McGrath, Stingers open football camp

August 11, 2010

Head coach Gerry McGrath is looking forward to greeting approximately 100 Stingers when Concordia opens football camp this week.
“It’s going to be a very competitive camp,” says McGrath, now in his 11th year as head coach of the Stingers. “We’ve had a great recruiting year. We’re bringing in a lot of experienced, mature players who can help right away.
“There will be some good battles at receiver and running back. The competition at defensive line and linebacker will also be interesting.”
All-star quarterback Rob Mackay (Port Dover, Ont.) will lead a talented group of skilled players on offence. Mackay will rely heavily on fourth-year receiver Liam Mahoney (Lachine, Que.) who is a top CFL prospect for 2011. Another top professional prospect, offensive tackle Anthony Barrette (Verdun, Que.), will anchor the line.
Newcomers to watch on offence include RB Raul Thompson (Mississauga, Ont.) from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Secondary School, SB Michael Harrington (LaSalle, Que.) from Vanier College and QB Tyler Pritty (Markham, Ont.) from Markham District High School.
Veteran safety Nicholas Arsenault-Hum (Delson, Que.), a 2008 all-star, will provide the leadership on defence. Fourth-year halfback Kyle Smith will also have a big impact this season. On the line, the Stingers look forward to having Maurice Forbes back at tackle after he battled injury in 2009.
Key recruits to watch on defence include: LB Max Caron (Kingston, Ont.), LB Travis Bent (Pickering, Ont.) and DB Paul Spencer (Kelowna, B.C.).
All players are expected in Montreal on Wednesday evening. Team orientation is scheduled for Thursday. The following day, the players do paperwork, photos and physical testing. On-field workouts begin Saturday afternoon.
The Stingers will host an exhibition game on Thursday, Aug. 26 at noon. The Guelph Gryphon will be the visitors. Concordia opens the Quebec University Football League season versus the Bishop’s Gaiters in Lennoxville, Que. on Saturday, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m.