VANCOUVER - The UBC Thunderbirds officially opened there 2017 season Tuesday evening at Thunderbird Stadium with the first full practice of training camp. One thing noticeable right from the outset was the sheer number of players on the field. Well over one-hundred players are on the T-Bird roster, including practice players, giving UBC coaches a level of depth not seen in head coach Blake Nill’s previous two seasons at Point Grey.
“We’ve got a lot of depth, a lot of guys to learn from,” said first-year running back Shane Noel, the St. Thomas More Collegiate product that was offered a spot with the NCAA’s San Diego State Aztecs, but chose UBC. “We kind of feed off each other and have a good environment for competition.”
Depth was definitely challenging in the UBC secondary in 2016. Injuries and an overall lack of bodies, forced the ‘Birds to play receivers Trivel Pinto and Marcus Davis at cornerback. Looking to bounce back from an injury plagued 2016 is third-year University of Nevada transfer Malcolm Lee. If he remains healthy, Lee’s size and speed will give the UBC defensive backfield a big boost.
“I’m looking to improve with the secondary,” said Lee post practice. “As a unit were pretty good so I’m looking to mesh a bit better with them and get the ball rolling early.”
In his first U SPORTS practice, Noel liked what he saw and felt more than comfortable in his surroundings.
“This is my city and I want to help these guys win one,” explained Noel.
UBC’s 2017 training camp continues until August 23, when the ‘Birds will travel to Kamloops for a Canada West non-conference game against the Alberta Golden Bears.
Buy 2017 UBC Football season tickets here.
14 авг 2017
