Photo courtesy of Greystoke Photography

For most teams across the country, the graduation of players like Robbie Yochim, Dexter Janke and Landon King would usually mark a season of rebuilding in the team’s secondary; after all these three players accounted for nine interceptions last year and 242 defensive points ... but this is the Okanagan Sun.

Yes the Sun secondary loses three very talented players, but there is a load of skilled players just waiting for their chance to shine.

Defensive Backs coach Andre Knights enters his fourth season with the Sun and knows a thing or two about playing in the secondary.  As a former star for Saint Mary’s University and 2002 Vanier Cup champion Knights knows the leadership he lost after 2014 will have to come from a number of veteran players here in 2015.

“Other than Brennan Van Nistelrooy, the leaders in our secondary are Matt McConnell, Beck Fullerton, Cord Delinte, Wes Geisler and Jamie Turek,” says Coach Knights.

Does the philosophy of the secondary change after the graduation of Yochim and Janke?

“Yes, we lose Robbie and Dexter, but no, the philosophy doesn't change.  All of our guys need to step up and fill those shoes.  They are expected to fly around, get picks, hard hits and of course run the defense that is called.”

As a coach, do you need to change any styles or systems without those two players?

“No, we do not need to change anything. Yes, Robbie and Dex are great players and we will miss them, but we have a lot of young talent, hungry to fill those shoes.”

What about the way you coach? You lose two vets, any changes to your style with younger players, although it sounds like you have a great group coming back.

“We have Van! He will be our leader vocally and will lead by example on the field.  Our younger players are all going into their third year.  Our core group has a lot of game-time experience making it to the post season two years in a row so it’s not like we are starting over or rebuilding.  I will continue to push them, prepare them, motivate them and expect nothing than 100% when they're on the gridiron.”

Typically the Sun secondary is always very strong.  Will the DB’s be the strength of this team this season?

“The DB's will be as strong this season.  The majority of our group has been training with Coach Beatty through the off-season, so they will come back stronger and faster.  I feel like we will be the strength of the 'D', as most of our vets on defence are in the secondary.”

It’s hard to argue with Coach Knights looking at the players he mentions.  Van Nistelrooy collected two picks and 88 defensive points last year, Delinte had 15 solo tackles and 10 assists, Geisler made three interceptions, as did Fullerton.

The Sun secondary will get back to work on July 4th when the club opens Main Camp, before the home opener on July 25 with the Westshore Rebels in town.