Coaching camp cannot open quickly sufficient for Peyton Logan.
The five-foot-eight, 189-pound Logan loved a stable rookie season with the Calgary Stampeders, ending second within the CFL in mixed yards. With a yr of Canadian soccer beneath his belt, Logan reckons his second coaching camp needs to be extra about fine-tuning his sport than adapting to a brand new sport, workforce and nation.
“Simply that have alone will assist me develop my sport extra,” mentioned the affable Logan. “I’ve at all times been a playbook sort of man and as soon as I obtained into the playbook, all I wanted was that have.
“As soon as I obtained that have and realized how we run our offense, the sky is the restrict.”
Logan amassed 2,078 yards in 16 common season video games final season. It earned him Calgary’s nomination for the CFL’s prime rookie award, which was received by Winnipeg receiver Dalton Schoen.
The majority of that manufacturing got here on particular groups, as Logan ranked fifth total in each punt returns (74 for 787 yards) and kickoff returns (25 for 612 yards, TD). He additionally returned a missed subject objective 122 yards for a landing.
With Calgary additionally boasting CFL dashing chief Ka’Deem Carey (1,088 yards 5.5-yard common, 10 TDs), Logan noticed restricted snaps on offense. The previous Tennessee Martin star rushed for 365 yards and amassed three TDs on 58 carries (6.3-yard common) whereas including 18 receptions for 192 yards.
“I like particular groups, I similar to taking part in the game of soccer,” Logan mentioned. “It (rebounds/punts) is simply one other alternative to get the ball in my palms.
“When you get the ball, it’s a must to make one thing of it. Fortunately the ball bounced my method, I did OK on particular groups. Hopefully I can do higher this yr.”
READ MORE: Calgary Stampeders signal defensive lineman Mike Moore
Logan was a first-team all-Ohio Valley Convention choice in 2021 after dashing for 1,143 yards and 4 TDs on 156 carries (7.2-yard common). However he additionally performed particular groups throughout his faculty profession, returning 42 kickoffs for 1,067 yards (25.4-yard common) with 4 TDs.
For CFL newcomers, taking part in particular groups is a reality of life. The excellent news, nevertheless, is that returners could have ample alternative to shine given the abundance of kicks/punts in three-down soccer and the Canadian sport being performed on an extended, wider subject.
Whereas he was initially excited concerning the prospect of taking part in on an even bigger subject, Logan mentioned the Canadian sport took some getting used to early on.
“I used to be used to the brief subject and knew what number of yards I had till I obtained to the touchline,” he mentioned. “So I actually needed to regulate to that (in CFL).
“And possibly have 12 individuals on the sector. However apart from that, I had no issues adjusting.”
One other distinction in Canada is the absence of the truthful catch, though CFL defenders should keep at the very least 5 meters away from the participant attempting to snap the ball.
“I like that little halo they provide you,” Logan mentioned with a chuckle. “It was a little bit of an adjustment, however not one thing that hindered my efficiency.
“It was like, ‘Oh, I am getting the ball again extra typically now.’ I actually just like the longer subject, it offers me more room for what I’ve to do.”
READ MORE: Calgary Stampeders commentator named Booster Membership sportsperson of the yr
With Carey established as Calgary’s important rusher, Logan mentioned he seems ahead to giving a protection one thing else to think about when he will get into the backfield. The five-foot-nine, 207-pound Carey successfully runs between the tackles whereas the speedy Logan can assist set up the sting.
However Logan mentioned he additionally enjoys being a receiver.
“So long as I contact the ball, whether or not it is on a handoff or go, it actually would not matter to me,” he mentioned. “I like being concerned within the passing sport, I like the passing sport, really it is thrilling.
“However working the ball can be thrilling.”
Logan has just one objective for 2023, and that’s to assist Calgary win a Grey Cup title. And he plans to choose the brains of his teammates and coaches to achieve the information he thinks he’ll have to do his half to make it occur
“Information is energy and as soon as I do know extra, I can play sooner,” he mentioned. “On daily basis I wish to study one thing new concerning the CFL sport.
“That is my objective.”
Logan mentioned that whereas he expects to be higher in 2023, all he actually controls is giving his finest effort day by day.
“They (Stamps officers, followers) can count on the whole lot I’ve,” he mentioned. “I needs to be higher, however it’s God’s will, solely God is aware of how effectively I’ll play.
“I actually do not care about particular person awards or stuff like that. So long as we win the championship, I am completely satisfied. Whether or not it is on particular groups, at working again, on the (follow roster) injured, I do not care how we do it, so long as we get it finished.”
© 2023 The Canadian Press
