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Vancouver Sun
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
Backup is up: Jeremiah Masoli gets start at QB for B.C. Lions vs. Winnipeg
The B.C. Lions signed veteran Jeremiah Masoli as a free agent this off-season to provide quarterback depth, and they aren't having to wait long to see about their return on investment. The Lions (1-1) announced Friday that Masoli will start at pivot on Saturday (4 p.m.) at B.C. Place against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1-0) in place of the injured Nathan Rourke. Rourke was hurt in the fourth quarter of last Thursday's 34-20 loss in Winnipeg and was replaced under centre then by Masoli. Rourke was a limited participant when the Lions returned to the practice field in Surrey on Tuesday — he went through the walk-through portion where they go over step-by-step plays they're going to run in the upcoming game — but didn't take to the field with his teammates on Wednesday or Thursday. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Masoli, 36, is in his 12th season in the CFL. He had a monster campaign in 2018 with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, throwing for 5,209 yards and 28 touchdown as the East Division nominee for CFL Most Outstanding Player. He has battled through injuries the past few years. He passed for 1,149 yards, with five touchdowns and seven interceptions, for the Ottawa Redblacks last season. He was 1-2 as a starter for an Ottawa team that was 9-8-1 overall. 'He has a lot of experience in this league. He communicates well with the guys,' Lions head coach Buck Pierce said. 'He knows what he likes. He understands his strengths, too. 'Each week we try to look different, and with Jeremiah in there might be a couple of new things here and there.' On Friday, the Lions were listing Rourke as a game-time decision as a third stringer behind Masoli and Chase Brice. Pierce said that Rourke would dress Saturday. Asked about whether Rourke might see action Saturday, Pierce explained, 'We're going to go ahead and move forward with Jeremiah.' B.C. had another walk-through practice on Friday. Rourke was instead running wind sprints with other injured players. Masoli is 28-31 all-time as a starter in the CFL, including 3-6 versus Winnipeg. Masoli talked Friday about how that playing time off the bench last week helps him. He was 7-of-10 for 84 yards with an interception in that fourth quarter versus the Blue Bombers. He says it gave him a chance to 'just calm down a little bit and let the game slow down.' With Rourke sidelined, it will be interesting to see if the Lions can find ways to get the running game going more. They carried it 16 times last week against Winnipeg, and six of those were from Rourke. Lions general manager Ryan Rigmaiden has talked about wanting to be more physical and a team capable of grinding out games along the ground late in the season. 'We've been working our tails off since we played these guys. We've had a great week of preparation and we're just excited to go show it off,' Masoli said Friday. 'We got in our own way a lot last week and especially in the first half. It was just some little, tiny details. For us, it's just playing clean, making sure we're on top of our details, and the rest should take care of itself.' Receiver Keon Hatcher, 30, says he remembers watching Masoli when he was starring at University of Oregon 2008-09, and talked about how he was excited to 'make some plays for him.' He, too, tagged B.C.'s issues last week as the finer points. 'It's all details. Us cleaning up our mistakes. I feel that we do that and come out focused and we'll have a pretty good night,' Hatcher said. Winnipeg is set to miss running back Brady Oliveira (shoulder), but quarterback Zach Collaros returns to the lineup after sitting out the first half of this doubleheader with a one-game suspension for failing to respond to an off-season drug-testing request. These are the only times that B.C. and Winnipeg meet this season. The back-to-back meetings are something that happens regularly in a nine-team league like the CFL. 'I think it's fresh in your mind. You have a familiarity with what you need to do offensively and defensively,' Pierce said of playing a team twice in a row. 'You need to focus on the details a little bit more and less about scheme.' Pierce signed on with the Lions this off-season after spending the past decade on the Blue Bombers' coaching staff, including the past four seasons as offensive coordinator. sewen@
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Suns grab Florida basketball star Walter Clayton Jr. in latest CBS Sports mock draft
