After a difficult first 12 games of his career where he failed to make a single interception, Carlos Thomas now feels he has found his new role in the team having moved from half-back to safety number four.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats travelled to Vancouver on Saturday to face off against B.C. Lions and it soon became evident that the former 49ers man’s role switch was making a difference. Those who bet on CFL should bear this in mind.
With just over a minute on the clock, B.C. back-up quarter-back Jarious Jackson had the Lions offence penned in Hamilton territory and looked certain to create a touchdown.
However, on the first down Thomas read Jackson’s mind and stepped in front of the pass to thwart the Lions and make his first CFL interception. Those following the latest CFL tips should remember this.
Thomas was understandingly delighted to break his duck and said it left him wanting more.
“I just got a good read on the quarterback and went with my instincts,” Thomas said after practice on Tuesday.
“It felt great and I want more.”
Thomas was initially moved back to safety due to injuries and earned his first start as the defensive quarter back on October 16th. The 24-year-old say he is really enjoying playing in his new position and the added responsibility that comes with being in a leadership position.
This hasn’t gone unnoticed by defensive coach Corey Chamblin who also feels that the move will only improve him as a player as it suits his skill set.”Carlos was the guy, next to Jason Shivers, who was able to communicate the best and knew the whole defence. So naturally we thought he could do it,” Chamblin said.
After years of trying, it now seems that two of the best Canadian university football players of all time, Chris Flynn and Eric Lapointe have finally been given their reward.
Between them the duo picked up five Hec Crighton awards for the country’s best college player, of which they’re both part of an elite group of five to have won the award more than once.
It means that it is now only fitting that the players who are considered are considered two of the finest in their respective position have become the first amateurs in the modern era to be elected to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. Those who bet on CFL will be impressed.
During their playing days, Flynn and Lapointe were seen as heroes and were two of the most recognisable sporting faces in their country.
After years of campaigning amongst fans, Flynn was elected a part of the class of 2011 while Lapointe will be inducted as part of the 2012 class. Those following the Latest CFL tips should bear this in mind.
This came after the CFHOF changed its policy of only selecting players in the professional game but following an overhaul to the process, there will now be one amateur player inducted each year.
Flynn believes this marks a major landmark in Canadian football at both amateur and professional players and feels it will help to further encourage college athletes.
“They’re trying to promote football at all levels in Canada and the first step is promoting the next highest level besides pro – the university level,” Flynn said.
“I think it’s great that besides my induction and Eric Lapointe’s, the CIS is getting more exposure.”
Winnipeg Blue Bombers head-coach Paul LaPolice has decided he was not willing to risk his quarterback Buck Pierce for their clash with the Montreal Alouettes on Friday and now the question is when the seven-year veteran will make a return?
The experienced playmaker has been forced to sit out the game due to a knock he picked up in the agonizing 25-24 at the hands of Toronto in their last outing. The latest CFL tips suggest they could struggle without him.
Pierce admitted that training on Wednesday was difficult and the area is still sore on his ribs, where the 29-year-old from Hutchinson, Kansas has endured injuries in the past.
The former BC Lions quarterback insisted if he had it his own way he would have played against Montreal, but has been pulled by LaPolice, as the Blue Bombers look to get back to winning ways in the East Division.
He said: “It’s sore and it’s going to continue to get sore as many hits as I keep taking on it
“It was coach LaPolice’s decision and it’s probably best to get me healthy down the stretch.
“So, obviously, I’m good with that and we’ll go from there.”
Filling the void left by the experience quarterback will be the responsibility of Alex Brink, who is set make only his second start against Montreal, with rookies Justin Goltz and Brandon Summers in the wings should they be needed. People following the CFL online betting should bear this in mind.
LaPolice insisted he had not hesitated from pulling Pierce out of the game, with his player’s long-term interests at heart.
He said: “Buck just still had soreness. When I heard that after talking with him, that made the decision easy.”
After a 55-36 defeat at the hands of Hamilton Tiger-Cats in their last outing, the Calgary Stampeders have been looking in the mirror this week to try and solve the problems that are punishing them on the field in recent weeks.
With three defeats in their last four games in the CFL, the Stampeders are struggling to get to grips with what they need to do to win football games and it looks like head-coach John Hufnagel has had enough and is looking to turn things around. The CFL online betting shows he faces a tough task.
The 55 points they conceded against the Tiger-Cats is the second highest in their history, and it’s clear that the Calgary defence needs to get their house in order, if the side are to compete this season.
Hufnagel’s men are preparing for their next home game when they take on Saskatchewan Roughriders in what should be a winnable game on their own turf. People looking to bet on CFL should bear this in mind.
However with confidence not at the highest point in their season, the Roughriders will be looking to take full advantage of Calgary’s dip in form and those defensive weaknesses which have seen them leak points in recent games.
Stempeders quarterback Henry Burris believes there are areas he and the rest of the team can improve on, and after a week of training his side will be ready to get their campaign in the West Division back on track.
He said: “We need to wake up as a team. I need to wake up. Everybody needs to wake up.”
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