Calgary Stampeders defender Brendan Dozier strong on CFL versatility

Article content

Branden Dozier is a coach’s dream.

“I guess …“ said Dozier, with a gentle grin and laugh belying the punishing brand of football he brings to the field.

He’s physical, alright.

Plus he’s game-smart.

And above all, the 30-year-old defender is versatile and willing to take on whatever the responsibility from game to game — and even play to play — allowing the Calgary Stampeders to trust him at multiple positions depending on their defensive need.

Article content

“Yeah … he’s a tremendous all-in type of guy,” agreed Stampeders GM/head coach Dave Dickenson.

“Branden is one of our leaders on the back end,” continued Dickenson. “He’ll do whatever it takes to make us better.”

These days, that’s taking on the role of strong-side linebacker — or SAM, as it’s called among pigskin insiders.

At least, that appears to be his main spot on the field for the Stamps (1-0) as they prepare for Saturday’s visit to play the host BC Lions (0-1) in Vancouver (5 p.m., TSN, QR Calgary).

“BC’s had our number in the past couple of years,” Dozier said. “I think Coach said, ‘Since 2021, we’ve played them nine times and we don’t have that many wins versus them.’ So definitely some redemption wanted there.”

It’s where the Stamps bowed out of the 2023 CFL campaign, losing 41-30 in the Western semifinal last November at BC Place to cap a frustrating year for Dozier and the defence, as well as the entire team.

That prompted a shake-up of the secondary in the off-season, with Dozier shuffled to start this regular schedule at SAM — where he actually spent the final handful of games last year when Titus Wall was sidelined by injury — from his more primary spot over the years at safety.

Article content

Article content

“Doz didn’t play at SAM in camp,” noted Dickenson. “But Bentlee Sanders is a young safety (and looked good there in camp), and we know Doz can play both positions. So we feel like his leadership and versatility helps us at SAM.

“He is versatile. He is strong enough and physical enough to play lower to the (front-seven) box as well as high. And he seems to read routes well.”

That was evident in his return to SAM during last Friday’s season-opening victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at McMahon Stadium.

“He did well,” praised Dickenson. “He really threw his body around. Even though we didn’t stop the run as good as we wanted, it wasn’t because of Branden Dozier. He was bringing it.

“And hopefully, he can continue to do that.”

Whatever’s necessary, says the native of Topeka, Kan., and former standout with the NCAA’s UNC-Charlotte 49ers.

He says he’s comfortable with whatever the gig he’s given.

And SAM is certainly no strange place for him.

Article content

“When I very first came to the CFL, I was at SAM,” said Dozier, now in his eighth CFL year and fourth season with the Stamps. “So my original position in 2017 was at SAM linebacker,

“And when they first brought me here in 2021, I moved to safety, and I’ve been in and out of SAM over my four years here. It’s the same system, and safety and SAM are kind of interchangeable. It’s just backwards.

“So it’s just going back to my roots. SAM is home just as well as safety.”

Really … the belief is you can plug Dozier in anywhere and he’ll do the job defensively.

During this second season with the Montreal Alouettes in 2018, he played at every position in the secondary, except for boundary cornerback and middle linebacker. He even started at weak-side linebacker for the Als.

“I’ve spent my whole life practising different positions,” said Dozier, whose versatility is helped by his not-too-big, not-too-small frame of 5-foot-10, 203 lb.

“I think it’s more of just knowing what every person on defence is doing around you. Once you learn that, then you know what’s required of every role, then it’s easy to plug into.

Article content

“Football is football, no matter what position I’m at,” continued Dozier. “So I just do what the team asks of me. As long as I’m the field, I’m happy.”

Last season, he made 16 starts for the Stampeders, including 11 at safety and five at the strong-side linebacker position. He recorded 63 tackles — including four for a loss — seven special-teams stops and two sacks, two fumble recoveries — including one that he returned for a touchdown — and six knockdowns.

Throughout his 91 CFL games in six-plus seasons, Dozier has recorded 355 tackles — including five sacks — and has eight interceptions and three forced fumbles to his credit.

“I try to be the best me and position that I can be for the team,” Dozier said. “So I’ll play wherever.

“And I try to lead. I’ll do that from just doing my job and being vocal.”

Try to lead the Stamps back to championship football, of course.

“We have playmakers at every position on defence, and this year with this team we’re got, we’re allowing our playmakers to to make decisions in the moment and allowing their abilities to show,” added Dozier. “So this year, we have people at every position that can make game-changing plays.

“But never any personal goals for me. It’s just to win. I want to get Calgary back to the Grey Cup. When I started in this league, they were the supreme power — always went to the Grey Cup, and I want to get them back to that to that rank.”

SHORT YARDAGE

Stamps WR Jalen Philpot (hamstring) has been limited in practice this week … DB Malcolm Thompson (back) did not practise Wednesday.

tsaelhof@postmedia.com

http://www.x.com/ToddSaelhofPM

Article content