Stamps' Washington adjusting to CFL life on the line
By RANDY SPORTAK, QMI Agency
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CALGARY - Calgary Stampeders GM/head coach John Hufnagel said Tony Washington’s head was “swimming” with all the information being thrown his way.
The new offensive lineman said that analogy is being kind.
“It’s a lot from Abilene Christian (University) to Calgary,” Washington said.
Washington arrived on the weekend amidst high scrutiny for being a registered sex offender due to an incident with his sister eight years ago, while he was 16 years old.
After a couple of days, the 6-foot-6, 311-lb. lineman is happy to be just another football player. Now, it’s a case of learning the game.
“The footwork is different. The technique is different. The plays are a lot different,” Washington said. “It’s a new game, and I have to adjust to that. Football is football, but it’s a different game.”
Said quarterback Henry Burris: “We told him to take his time. There’s no way you can come in here after we’ve been through a week-and-a-half of training camp and try to catch up in a couple of days. We told him he’ll get it, but just be patient.”
Extra points
Tuesday was the last of two-a-day practices at McMahon Stadium. “When I told the players (Sunday) night in our meeting this was the last day of two-a-days, they were fairly disappointed,” Hufnagel quipped … K Rob Maver continues to only boot a couple of balls in sessions, making it more and more possible he won’t be ready for Friday’s pre-season game in Edmonton, with the July 1 season-opener looming. “I don’t know when he’s gonna be healthy. If he can’t kick, the other person will get a chance.” The other person is Calgary Colts K Andre Fabian … DL Adrian Davis missed Monday’s sessions due to a neck issue. The team sent him for a MRI. “He came in this morning complaining of a really stiff neck and some pain in his shoulder, so it’s being investigated,” Hufnagel said. “It happened in the game. I think it was painful for him, but he didn’t think it was much of a deal, but he thought he had better get it looked after.”
randy.sportak@sunmedia.ca
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