Assessment: Linebackers
Due to a variety or circumstances this was a real weakness for the Esks this past year. Losing Steven Marsh (perhaps our best defensive player period) and then AJ Gass for the 1st half of the season really hurt the Eskimos. Mobley had another strong season though I was rather irritated when he was taken out on 2nd downs at times.
J.P. Abraham - Was a pleasant suprise at camp beating out two other NI LB's drafted higher than him. Was in an out of the lineup last season. I see him back next year but strictly as a special teams guy. I don't think he can be a starter at LB in todays CFL.
Micheal Botterill - Picked up from Montreal specifically for special teams, proceeded to play terrible on ST's in at least one game. I think he'll be back at camp but certainly no guarantees he will make the team.
Andre Sommersell - Really a DLineman but is listed on the Esks roster at LB. A big disappointment. Looked good in camp, was the reason we dumped Montford, had a good game or so but was innactive for a number of games in the 2nd half of the season. I haven't given up hope on him however and think he will be back at camp next year. He still might have a place on the DL.
Steven Marsh - If he makes it back from his injury it will be a great story but I doubt he can overcome the seriousness of the injury. Great player who might not play again due to injury.
Marcus Winn - One of the guys thrust into a starters spot with the Gass/Marsh situation. The Esks seem to like him but I'm hoping we can do better, LB was a real sore spot the 1st half of the season. He'll be back at camp but hopefully he is really pushed for a spot.
Quincy Stewart - Supposidely a good special teams guy but he is not a starting calibre LB in my mind. He'll be back at camp but I don't expect him to make the team next year.
A.J. Gass - Still has gas left in the tank and should be back next year. We need his attitude and tenacity at the LB spot. As usual they will bring in challengers but I see him as our starting MLB next season.
Anthony Floyd - Though listed as a Db on the Esks roster he got action at LB last game. A total unknown at this point in time. I assume he will be at camp to try for the Marsh position next season.
Singor Mobley - Another solid vet that I'd like to see back next year. He is still the best tackler on the team and is around the ball alot. There has been talk about him being replaced but it would be a mistake unless the Esks come up with a number of real hot shots.
The Esks simply must be better at LB next year. We need better canadian depth and at least one new starter. I expect Paul Jones to really beat the bushes looking for player for next camp. This position must be improved.
J.P. Abraham - Was a pleasant suprise at camp beating out two other NI LB's drafted higher than him. Was in an out of the lineup last season. I see him back next year but strictly as a special teams guy. I don't think he can be a starter at LB in todays CFL.
Micheal Botterill - Picked up from Montreal specifically for special teams, proceeded to play terrible on ST's in at least one game. I think he'll be back at camp but certainly no guarantees he will make the team.
Andre Sommersell - Really a DLineman but is listed on the Esks roster at LB. A big disappointment. Looked good in camp, was the reason we dumped Montford, had a good game or so but was innactive for a number of games in the 2nd half of the season. I haven't given up hope on him however and think he will be back at camp next year. He still might have a place on the DL.
Steven Marsh - If he makes it back from his injury it will be a great story but I doubt he can overcome the seriousness of the injury. Great player who might not play again due to injury.
Marcus Winn - One of the guys thrust into a starters spot with the Gass/Marsh situation. The Esks seem to like him but I'm hoping we can do better, LB was a real sore spot the 1st half of the season. He'll be back at camp but hopefully he is really pushed for a spot.
Quincy Stewart - Supposidely a good special teams guy but he is not a starting calibre LB in my mind. He'll be back at camp but I don't expect him to make the team next year.
A.J. Gass - Still has gas left in the tank and should be back next year. We need his attitude and tenacity at the LB spot. As usual they will bring in challengers but I see him as our starting MLB next season.
Anthony Floyd - Though listed as a Db on the Esks roster he got action at LB last game. A total unknown at this point in time. I assume he will be at camp to try for the Marsh position next season.
Singor Mobley - Another solid vet that I'd like to see back next year. He is still the best tackler on the team and is around the ball alot. There has been talk about him being replaced but it would be a mistake unless the Esks come up with a number of real hot shots.
The Esks simply must be better at LB next year. We need better canadian depth and at least one new starter. I expect Paul Jones to really beat the bushes looking for player for next camp. This position must be improved.
but with the fooder we have at LB we have to keep him around for next year
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