Suns grab Florida basketball star Walter Clayton Jr. in latest CBS Sports mock draft Former Florida basketball guard Walter Clayton Jr. is projected to be drafted by the Phoenix Suns with the 29th overall pick in CBS Sports' latest NBA mock draft. Clayton is coming off one of the most decorated seasons in program history. The 6-foot-2-inch guard set a single-season school record with 713 points, captured Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors and shot 38.6% from three-point range while leading Florida to a national championship. CBS Sports' Gary Parrish praised Clayton's "unique shot-making profile," noting that the former Iona transfer averaged 22.3 points and hit 43.5 percent from beyond the arc over six NCAA Tournament games. Phoenix could view Clayton as a potential instant-offense option off the bench, thanks to his deep range and proven clutch gene. His winning polished game and winning pedigree also make him an attractive selection during the late first-round window. Here is everything Parrish said about Clayton and why he thinks the Suns will draft him in the 2025 NBA draft. What CBS Sports said about Clayton "Clayton was the star of Florida's national title run while averaging 22.3 points on 43.5% shooting from beyond the arc in those six NCAA Tournament games. There are concerns about his decision-making and approach to defense, but the Most Outstanding Player of the 2025 Final Four is such a skilled and unique shotmaker that he's worthy of a serious look this deep in the first round by a Phoenix franchise that probably needs to hit the reset button." CBS Sports' 2025 NBA mock draft top 10 picks Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, SF, Duke Blue Devils San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper, PG, Rutgers Scarlet Knights Philadelphia 76ers: Tre Johnson, SG, Texas Longhorns Charlotte Hornets: VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor Bears Utah Jazz: Ace Bailey, SF, Rutgers Scarlet Knights Washington Wizards: Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma Sooners New Orleans Pelicans: Kon Knueppel, SF, Duke Blue Devils Brooklyn Nets: Khaman Maluach, C, Duke Blue Devils Toronto Raptors: Derik Queen, C, Maryland Terrapins Houston Rockets: Carter Bryant, SF, Arizona Wildcats Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
Hamilton Spectator
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Calgary Stampeders hitch quarterback wagon to 'Big-play VA' Vernon Adams Jr.
CALGARY - The road back to the CFL playoffs goes through Vernon Adams Jr. in Calgary. The Stampeders acquired the quarterback from the B.C. Lions a month after their worst season in two decades concluded in 2024. Calgary finished last in the CFL with a 5-12-1 record. The Lions choosing Nathan Rourke their No. 1 pivot, and Calgary looking for an upgrade after two and a half seasons of Jake Maier brought the 32-year-old Adams to a team looking for a turnaround in 2025 after missing the post-season for the first time in 19 years. 'He's Vernon Adams, he's Big-Play VA, so he's going to bring Calgary back to where it used to be,' predicted receiver Dominique Rhymes. 'He's used to being a winner, so he is going to be bringing that winning culture, and I think it's going happen immediately.' Adams denies B.C.'s preference for Rourke injects extra motivation into him as a Stampeder. 'No, not at all. I'm blessed, I'm grateful,' the Californian declared. 'I'm happy a team wants me and I'm here. It's the start of a new journey and it's great.' The five-foot-11, 195-pound pivot led the CFL in passing yards in 2023 (4,769) and ranked second in touchdowns (31). He was in the conversation for Most Outstanding Player in 2024 with B.C. before he was sidelined with injury in August. CFL quarterbacks often get disproportionate credit for wins and blame for losses in a team game, but there's no denying the position's importance in a three-down league. 'One twelfth, but quarterback play is vital,' said Stampeders coach and general manager Dave Dickenson, a former CFL quarterback himself. 'I don't need fancy plays. Make plays, sure, but do what is required to win. He's done that in his career. He is definitely a guy that is a winner and finds ways to win ball games even sometimes when he maybe he's not having his best stuff. 'I really believe halfway through the year, he was odds-on favourite to win the MOP last year and injuries kind of derailed it. Careers are weird that way. They definitely take you from one city to the other. I think he's happy to be here and we just got to provide him the support so he can be Vernon.' New Stampeder quarterbacks coach Dakota Prukop has had a close view of Adams' career since Prukop played for Montana State and Adams for Eastern Washington in the Big Sky Conference. Both men eventually transferred to Oregon, with Prukop a Duck a year after Adams. The two men continued to circle each other in the CFL before crossing paths at Lions training camp last year. 'Vernon's a veteran in the CFL, but this is his first year in this playbook,' Prukop said. 'His ability to pick up this playbook in the way he has and have the details in this play book has been something really impressive. That has not surprised me. I saw his professional habits when we were together in B.C. 'I don't want to say he's a gamer in the sense that he does not do well outside of a game, but he has an extra gear on game day. When you couple that with his professionalism and being a true pro, and then he has that extra gear in game day, if the pressure is on, if the score is tight, he's the guy you want in your huddle.' Since throwing his first CFL pass for the Montreal Alouettes in 2016, Adams has amassed 16,190 career passing yards with a 64-per-cent completion rate. He's thrown 86 touchdown passes, as well as 54 interceptions, while rushing for 24 touchdowns. 'My thing was I threw too many interceptions,' Adams said. 'Just want to make sure I'm protecting the ball and getting my playmakers the ball. Let them do the rest.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 7, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Calgary Stampeders hitch quarterback wagon to 'Big-play VA' Vernon Adams Jr.
