Before starting their own spring camp with the Canadian Football League this week, two members of the Calgary Stampeders’ O Line shared workouts and wisdom with their counterparts on the Bow Valley Bobcats.
“It’s very valuable,” said 16-year-old Brett Anderson, a 6-foot-2 brick on the Bobcats who was named offensive rookie of the year last season. “We’ve learned a lot of new skills, a lot of technique … (just) a lot more power coming out of everything you’re doing.”
Anderson was one of a handful of new and returning footballers to get up close and personal with Stamps players Brad Erdos and Dan Federkeil during sessions at Bow Valley High School last week.
The Bobcats learned everything from beginner stances to advanced plays, including pass protection, pulling drills and where to place your hands, over the course of the two-day camp.
“It’s more of a skilled position than people think it is,” said the 6-foot-6 Federkeil, was signed by the National Football League’s Indianapolis Colts in 2006 and spent four seasons with the club, earning a Super Bowl ring when his team defeated the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI.
He joined the roster of the Calgary Stampeders five years ago.
Erdos, who creates space beside Federkeil on the O Line, said he was originally chosen to play the position back in high school because of his size (he’s 6-foot-3 and 298 pounds) – but has stayed with it because “it’s a whole lot of fun.”
“It doesn’t feel like work,” said Erdos, who is heading into his fourth season with the 2017 CFL western conference champions.
Bobcats coach Darryl Korody said the linemen camp was designed to show some love to those players on the field who carry a ton of weight for their team – but don’t necessarily get the acknowledgement.
“They are the most important reason why teams win or lose. When you have poor offensive lineman, you can’t set up a run … you’re forced to pass,” said Korody, adding learning tips and tricks from the best in the biz has helped to boost both finesse and confidence for the Bobcats offensive line.
“(Erdos and Federkeil) offer a lot of new stuff,” he said. “It means so much more coming from two professional athletes than it does from us.”
Bobcats’ full camp is in the middle of its spring sessions this week. The team will play in an exhibition game against Springbank at home on Legacy Field this Saturday, as well as in a jamboree at Shouldice Park next week.
Anderson said he’s happy to have enjoyed a little of the limelight linemen may not normally receive – and thrilled to have a cache of new skills to help his team move forward.
“We just put ourselves in harm’s way to protect the people that get the yards … We get the recognition at the end of everything,” he said.
“Everybody’s got their part. That’s why football’s such a great sport.”
