Staying for Hamilton winter gives Grant good workout

Hamilton Tiger-Cats receiver Bakari Grant is a California kid, who could be spending his winter soaking up the sun back home.

But for the first time in his CFL career, Grant is spending his off-season in the hammer, experiencing a workout unlike anything he’s ever seen.

As the Cops and Cats charity basketball season began at Orchard Park, Grant proved that determination pays off. “This will be one of my first conditioning tests. so it will be a slow pace, but we’ll try to get it done.”

In 2013 Grant led the Cats with a career-high 69 catches for 947 yards, and recorded his first 100 yard game on July 13th against Winnipeg. This is the first time the 26 year old Californian has spent his off-season in Hamilton, and what a winter to do it! “There’s been days where I’ve shoveled snow multiple times in one day. It was a free workout, so I can’t complain, right?”

But there have been other benefits. Grant says he’s been working closely with the Ticat trainers to increase his hip mobility and leg strength, and he’s been constantly picking the brain of offensive co-ordinator Tommy Condell. “I’ve seen Tommy just about every day and going into the season, going into OTAs, I’ll collaborate with him a little bit and see things I really need to work on for next year.”

Grant is looking forward to connecting with new Ticat quarterback Zach Collaros, a player he says displays the same competitive drive that Henry Burris did. And he welcomes the addition of receivers like CFL veteran Cary Koch who is expected to challenge for a starting spot on the Ticat roster.

“I love the moves we’re making and it’s probably going to be one of the most competitive training camps I’ve been in and that just brings out the best in all of us.  So I look forward to it.”