SASKATOON — Opportunity appears to be knocking for Tyler Hunter.
Now it’s up to the 24-year-old product of Valdosta, Ga., to answer.
Through the first two days of the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ training camp, Hunter has been working with the starting defence at strong-side linebacker — the spot manned for most of last season by Otha Foster III.
Foster, Saskatchewan’s nominee for the CFL award as the league’s most outstanding player in 2016, signed with the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens in the off-season. It would appear the Roughriders’ first choice as a replacement is Hunter, who played five games (with one start) with them last season.
“It’s my big chance to come in at the beginning of the season and earn my spot,” Hunter said after Monday’s practice at Griffiths Stadium on the University of Saskatchewan campus. “I’m No. 1 right now, but I’m still trying to work like I’m at the bottom of the depth chart. I’m just trying to get better every day.”
After joining the Roughriders in September, Hunter spent time at strong-side linebacker, defensive back and safety. Having been deployed in several different packages by the coaches, the 5-foot-11, 200-pounder has the versatility required at a position where players have to cover receivers and also defend the run.
“To me, football is football,” Hunter said. “If I can line up and play, I’m going to play no matter what position. Wherever they put me, I’ll play.”
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The Roughriders’ linebacking corps took a beating over the first two days of camp.
Sam Eguavoen, who was pencilled in as the starting weak-side linebacker, left Sunday’s practice with a leg injury. Shortly after Eguavoen left, Glenn Love — who was expected by many to push for a starting position — also departed practice with a leg injury.
Neither player participated in Monday’s workouts and it’s unknown when they’ll return.
“They’ve got little nicks and bumps,” head coach-GM Chris Jones said. “We’ll see exactly after they’re evaluated where they’re at.
“I can’t tell you exactly what their details are, but I know they’re not well enough to practise. If you’re not well enough to practise, you’re not going to stand out here on the practice field.”
Defensive end Ivan Brown, defensive tackle Makana Henry and receiver/returner Joe Craig also didn’t practise Monday due to injury. Punter Josh Bartel and long-snapper Jorgen Hus were placed on the injured list before camp opened.
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Chad Owens did practise Monday — sort of.
The veteran receiver-returner fielded a few punts and participated in a couple of special-teams drills. But he didn’t run any routes with the offence; instead, he ran downfield with a ball in his hand as the play went a different direction on the field.
The issue is a foot injury Owens suffered last season while he was a member of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
“He has been cleared (by the doctors), but there’s still a little something there,” Jones said. “I’d rather be safe than sorry.
“If you can’t practise at all, you have to go inside; we don’t let you be on the field … He can do routes on air and he can catch punts and kickoffs, so he can be out here in uniform and be involved.”
Owens said he’s close to being ready — “We’re just taking it slow and taking a little bit more time,” is how he put it — but he wanted to be active in some fashion. That explained Monday’s simulated punt returns.
“It’s very frustrating, especially seeing these guys out here having fun,” Owens said of his reduced role. “This is what we enjoy — competing, doing the one-on-ones, getting the oohs and aahs, getting open and making big plays. That’s what we live for. That’s what I live for.
“Not being able to do that right now is a little frustrating. But what trumps that is being out here, being in the environment, being in the locker room with the guys, seeing other guys make plays and getting better. Being the veteran I am, I get to look at those things and let that be exciting as well.”
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EXTRAS: After Sunday’s practice, Jones said he was hoping to see more crispness from the players and the coaches. On Monday, he got that. “I thought the guys were a little bit more into what we were doing today,” Jones said of the players. “Anytime you put the pads on, it becomes a little bit more of a physical, personal day. I thought that they responded well.” … Defensive end A.C. Leonard delivered the hit of the day Monday, knocking offensive tackle Kennedy Estelle on his posterior during one-on-one drills between the offensive and defensive lines … Guard Peter Dyakowski, who was acquired from the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday in exchange for receiver Armanti Edwards, was expected to arrive in Saskatoon on Monday. Dyakowski could be on the field for Tuesday’s workout … The CFL announced Monday that four of its pre-season games will be shown on TSN. The slate includes Saskatchewan’s contest June 16 (8 p.m.) in Vancouver against the B.C. Lions.
