By Jack Bedell,
MontrealAlouettes.com
Hammond, LA – It might have raised a few eyebrows last off-season when the Alouettes released veteran linebacker Reggie Hunt in favour of second-year standout Shea Emry, but the faith the team showed in Emry’s abilities paid dividends immediately.
Whatever the Als might have given up in terms of CFL experience was more than compensated for by Emry’s speed, awareness, and non-stop motor. In his first full year as starting middle linebacker, Emry led the Als’ defence to the top of nearly every defensive statistical category the CFL keeps.
There’s no doubt Emry is quickly becoming one of the CFL’s most tenacious middle linebackers. And with an entire career in front of him, he’s sure to be a fixture on the league’s all-CFL roster for years to come.
This past week, Emry was gracious enough to take some time out of his hectic off-season schedule to talk about how his training is going and his plans for 2010.
South of 49: You’ve been training hard Out West this off-season; what has your daily grind been like?
Shea Emry: My training continues to progress and I am continuing my education at UBC. I have class two days a week and the days I have class, I work out in between courses for two hours. On the days I don’t have class (Mon., Wed., Fri.), I work out in the gym for two hours and then transfer to the field for on-field resistance and functional training/conditioning.
So49: How does winning the Grey Cup like you did last year change your goals and the team’s goals heading into 2010?
Emry: Winning the Grey Cup hasn’t changed my goals, but it has forced them to evolve. Coming into camp in premier physical fitness is always a must. Every year, I feel that I must earn the respect of my teammates by being physically fit and mentally prepared. I think if the team comes into camp eager to get back to work, we can lay the foundation of a Grey Cup repeat.
So49: Coming off your first full year as a starter, how would rate your progression in the Alouettes’ defence?
Emry: Confidence was essential in my growth as a linebacker. The experience I gained throughout the season and into the playoffs has enabled me to have the confidence to play at the level needed to start in the CFL.
So49: There’s been a lot of talk in the media about the change in overtime rules for next season. Do you think it will alter anything the defence does in terms of preparation and philosophy?
Emry: I think that the coaches will prepare us for all the necessary situations that will arise throughout each and every game. Hopefully, we won’t have to go to overtime next year. Problem solved.
So49: What has you most eager to get back to work when training camp finally comes around this June?
Emry: Learning the new concepts the coaches have worked all off-season to perfect is a challenge I’m looking forward to meeting. Getting back to work with the guys in the locker room and going to battle with them on July 1 in our Grey Cup re-match with the Saskatchewan Roughriders has been in my mind all off-season.
