Jun
Hervey at the top of scouting ranks
Courtesy Vancouver Province:
http://www.theprovince.com/sports/Hervey+climbs+Esks+scouting+ranks/1654475/story.html
Ed Hervey’s promotion from west coast scout to head scout of the Edmonton Eskimos on Monday
came as a total surprise to the former receiver.
“They caught me off guard,” admitted Hervey, after the late afternoon announcement. “I guess
it shows their appreciation for what I’ve done.
“It wasn’t something I expected. You know me, I just come to the office to work hard every
day and come prepared to do so.
“Helping the Eskimos improve is a complete team effort, it’s never one man’s
responsibility,” added Hervey, shunning the spotlight.
But it’s been a very quick and easy transition for the former standout receiver, who made
the immediate move to scouting from athlete. Hervey played eight seasons as a wide receiver
with the Eskimos from 1999 to 2006. Over 118 games, Hervey hauled in 476 catches for 6,715
yards and 43 touchdowns.
Twice named a Canadian Football League all-star, Hervey also played in eight playoff games
and three Grey Cup games, winning two championships in 2003 and 2005 with the Green and
Gold.
“In just two years, Ed has developed into one of the top young football minds in the CFL
with an especially keen eye for both talent and character. This new role and title reflects
the broad scope of the work he does for the Eskimos,” said general manager and director of
football operations Danny Maciocia.
Hervey made the smooth transition to scouting in 2007 and was heavily involved in the 2007,
’08 and ’09 CFL drafts. He also has helped co-ordinate several Eskimos open tryout camps the
past two springs, assisting in the identification of future talent.
Talent that will hit the field on Wednesday when about three dozen rookies check in to
Eskimos camp, along with quarterbacks.
“I think it’s probably one of the better groups of athletes we’ve had here in some time,”
offered Hervey, of the first-year corps.
“There is a lot of team speed here already and this rookie group will only add to that.”
Veteran quarterback Ricky Ray has been in “quarterback school” since Friday and likes what
he sees in first-year pivots Jared Zabransky and Lester Ricard, who join Ray and Jason Maas.
“I haven’t had the chance to see a lot of them in action yet, but we’ve played a little
catch and they both throw good balls,” said Ray of the former college standouts.
“Jared played in one of the best college games ever (Boise State’s overtime victory over
Oklahoma at the 2007 Fiesta Bowl) and, coming from Boise State, you know he’s been well
coached.”
As for Ricard?
“He’s also been in some big games,” Ray said of the six-foot-five, 232-pound Tulane product.
“He’s a big guy with a very, very good arm.”
They are just two of the players the likes of Hervey, director of player personnel and
assistant GM Paul Jones, manager of football administration and Canadian scouting Dan
McKinnon and Maciocia have managed to recruit.
“I think there is tremendous upside here, maybe the best in the league. Having seen these
players on film and with our staff having followed their progression on the field, I’m very
confident in this group,” said Hervey, of the rookies.
“I think some of our cuts will be picked up by other teams around the league.”
Which would say something for the job Hervey and Co. have done in their roles.
“It’s humbling. It’s flattering,” said Hervey, of being named head scout, and having worked
with mentors Maciocia, McKinnon and Jones.
“This is not going to make me rest, it’s only going to make me work harder.”
mannicchiarico@thejournal.canwest.com
WELCOME ABOARD
The Eskimos rookies will begin camp Wednesday, with medicals set between 7:30 a.m. and 1
p.m. at Commonwealth Stadium. The players then take to the field for their first session at
3 p.m. at Clarke Park.
Rookie on-field sessions continue Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, before
veterans check in for medical Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.
Fan day is set for Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. at Clarke.
