EDMONTON – Steven Jyles wants to set the record straight. He might be the Edmonton Eskimos new starting quarterback, but he’s not Ricky Ray.
Ray spent nine productive seasons with the Eskimos, leading them to two Grey Cup titles, before being dispatched to the Toronto Argonauts in December. Jyles came to Edmonton in the deal – along with kicker Grant Shaw and the second pick in the 2012 CFL draft – and now has the unenviable task of not only replacing Ray on the field but in the hearts of Alberta football fans.
“I’m totally different from Ricky Ray,” said Jyles. “I studied Ricky and I admire the way he moves the ball – take five (yards), take five, take five – but that’s not my game.”
But the comparisons to Ray will undoubtedly continue Saturday for Jyles when Ray leads the Argos into Commonwealth Stadium in the season opener for both teams. And veteran slotback Fred Stamps admits it will be strange to see his old teammate and friend with a different vowel on his helmet.
“It will be weird, but Ricky when he comes here he’s going to come to win,” said Stamps. “We can’t focus on Ricky, Ricky, Ricky.”
Then again, welcome the 2012 Edmonton Eskimos, a team that finished 11-7 last season and made it back to the CFL’s West Division final only to see general manager Eric Tillman toss the roster like a chef’s salad, adding in a slew of newcomers.
After Ray was traded to Toronto, tailback Jerome Messam left the Eskimos for the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. The native of Brampton, Ont., who grew up in Toronto, rushed for over 1,000 yards last year, becoming the first Canadian-born back to do so since B.C.’s Sean Millington accomplished the feat in 2000.
Patrick Kabongo, Damon Duvall, Rod Davis, Jason Armstead, Jason Barnes, Greg Peach, Aaron Fiacconi, Andrew Nowacki, and Mark Restelli all also bid farewell, too.
That’s football, said Eskimos linebacker T.J. Hill.
“You’re never going to have the same team you had the previous year,” said Hill. “Rick had a great stint here.
“He’s a Hall of Famer and I wish him well, (but) right now the Edmonton Eskimos have decided to go a different route.”
That route starts with Jyles, the 29-year-old veteran backup now in his second stint with the Eskimos. He was a third-stringer with the club as a rookie in 2006 and has since played for Toronto, Saskatchewan, and Winnipeg.
Jyles started for the Boatmen for the last half of 2011. He completed 124-of-218 passes for 1,430 yards with seven touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
The Louisiana native is known for his strong arm, fast feet and being able to make plays on the run. Ray, by comparison, was a pocket passer known for quick outs, seam throws, and the occasional deep crossing route.
Jyles will be backed up by veteran Kerry Joseph. Both will have plenty of targets.
Stamps leads a veteran receiving group that includes Adarius Bowman, Nate Coehoorn and newcomers Greg Carr (from Winnipeg) and Cary Koch (formerly of Saskatchewan.)
Replacing Messam at tailback is High Charles, a five-foot-eight muscle-bound pinball.
The Oklahoma-born runner came to Edmonton from Saskatchewan late last season. He replaced an injured Messam in the West Division final, carrying eight times for 53 yards and catching two passes for 28 yards in a loss to B.C.
“Messam was a downhill runner, a power back ” said Charles. “I’m more of a quick back.
“I do have a big burst. Whenever I see the hole I’m hitting it and I’m through it.”
Steady Mathieu Bertrand returns at fullback.
Messam, last year’s outstanding Canadian, may still return this season if things don’t work out with the Dolphins. Edmonton retains his CFL rights.
The offensive line has been overhauled with veteran Kyle Koch lining up with Brian Ramsay, Dylan Steenbergen and Simeon Rottier. A broken ankle has knocked tackle Joel Bell to the nine-game injured list and left the unit in a bit of flux.
On defence the front four is solid.
Defensive end Rashad Jeanty returns after a six-year stint in the NFL to join Marcus Howard and tackles Ted Laurent and Don Oramaisonwu.
At linebacker, Hill, J.C. Sherritt, and Damaso Munoz are back, soon to be joined by Clint Kent. Kent, a defensive captain and standout with Winnipeg last year who was a surprising late cut.
The secondary is considered a work in progress after B.C. Lions quarterback Travis Lulay torched it for three TDs in last week’s 24-16 exhibition finale. Rod Williams, Donovan Alexander, Chris Thompson and Weldon Brown are the key veterans.
The kicking game is, well, up in the air.
Shaw and former Calgary Stampeder punter Burke Dales are competing with NFL castoff Swayze Waters. Waters, who kicked for the Lions, Steelers, and Raiders, may have the inside track given his booming kickoffs and the fact he can do all three jobs and save the Eskimos a roster spot.
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