and as they say, iron sharpens iron.”
Speaking of being sharp, Thorpe’s been happy with what he’s seen from his linebackers.
“First off, they’re physical. These guys are thumpers and they’ve got the ability to run to the football,” Thorpe explained. “High football IQs and that’s what we demand out of that position.”