CFL: Bombers Camp Abuzz with Activity

Pre-season training is under way in the CFL and Al Dannity breaks down the buzz from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers camp. Having come so close to glory last year, the Bombers enter 2012 looking to go that extra step needed to lift the Grey Cup.

Etienne needs to make it count
Jade Etienne’s first year in the CFL wasn’t much to write home about. The Bombers’ second year receiver however looks in a much better place entering his sophomore season. Having put on six pounds in the off-season, Etienne hopes he will be a stronger presence for Winnipeg in 2012. It won’t take much for him to make a big step forward. Despite dressing for 17 games last year, he failed to make a single catch.

“I’m more comfortable. Coming into last year I didn’t know anybody. Honestly, I don’t feel as much pressure as I did last year. Everyone last year was saying I shouldn’t have been picked as high as I was,” said Etienne. “I know now to be confident and believe in my abilities and that I can play in this league. I can’t be the same timid, unconfident receiver I was. I came into a new system, I didn’t know concepts very well. I’m starting to figure that out. Every year you have to take a step up — or you’re hitting the dust.”

Garrett and Simpson impress on the ground
Running backs Chris Garrett and Chad Simpson made their presence felt at Bombers’ training camp. Garrett came out of nowhere last season to record 576 yards and 4 touchdowns in the final 6 games of 2011. He’s looking to build on that fantastic finish to the year in 2012. With Fred Reid gone, Garrett is the de facto incumbent running back in Winnipeg. The 25 year old has carried the confidence of a starter into camp and will expect plenty of touches this year.

No team however stays successful by standing still and new arrival Chad Simpson will have his eyes on the starter’s job. Simpson, who has two years of NFL experience to his name, is being looked upon primarily as a kick returner. The former Indianapolis Colt however could make an impression in the running back corps. Simpson got plenty of experience as a return man in the NFL and seems happy to focus on that as his primary job in Winnipeg. Don’t be shocked if he moves up the depth chart however and makes an impact on offense in 2012.

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