The Hulk attack lineman returned for a second mission at the Hamilton Tiger Cats. The 33-year-old American began his CFL career with the club in 2013, and returned to Southern Ontario after four solid seasons with the b.c., signing a two – year contract with the club as a free agent. Lion.
“The culture of everything is so intense that it’s exactly how I remember it,” said the 6ft 6in, 320-pound offensive tackle. “There’s something about being here, being in Hamilton, the excitement the fans bring.
“Actually, it’s surreal.”
Figueroa started 18 regular season games and 22 Western Division finals with B.C. The former Miami Hurricanes played 108 career CFL games in nine seasons with Hamilton (2013-15), Edmonton (2016-17), and the Lions (2018-19 and 21-22).
Figueroa has been nominated three times for the CFL’s Outstanding Lineman Award.
Nine years have passed since Figueroa last played at Hamilton, but there is at least one familiar face in the training camp. Running back James Butler, who ran for 1,060 yards at B.C. last year, also signed a two-year contract with the Ticats as a free agent.
“Obviously James has a special talent physically but things you can’t teach that’s why he makes such a great player,” Figueroa said. “Whether it’s coming from the offensive line or meeting with us or with the coach, his effort to always be in the conference room after practice and always exercise and try to absorb more information.
“He is a completely fallen bag. He is one of the best blockers in the league in his position and what he puts in it makes it possible. It’s a desire and attitude and he definitely wants to do it.”
Figueroa’s outgoing personality gets better once he goes on the field. Coming out of his position, he plays with infectious passion, physical, and intensity.
“That’s how he plays,” said Orlando Steiner, Hamilton’s head of football operations. “We just want him to bring what he brings.
“I think everyone starts the physical thing. Is that the point? Absolutely. I’d like to think we’ve been physical in the past, but yes, we always want something better in that area. Soccer is physically played, so it becomes difficult if you don’t do it.”
Figueroa said his intention was to add to what he believed was already a very physical Hamilton offensive front.
“I’m just here to bring in what I can help and physical is one of the things I put on the table,” he said. “Of course, that will be the emphasis we have on our offensive line.
“We expect to punish people, expecting to be a hammer, not a nail. That’s what we want to do.”
Traditionally, offensive linemen prefer blocking in run play to pass situations because ground games give defenders more opportunities to convey their will. But Figueroa said mental strength can also be adopted in aerial competitions.
“We understand (aggressive linemen) that this game is different, it’s more like a pass league,” he said. “But at the same time that doesn’t mean you have to be passive in passing play.
“You can still be physical. That’s where it is.”
Figueroa is also expected to protect new Tikats quarterback Borevi Mitchell, another aspect of the game he takes very seriously.
“It is our job to protect him,” said Figueroa. “We understand that’s what we have to do and what we expect.”
For the second time in three seasons, Hamilton will host this year’s Grey Cup event, scheduled for Nov. 19, at Team Hortons Field. The Ticats competed in the 21st year event, giving Winnipeg Blue Bombers a heartbreaking 33-25 overtime decision.토토사이트
And while winning always remains a goal, Figueroa said he has no idea on his radar at the moment.
“We have to deal with small things and that’s what we’re focusing on,” he said. “The bigger picture will work itself out.
“It’s a little different here now (from 2013) because of the staff, but the key to the program is to work harder and look forward to something big, but at the same time, don’t look far away and worry about today. Today is the most important, next play, next representative. It’s very special because of the culture of Hamilton around here.”