Laurent carries a heavy load in the middle of Hamilton?s defence
It's a thankless job, but one Ted Laurent does so very well.
The spotlight rarely shines on the burly defensive tackle as he patrols the middle of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' rugged defence. That's not surprising given the 6-foot-1, 305-pound fire hydrant's assignment is hardly a sexy one ? hold his ground against two hulking offensive lineman to free up others to make stops.
"It's one of the toughest positions on the field because you constantly get double-teamed and don't get the glory," Laurent said. "From a fan's perspective, my job probably doesn't look like I get any rewards or attention but I have to buckle up my chinstrap when I come to work because if I don't, I could let my team down."
Laurent, 27, has rarely let the Ticats down since joining the squad as a free agent last year. The Montreal native had a career-best nine sacks in 2014 and was named the East Division's top Canadian.
The five-year CFL veteran has three sacks this season heading into Hamilton's home date Thursday night against the Montreal Alouettes. The Ticats (6-2) look to not only improve to 11-0 at Tim Hortons Field but earn their sixth straight win overall.
Hamilton's defence has helped propel the Ticats into a first-place tie with archrival Toronto in the East Division. The unit has scored eight TDs this season, three off the league's single-season record.
The Ticats have also returned six interceptions for touchdowns, one behind the league mark. And defensive co-ordinator Orlondo Steinauer says it all starts up front.
"It's a vital part of any defence," he said. "It (defensive tackle) is a thankless position because we basically say you shorten your neck on every play.
"They've got to be able to read offensive linemen and hold their point of attack and in this league, of course, also be able to pass rush ... so if you find that rare skill where a guy can consistently do that over time, then I think you've got a special player."
Laurent's ability makes him special but his passport makes him invaluable. He starts at a position usually reserved for Americans, allowing Hamilton to use an international player elsewhere.
"We think all of our guys are football players but this game says you need to start seven Canadians," Steinauer said. "It's important you have ones who are great and he's a great one."
Given the demands of the job, Hamilton rotates players through to keep them fresh. But the other three ? Hazime Hazan, Bryan Hall and Michael Atkinson ? are all Americans, with Canadians Brian Bulke and Linden Gaydosh both injured.
Quality defensive tackles are not only strong enough to effectively engage but also have the quickness to get upfield while reading a situation on the fly and reacting accordingly. All the while, they patiently wait for a much-anticipated one-on-one matchup.
"Every now and then, depending on our defensive co-ordinator, sometimes he might set it up for you to have a one-on-one matchup," Laurent said. "That's your reward for all the sacrifices you make. But when you get it, you have to win it."
Another reward is receiving kudos from teammates who understand and appreciate the sacrifices being made up front so they can shine.
"When you get double-teamed, all the glory goes to the linebackers," Laurent said. "But that's why I really appreciate (Ticats linebackers) Simoni Lawrence and Taylor Reed, because any time they make a play they always say, 'I appreciate you taking a double-team for me.'
"It's a sacrifice we're taking for the team but it's a good reward at the end."
Hamilton's defence has also been opportunistic with 30 turnovers and 13 interceptions, both league-leading totals. The Ticats have also scored a CFL-best 118 points off turnovers.
Montreal's offence is led by rookie starter Rakeem Cato. Traditionally, defences facing a first-year quarterback try to amp up their rush to rattle and hurry the passer, but Laurent said Hamilton is also mindful of Cato's mobility (6.7-yard rushing average).
"As far as rushing the passer, we have to be sound because he (Cato) is really elusive so we have to stay in our gap," Laurent said. "But coach O (Steinauer) has a plan for (Cato) so we're just going to have to master the plan."
It's a thankless job, but one Ted Laurent does so very well.
The spotlight rarely shines on the burly defensive tackle as he patrols the middle of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' rugged defence. That's not surprising given the 6-foot-1, 305-pound fire hydrant's assignment is hardly a sexy one ? hold his ground against two hulking offensive lineman to free up others to make stops.
"It's one of the toughest positions on the field because you constantly get double-teamed and don't get the glory," Laurent said. "From a fan's perspective, my job probably doesn't look like I get any rewards or attention but I have to buckle up my chinstrap when I come to work because if I don't, I could let my team down."
Laurent, 27, has rarely let the Ticats down since joining the squad as a free agent last year. The Montreal native had a career-best nine sacks in 2014 and was named the East Division's top Canadian.
The five-year CFL veteran has three sacks this season heading into Hamilton's home date Thursday night against the Montreal Alouettes. The Ticats (6-2) look to not only improve to 11-0 at Tim Hortons Field but earn their sixth straight win overall.
Hamilton's defence has helped propel the Ticats into a first-place tie with archrival Toronto in the East Division. The unit has scored eight TDs this season, three off the league's single-season record.
The Ticats have also returned six interceptions for touchdowns, one behind the league mark. And defensive co-ordinator Orlondo Steinauer says it all starts up front.
"It's a vital part of any defence," he said. "It (defensive tackle) is a thankless position because we basically say you shorten your neck on every play.
"They've got to be able to read offensive linemen and hold their point of attack and in this league, of course, also be able to pass rush ... so if you find that rare skill where a guy can consistently do that over time, then I think you've got a special player."
Laurent's ability makes him special but his passport makes him invaluable. He starts at a position usually reserved for Americans, allowing Hamilton to use an international player elsewhere.
"We think all of our guys are football players but this game says you need to start seven Canadians," Steinauer said. "It's important you have ones who are great and he's a great one."
Given the demands of the job, Hamilton rotates players through to keep them fresh. But the other three ? Hazime Hazan, Bryan Hall and Michael Atkinson ? are all Americans, with Canadians Brian Bulke and Linden Gaydosh both injured.
Quality defensive tackles are not only strong enough to effectively engage but also have the quickness to get upfield while reading a situation on the fly and reacting accordingly. All the while, they patiently wait for a much-anticipated one-on-one matchup.
"Every now and then, depending on our defensive co-ordinator, sometimes he might set it up for you to have a one-on-one matchup," Laurent said. "That's your reward for all the sacrifices you make. But when you get it, you have to win it."
Another reward is receiving kudos from teammates who understand and appreciate the sacrifices being made up front so they can shine.
"When you get double-teamed, all the glory goes to the linebackers," Laurent said. "But that's why I really appreciate (Ticats linebackers) Simoni Lawrence and Taylor Reed, because any time they make a play they always say, 'I appreciate you taking a double-team for me.'
"It's a sacrifice we're taking for the team but it's a good reward at the end."
Hamilton's defence has also been opportunistic with 30 turnovers and 13 interceptions, both league-leading totals. The Ticats have also scored a CFL-best 118 points off turnovers.
Montreal's offence is led by rookie starter Rakeem Cato. Traditionally, defences facing a first-year quarterback try to amp up their rush to rattle and hurry the passer, but Laurent said Hamilton is also mindful of Cato's mobility (6.7-yard rushing average).
"As far as rushing the passer, we have to be sound because he (Cato) is really elusive so we have to stay in our gap," Laurent said. "But coach O (Steinauer) has a plan for (Cato) so we're just going to have to master the plan."
