WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have opted to field a very young lineup when they open their pre-season schedule on Tuesday night against the Toronto Argonauts at Varsity Stadium. Quarterback Drew Willy will make the trip but other than their starting quarterback, the Bombers roster is loaded with rookies.
“It really is based on evaluation,” head coach Mike O’Shea said. “We need to find out what these guys do when the lights come on.”
In order to get a good look at the Bombers youth movement Willy will be playing in front of a very young and inexperienced offensive line with Stanley Bryant, Dominic Picard and Patrick Neufeld all sitting out. But the coaching staff will need to make cuts soon and just because a player can perform on the practice field doesn’t guarantee success in a game situation.
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“Does that change or does that just verify what we see?” O’Shea said. “Sometimes it changes. Sometimes the lights come on and guys shrink a little bit and sometimes a bunch of guys rise to the occasion and make plays.”
One of the players in that category is defensive back Johnny Adams who has impressed in training camp but will now have to prove it in a game.
“Practice is getting prepared for the game,” Adams said. “Practice players and game players are different. I like to say I’m a gamer. At the end of the day I come out to compete and I compete to win.”
Brian Brohm, Robert Marve and Josh Portis will also suit up at quarterback. The only other starters from last season to dress on Tuesday will be running back Paris Cotton, offensive lineman Chris Greaves, halfback Don Unamba, and cornerback Matt Bucknor.
Here is the Blue Bombers complete 55 man roster for their first exhibition game:
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