CALGARY – The road back to the CFL playoffs goes through Vernon Adams Jr. in Calgary. The Stampeders acquired the quarterback from the B.C. Lions a month after their worst season in two decades concluded in 2024. Calgary finished last in the CFL with a 5-12-1 record. The Lions choosing Nathan Rourke their No. 1 pivot, and Calgary looking for an upgrade after two and a half seasons of Jake Maier brought the 32-year-old Adams to a team looking for a turnaround in 2025 after missing the post-season for the first time in 19 years. 'He's Vernon Adams, he's Big-Play VA, so he's going to bring Calgary back to where it used to be,' predicted receiver Dominique Rhymes. 'He's used to being a winner, so he is going to be bringing that winning culture, and I think it's going happen immediately.' Adams denies B.C.'s preference for Rourke injects extra motivation into him as a Stampeder. 'No, not at all. I'm blessed, I'm grateful,' the Californian declared. 'I'm happy a team wants me and I'm here. It's the start of a new journey and it's great.' The five-foot-11, 195-pound pivot led the CFL in passing yards in 2023 (4,769) and ranked second in touchdowns (31). He was in the conversation for Most Outstanding Player in 2024 with B.C. before he was sidelined with injury in August. CFL quarterbacks often get disproportionate credit for wins and blame for losses in a team game, but there's no denying the position's importance in a three-down league. 'One twelfth, but quarterback play is vital,' said Stampeders coach and general manager Dave Dickenson, a former CFL quarterback himself. 'I don't need fancy plays. Make plays, sure, but do what is required to win. He's done that in his career. He is definitely a guy that is a winner and finds ways to win ball games even sometimes when he maybe he's not having his best stuff. 'I really believe halfway through the year, he was odds-on favourite to win the MOP last year and injuries kind of derailed it. Careers are weird that way. They definitely take you from one city to the other. I think he's happy to be here and we just got to provide him the support so he can be Vernon.' New Stampeder quarterbacks coach Dakota Prukop has had a close view of Adams' career since Prukop played for Montana State and Adams for Eastern Washington in the Big Sky Conference. Both men eventually transferred to Oregon, with Prukop a Duck a year after Adams. The two men continued to circle each other in the CFL before crossing paths at Lions training camp last year. 'Vernon's a veteran in the CFL, but this is his first year in this playbook,' Prukop said. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. 'His ability to pick up this playbook in the way he has and have the details in this play book has been something really impressive. That has not surprised me. I saw his professional habits when we were together in B.C. 'I don't want to say he's a gamer in the sense that he does not do well outside of a game, but he has an extra gear on game day. When you couple that with his professionalism and being a true pro, and then he has that extra gear in game day, if the pressure is on, if the score is tight, he's the guy you want in your huddle.' Since throwing his first CFL pass for the Montreal Alouettes in 2016, Adams has amassed 16,190 career passing yards with a 64-per-cent completion rate. He's thrown 86 touchdown passes, as well as 54 interceptions, while rushing for 24 touchdowns. 'My thing was I threw too many interceptions,' Adams said. 'Just want to make sure I'm protecting the ball and getting my playmakers the ball. Let them do the rest.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 7, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Calgary Stampeders seek turnaround in 2025 with quarterback Vernon Adams Jr.
