May 28, 2010

Edmonton Eskimos
ESKS.com Staff
 

(Edmonton)  The Edmonton Eskimos will kickoff their 2010 Training Camp on Sunday, June 6th at Clarke Stadium.  The first day of back-to-back practices will be followed by a team autograph session as part of Eskimo Fan Day.

The rookies take to the field a week earlier as the first day of rookie camp begins on Wednesday, June 2nd.  The rookies will report to camp in the morning of the 2nd and take to the field later that afternoon.  Rookie camp runs from June 2nd – June 4th.  Prior to full practices on the 6th, the veterans will be at Commonwealth for medicals the morning of June 5th.  Please see below for a key dates schedule.

As always, several stories develop during the days of back-to-back practices.  Here are a few things to watch for at the Eskimo 2010 Training Camp:

Braidwood’s back – After two years on the shelf with a bad knee, the hulking defensive tackle takes to the field for the first time since Oct 26, 2007.  The Esks would dearly love a return to form from the Delta, BC native who was the first overall pick in the 2006 CFL Canadian Draft.   Braidwood dabbled with both martial arts and boxing, but has shelved both in order to get ready for a return to football.

In a Rush – Who will bookend Kai Ellis on the other end of the D-line? Ex-NFL’er Kenny Pettway arrives with good credentials and should warrant a long look.  QB pressure is an area in need of an upgrade in 2010.

Fred Needs a Friend – In a breakout year, Fred Stamps led all CFL receivers with 85 catches for 1402 yards. Can he pick up where he left off, and will he have some help?  With the off-season trade of Maurice Mann, the Esks are seeking another pass catcher who can stretch the defences vertically.   Sophomores Jamaica Rector, Jason Barnes and Efrem Hill will battle a long list of hopefuls for a shot to ride shotgun with Stamps.

Secondary comes first – Not all the construction at Commonwealth Stadium involves cement and steel. GM Maciocia put on a hardhat to rebuild the secondary which struggled to hit its stride in ’09. Former ‘Cats Lawrence “Flash” Gordon and Chris Thompson, ex-Alouette and Bomber Lenny Walls and a healthy Willie Amos should frustrate opposing offences. They’ll join veteran TJ Hill who came to the Esks midway through last season and provided some much needed toughness and savvy.

Hall of a Defence – Richie Hall hired a new defensive coordinator with an impressive resume and plenty of CFL experience – himself.  Second year Head Coach Hall will assume the reigns of the Edmonton defence with an eye to installing a tough, fast and explosive style that was his calling card for many years in Regina.    
     

2010 Training Camp Key Dates

Please note that times and locations are subject to change.  With the exception of opening day and Rookie Camp, all Training Camp sessions will be held at Commonwealth Stadium.  Weekly schedules will be updated the Friday of every week during Training Camp.


What: Rookie Camp
When: Wednesday, June 2, 2010 – Friday, June 4, 2010
Time: 3:30pm – 4:35pm, Wednesday, June 2
         9:00am – 10:40am, Thursday, June 3 and Friday, June 4
Location: Clarke Field

What: 2010 Training Camp Opening Day
When: Sunday, June 6, 2010
Time: 8:10am – 10:20am, First Session
         10:35am – 12:15pm, Second Session
Location: Clarke Field

What: Fan Day
When: Sunday, June 6, 2010
Time: 10:30am – 1:30pm
Location: Clarke Field

What: Pre-Season Game #1 vs. Calgary Stampeders
When: Sunday, June 13, 2010
Time: 5:00pm Kickoff
Location: Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton, AB
Radio: 630 CHED, Edmonton (Morley Scott and Dave Campbell)
TEAM 1040, Vancouver (Rick Ball and Giulio Caravatta)

What: Pre-Season Game #2 @ BC Lions
When: Sunday, June 20, 2010
Time: 3:00pm Kickoff
Location: Empire Field, Vancouver, BC
Radio: 630 CHED, Edmonton (Morley Scott and Dave Campbell)
AM 770, Calgary (Mark Stephen and Greg Peterson)