June 15, 2011
Esks.com
Rose Mary Phillip
They say pressure bursts pipes or makes diamonds. After long days of preparation, the pressure is on to shine this Friday when the Eskimos travel to Regina for their first pre-season game.
We know you’re itching to see the new breed of players at work. Terms like “long-awaited” and “highly-anticipated” barely scratch the surface. However you describe it, make sure you watch it. Friday night’s game starts at 7 p.m. on TSN. You can also tune into 630 CHED or check esks.com for real-time scores and game day updates.
Esks.com caught up with former Roughriders LaDarius Key, Donovan Alexander, Kerry Joseph, Joe Sykes and, of course, Kavis Reed to talk about their return to Saskatchewan, training camp and a few teammate quirks.
Their stats are well known and their abilities will speak volumes come Friday. Their personalities, however, may surprise you. Here’s a quick rundown:
Joseph is high-spirited and loves to crack jokes. He is downright hilarious. When the time calls for it, he quiets the clown and shows the focus of a veteran player who is the third player in the league to exceed 4,000 yards passing (4,466) and 1,000 rushing (1,006).
Key is quiet. Ask him a question and watch him pause, seemingly to carefully craft a sincere and thoughtful response. There is more here than meets the eye, including an unexpected talent. Wait for it…
Alexander is hardly the strong silent type. This guy is brimming with confidence and is a self-proclaimed bookworm.
Sykes comes across shy and gentle – an endearing quality in a man who stands at 6’5” and 280 pounds.
As for Reed, the career of this former med-school hopeful may have started with a dare, but he is all football. (Read more about the dare)
Here is what they had to say:
Is there anything you miss about Saskatchewan?
Key: Eating at Earls.
Good thing we have those here too.
Joseph: We’re going to Saskatchewan on Friday? For what?
Always the comedian! Either Joseph or Matt Nichols will start in Friday’s game. Eric Ward and Marc Mueller will also see playing time.
What is the biggest difference between Edmonton and Saskatchewan?
Key: Saskatchewan is flat.
Alexander: The prairies go on and on. I love that.
What is the best part of training camp?
It’s virtually impossible to ask this question and not get a laugh.
Key: Building team comradery.
Joseph: Is this training camp?
Sykes: The food. The Sawmill has done a great job.
Alexander: The food.
During camp, The Sawmill Restaurant provides all team meals. Eskimo Nutritionist Charlotte Varem-Sanders works with the chef to meet the dietary needs of the players, including several near-vegetarians.
What is your biggest challenge at camp?
Alexander: Training camp.
Joseph: Training camp.
Sykes: Training camp.
Hmmm, looks like two-a-days are about as popular as an Eskimo jersey in Regina.
Who is the comedian at camp?
Joseph: Besides me? It’s got to be my roommate. He is a great guy. He’s quiet and clean too. Everyone wants to room with him.
Joseph doesn’t have a roommate … unless you count his reflection in the mirror.
Key: Patrick Kabongo. I can hear him from across the locker room.
Sykes: Kabongo for sure.
Reed: Do you have a couple of hours? Geeze. The better question is who isn’t a comedian. Walter Curry has always been a comedic guy. So is Brian Bonner. I laughed my head off last week at the Rookie Show.
New Esks perform skits at the Rookie Show – usually imitations of coaches and teammates. During this year’s show, they took particular aim at Reed and Defensive Coordinator Rich Stubler.
Any unusual talents?
Key: I play the trumpet.
Reed: I have the ability make people angry. Actually, I have a sixth sense. I can tell that we have a special group of guys.
Want to know more about your favourite player? Tell us who on the Facebook fan page or tweet us @Cfl_Esks.
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