B.C. Lions' quarterback Travis Lulay celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Edmonton Eskimos during second half pre-season CFL action in Vancouver, B.C., on Sunday June 20, 2010.DARRYL DYCK/The Canadian Press
B.C. Lions head coach Wally Buono, master of introducing quarterback talent to the CFL, was asked about his secret to identifying potential star talent in the likes of Jeff Garcia to Dave Dickenson, Casey Printers to Buck Pierce.
And perhaps, when his latest protégé makes his first CFL start against the Toronto Argonauts tonight, Travis Lulay.
"When I write the book, you can pay for that information," Buono deadpanned, before softening his response slightly. "How about smart guys? It has to do with the ability to use your mind. It starts with that."
With Printers nursing a knee injury, the Lions have turned to the 26-year-old Lulay who started eight games in NFL Europe during 2007 but has served only as a backup with the Lions, having 31 completions in 51 pass attempts over this young season and last.
"Playing in the games is hugely important," said Lulay. "Repetitions are just invaluable. I've played five or six quarters and that's made me a better football player."
Lulay, who had a strong training camp for the Lions, will be trying to help B.C. end a two-game skid that includes losses against the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Montreal Alouettes.
The Argos, a team that won three games all of last season, are trying to win their third in a row this year, following wins over Winnipeg and Calgary.
Lulay brings a similar skill set as the dual threat of Printers, having rushed for 611 yards during his senior season in college at Montana State.
"I like to be able to run the offence from the pocket but I do have an athletic skill set," he said. "In college [at Montana State]people said your skill set may be suited to the Canadian game. At the time I didn't really know what they were talking about."
Lulay and the Lion offence will be facing an Argo defence that has played well so far this season, led by a front-four that demonstrated last week against Calgary the ability to get to the quarterback without a blitz.
Alex Buzbee (265 pounds), Kevin Huntley (294 pounds), Adriano Belli (295 pounds) and Ronald Flemmons (275 pounds) represent one of the larger front-four units in the CFL. They believe this is an advantage, particularly late in games when they can wear down an opposing offensive line, as they appeared to do in last week's win over Calgary.
"You can see it on film, they're big dudes and good football players," said Lulay. "But I feel pretty good about our offensive line and we do match up pretty well. Their mandate is to play physically so that will be a good match-up."
The Argo front-four is three-fourths holdover from last season, with Buzbee the only newcomer. And while there is an element of teamwork among them, there is also a spirit of competition.
"You want to be the guy on top of the quarterback every play," said Belli. "You have to be a little selfish at times. When someone else gets a sack I'm pissed off. The best defences I've played on are the ones where everyone does their job but everyone wants to make the play."
The Argos are near the middle of the CFL pack when it comes to sacks but Barker insists that's only one small measure of effectiveness he hopes will continue tonight.
"I thought all game long [against Calgary]they were pushing the pocket and making the quarterback uncomfortable," said Argo head coach Jim Barker. "Pressure isn't about sacks. It's about making the quarterback feel uncomfortable."