Mitchell Blair
Sam Hurl has been waiting for the opportunity to be a member of the starting defense since being drafted by the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the 2nd round of the CFL draft—12th overall. He will get the chance to make the most of that opportunity Sunday night when the Riders open up the 2014 regular season against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Mosaic Stadium.
The 24 year old is likely to serve as the middle linebacker for the defending Grey Cup champs as he takes the spot of the injured Chad Kilgore who suffered a broken thumb in the pre-season win over Edmonton and will miss up to six weeks. When training camp started, Hurl was given the assignment to start with the number ones before giving way to Kilgore. He is hoping to make the most of the opportunity he is being given as he tries to show the coaching staff he is deserving of being the man in the middle.
“I’m prepared and I’m ready to go,” Hurl stated. “I have to go out there and show them that they are making the right decision by picking me to be the starting middle linebacker in this game. I have to show them what I’m made of and that they can depend on me.”
Head Coach Corey Chamblin isn’t expecting perfection from Hurl or strong-side linebacker Brian Peters who will also spend some time in the middle. He is hoping to see the two shine,
“It will be a learning process.” Chamblin said. “We expect a mistake here or there, but we just want to keep it simple for them. We just want to keep it simple for them and that they know exactly what they’re supposed to be doing on each and every play. I’m excited at both guys getting the opportunity to play, especially Sam because he has deserved it,”
Hurl says as he gets ready for the first start of his pro career, he can lean upon a former team-mate to help him with what he needs to know.
“Mike (McCullough) was a great mentor for me and he taught me a lot,” said Hurl, “He has always been there for me and I know I can give him a call. In fact, he called me when he found out about Chad being hurt because he knew the opportunity was there for me. He’s really helping me out with preparation because his biggest strength may have been the mental preparation he made to get ready which made it easier for him on the field. “
Hurl will have a test on Sunday night as CJ Gable is expected to keep the University of Calgary grad on his toes.
“This is my third year so I’m ready to step in there and play and hopefully dominate.” Hurl said. “ I just have to go out there and give it the best effort I can. I have to go out there and show them what I’ve made of.
Hurl and the rest of the Riders will try to get 2014 off on the right note when they entertain the Tiger-Cats in a 5:00 start.