CALGARY – The 2025 CFL season will be a proving ground for the Calgary Stampeders. The Stampeders want to show themselves and their fans that the team has what it takes to get back into the playoffs after falling short of the post-season for the first time in 19 years. There will be unprovens in starting jobs for the Stampeders from the defensive backfield to the return game to punting to offensive short-yardage situations. Players have the chance to make a name for themselves and raise their CFL stock. 'We've got maybe a different type of athlete,' said head coach and general manager Dave Dickenson, who enters his third season in the dual roles. 'We do have more size. We've got to find playmakers. It does feel like the guys believe that we have the pieces in place. It's about going out winning games and if we can put it together on that field on that new turf, we'll be a happy group.' Calgary opens at home Saturday against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell, who won two Grey Cups and two CFL Most Outstanding Player awards as a Stampeder. Vernon Adams Jr. makes his Stampeder debut Saturday. Calgary acquired the 32-year-old quarterback in a trade with the B.C. Lions, a month after the Stampeders closed out their dismal 2024 campaign. 'He understands that he is on the pedestal and all eyes are on him,' Stampeders receiver Reggie Begelton said. 'But at the same time, we win or lose as a team. In that locker room, we have his back no matter what.' Adams led the CFL in passing yards in 2023 (4,769) and ranked second in touchdowns (31). He was in the MOP conversation in 2024 with B.C. before he was sidelined with injury in August. Jake Maier, who replaced Mitchell and is now with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, didn't have much success in Calgary with 11 wins over two seasons. But Calgary's defence was also the worst at stopping the rush and 537 points against was the second-worst in 2024. 'First thing for the offence, we've got to not turn the ball over as much,' Dickenson said. 'We had too many of those interceptions and costly ones, and for a multitude of reasons though, not necessarily just quarterback play. 'Defensively, we've got to stop the run. Then special teams, to me, just effort and execution. The execution maybe needs to be better.' The latter department falls to Dickenson's older brother Craig, who was Saskatchewan's head coach for four years. He takes over for Mark Kilam, who, after 15 years as Calgary's special teams co-ordinator, is Edmonton's head coach. Bob Slowik was promoted from linebackers coach to defensive co-ordinator after Brent Monson was hired by Hamilton. Pat DelMonaco starts his sixth season as offensive co-ordinator. But seven new position coaches on Calgary's staff represent a seismic shift for a football club known for coaching continuity and retaining position coaches for multiple years. But finishing last in the CFL prompted the shake-up of a franchise accustomed to playing high-stakes games in November. 'We've had to put it behind us. It's easier because there's really not a lot of guys here from that team,' Dickenson said. 'We don't even really talk about it. We understand history is history and it's certainly something that'll always be there for the guys that were (here) in 2024, but it's certainly a big-time different team. 'We're just a young team and also an inexperienced team, so every day, you have to make it count. What I mean by that is every practice, every meeting really has to count.' Begelton, who signed a contract extension that would make him a Stampeder for a ninth season in 2026, feels the Stampeders are ready for a turnaround in 2025. 'Energy, vibes, you can't deny something when you feel it,' Begelton said. 'There's belief here. 'We know what it takes. We've got a lot of veterans on this team that have been here and been on winning teams, and they know what it takes.' 2024 record: 5-12-1, fifth, West Division Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Did you know?: New quarterbacks coach Dakota Prukup played for Oregon the year after Vernon Adams Jr. did. Key additions: QB Vernon Adams Jr.; REC Dominique Rhymes; REC Tevin Jones; RB Jeshrun Antwi; DL Folarin Orimolade; LB Gary Johnson Jr.; LB Derrick Moncrief; DB Damon Webb. Key losses: QB Jake Maier (Saskatchewan); QB Tommy Stevens; OL Sean McEwan (Saskatchewan); Punter Cody Grace (Edmonton); LB Micah Awe (B.C.); LB Cam Judge (Toronto); DL Mike Rose (Saskatchewan). Players to watch: Dominique Rhymes has chemistry with Adams Jr. from the season and a half they were teammates with the B.C. Lions. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 6, 2025.
