BC LIONS TRAINING CAMP REPORT – DAY 2

(Vancouver) Dreary skies, a stiff northerly breeze with drizzle, and a slick field on the Abbotsford Exhibition Grounds made Monday morning practice a challenge for everyone but the tempo was quick as the Lions headed into Day 2 of 2008 training camp.

Another teach and walk-through session dominated the morning practice but the offence and defence did come together twice with very light contact.

Defensive back Korey Banks took time out from verbally assaulting the entire receiving corps to pick off rookie quarterback Zac Champion. It hardly seems fair to take your reps versus four West Division All-Stars in the secondary.

The morning session also included a significant amount of time allotted to a unique special teams circuit. At one particular station players worked on punt blocking skills while kickers Paul McCallum and Sean Whyte put the boots to soccer balls. Timing is everything and bad timing in the case of linebacker Jamall Johnson resulted in the injury all men fear.

Receiver Roosevelt Kiser who impressed coaches in rookie camp continues to demonstrate great speed and skill in team situations and in one-on-ones. Running backs Amos Allen and Stefan Logan are also turning heads. Stacked on top of each other, they would probably be able to look the lanky Jesse Holley in the eyes. The former UNC Tar Heel receiver who also played on the school’s 2005 NCAA championship basketball team was seen dunking in the gym between practices yesterday.

In the afternoon practice the sound of pads and helmets coming together finally made its debut. Receivers enjoyed a slight advantage in one-on-one and team situations with defensive players arguably given the nod along the line and during inside run drills.

Watching: Lions draft pick Justin Shaw (LB - hamstring) joined slotback Ben Wilson (knee) and OL Andrew Jones (knee) on the sidelines Monday morning. Both will get MRI’s early in the week and will be out of action for some time.

Coldest media member: Sportnet’s Dan Murphy looked like he was covering the Alberta Winter Games this morning – but still looked great in his Connected wardrobe.

Food Fare: On the lunch menu Monday: sundried tomato stuffed pasta with chicken and chili. For dinner: roasted chicken and ribs with roasted potatoes and rice. Cookie update: In spite of Otis Floyd’s pleas Sunday, cookies remained on the dessert table.

Quotable: “Of course he’s good….he’s from Florida” – Korey Banks on fellow Floridian Roosevelt Kiser.

Dropping by: TSN’s Glen Suitor arrived in camp today to shoot a feature that will run during the regular season. Former Lion Kelly Lochbaum was also spotted among spectators.

Next Up: Tuesday, June 3 – two sessions (8:30 am – 11:00 am & 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm)