Watch above: Brett Boechler has big shoes to fill at safety for the Saskatchewan Huskies. As Jack Haskins reports, there are similarities between Boechler and Mark Ingram.
SASKATOON – The first thing to know about Brett Boechler is that he hates losing. The Saskatchewan Huskies safety recorded his first CIS interception in last Friday’s loss to the Manitoba Bisons, but would have gladly traded it in for a victory.
“It felt good but in the outcome we lost,” said Boechler about his first game.
“It sucks, losing, I hate losing.”
READ MORE: Saskatchewan Huskies fall to Manitoba Bisons 34-28
Boechler has big shoes to fill at safety. He is taking over a role previously filled by Mark Ingram, the top defensive player in Canada West last season.
“Mark was an outstanding player, certainly physically, he supported the run so well,” said Huskies head coach Brian Towriss.
Towriss said there are many similarities between Ingram and Boechler.
“They’re similar in a lot of ways, they’re really quick, they have good anticipation skills, and that’s kind of critical at safety.”
Boechler said it will be impossible to fill Ingram’s shoes and just wants to do his best. He believes the knowledge he gained as a high school quarterback will help him pick apart the opposition’s offence.
“Reading the quarterback, that’s my favourite. As soon as his eyes look to one target, then that’s where I belong,” said Boechler.
“He’s fearless,” added Towriss, “which is a good thing back there. He gets interceptions every day in practice and that doesn’t happen with every DB.”
Red-shirted last season, Boechler hit the gym to get stronger and spent hours dissecting game film. He feels he has a lot to learn but is ready for the challenge.
“Thick. It’s a thick playbook but you just got to get in the film room and learn it, Boechler said with a laugh.
“You got to learn the players you’re playing against, that’s the biggest part.”
Boechler and the ninth-ranked Huskies travel to Edmonton where they will take on the 1-0 Alberta Golden Bears Friday. Game time is 7 p.m.
Jack Haskins contributed to this story
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