A pair of Okanagan Sun veterans are getting a good, thorough look from the B.C. Lions.
Defensive lineman Steven Doege and receiver Danny Turek have both been taking reps at the CFL team’s training camp in Kamloops.
Doege and Turek impressed the defending Grey Cup champs enough at rookie camp from May 30 to June 1, to earn invites back to the Lions’ main camp which began Sunday morning.
Sun GM Jay Christensen said attending a CFL training camp is an invaluable experience for both players.
“It’s huge because they get to compete against people who are not only at a higher level from a physical maturity and age standpoint, but guys who have years and years of experience of playing football,” said Christensen. “The biggest thing will be the mental aspect of the game, how do you react and respond in certain situations. When you dominate at your positions in junior football like they do, you tend to have to be a little less creative in the way you play. They’ll both learn some of those nuances of the pro game and ways to improve.”
Both players are hoping their association with the Lions will extend well beyond training camp, such as practicing with the CFL club at times during the 2012 season.
One scenario for Doege could see him following in the footsteps of former Vancouver Island Raiders star Andrew Harris who worked out with B.C. during the week, then played with his junior club on weekends. Two years later, Harris was a starter in the CFL.
The Lions’ coaching staff is particularly impressed with Doege’s speed, strength, tenaciousness and overall athletic ability
The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Rutland grad was the Canadian Junior Football League’s defensive player of the year in 2011, and is the B.C. Football Conference’s all-time leader in sacks.
Turek, a native of Winnipeg, is entering his fifth and final season with the Sun.
Last season, the 6-foot-3 Turek caught 37 passes for 931 yards and six touchdowns.
The Sun’s main training camp begins the second week of July, while the club’s 2012 BCFC season opener goes Saturday, Aug. 4 at the Apple Bowl against the Langley Rams.
