MontrealAlouettes.com
LENNOXVILLE – Alouettes kicker Sean Whyte is loving camp a lot more this year, and don’t think for a second that it’s because there’s no competition in the kicking department.
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Sean Whyte. |
At this time last year, Whyte was locked in a dogfight with fellow non-import kicker Sandro DeAngelis for the team’s starting job, an early storyline from a year ago.
“What a difference a year can make,” explained a relaxed Whyte, seated in the cafeteria at Bishop’s University following Wednesday’s practices. “Compared to 2011, I came into camp this year knowing what to expect.”
And not just in terms of job security.
“I’m also more familiar with the guys on this team, so I’m not worrying about if they like me or not anymore,” laughed the Surrey, B.C. native.
With Whyte having cemented himself as the team’s kicker, he’s getting all of the reps at this year’s camp and is the only kicker on the roster. As the only player on the team without any direct competition, Whyte must rely on self-motivation to make it through camp and improve.
“I find that I’m competing against myself,” revealed Whyte. “I put this type of pressure on myself which allows me to remain sharp and ready to deal with the stress associated with a football season.”
As the only kicker on the sidelines, his teammates are also providing the 26-year-old with some extra motivation.
Receiver Brandon London didn’t shy away from teasing Whyte, who finished tied for second in the CFL in points scored (197) and third in field goals made (45) last season, after just missing a 54-yard field goal by a hair.
“He’s the only player on the team without another guy breathing down his neck, so I’ll make sure that his competition is verbal,” said London, just as Whyte nailed a 52-yarder to end practice.
Not outdoors? Not a problem.
Rainy weather forced the Alouettes to practice indoors for the first two days of training camp. With low ceilings often the norm in sports complexes, kickers do not usually get the chance to let off long punts with impressive hang times.
“It doesn’t really affect me on punts as I try to keep the ball low and on a direct line. Being inside helps me with that aspect of my game. Even today, I noticed that I already improved in that area and my kicks reflected that.”
