Clement/Courtesy "The Scratching Post"
Chase Clement has left Hamilton Tiger Cats training camp and is on his way back to San Antonio. I just spoke with his dad, Craig, who intimated that Chase just didn't feel the situation was right for him although his decision had nothing to do with his abilities. All news out of camp indicates that Chase did very well his first day of camp. But, the heart wasn't there for football north of the border.
"He did not feel that the Candian style of football was something that he could be passionate about. He knew right away---(Craig quotes Chase) he says--- "it's completely different---lots of schemes---a lot of motion. It's just not what he was trained to do."
"He felt like he enjoyed his style of football---not necessarily being in the shotgun. But, just looking out and surveying defenses and being able to beat your opponent mentally as well as physically."
"So, he just said "I knew right away that this was not gonna work for me." So he prayed about it---was very diligent about that---we guided him through that effort just to make sure that he was making the right decision. So, he called me this morning about 5:45 and said "Dad---I am 100 percent at peace with this decision. This is not for me." So, he went in and talked with the Coach and Offensive Coordinator, Mike Gibson, and told them that. However, they left the door open for him. But he's gonna come home."
Clement says that the "Chase" camp is working hard again to get to the NFL. "We've already been in touch with his agent. We've had several conversations through him and we know what we're up against. So we'll see what holds next. Maybe a camp here stateside will open up or an opportunity will open up and we'll just see if Chase wants to pursue that. But, he was just not prepared to gear up and learn a completely new game---that's the crux of it."
"I don't think he had the desire or passion to learn their playbook. He (chase) said it's completely different football. it didn't excite him---it didn't ignite his passion." His dad went on to explain that Chase has been training daily, had hernia surgery earlier this year, (nothing serious), has taken security exams, and is planning a wedding. The wedding date has not been firmly set. However, the union, with a young lady by the name of Lauren Adams, according to Craig, is going to take place sometime this year. Quoting Craig on the upcoming wedding---"we're very excited about that"!
Certainly Chase is excited about that part of his future---as he should! In addition, he would probably be a little more excited if he could get that one opportunitiy to play in the NFL and earn a living.
There are some teams out there that can use his services. But, what teams?
We'll keep you posted. Also, follow us for the latest on twitter.
.JPG)
Chase at Texas Bowl/Anthony Vasser
Comments
He'll be bagging groceries by the time you're done reading this! Prima donna!!!!
Once again, our Canadian game is too fast for the slower American Ball player. We are a pass first, run second league! Exciting, 3-down ball. Nothing better
It's Chase's perogative to bail, but he quit on the Tiger Cats without really giving the Canadian game a chance. Warren Moon,Doug Flutie,Jeff Garcia and Kent Austin didn't have a problem with it, just to name a few. And for the record, the Hamilton Tiger Cats play an hour's drive up the road from the Buffalo Bills and the Canadian game is NOT completely different, it just has two or three different wrinkles dating back to its rugby heritage.
Hope Chase passes his security guard exams. Yeah the NFL wants a guy who bails after 1 day...
I think this is a perfect example of a young American NCAA player coming to Canada thinking that they're going to be a big fish in a little pond. Once he realized that he's just another player and will have to put in his time he bailed.
And, Seriously, he played at RICE... big deal.
Needs to have a conversation with Warren Moon. You need to earn the right to play.
well, he'll do what's right for him, and he'll be ok. not likely to do too poorly with a pre-med degree and med school offers. but, hey, flame a kid you don't know about anyway.
Canadian football does have a lot more motion, and moves at a faster pace (20 second clock). Also has a much bigger field. It usually requires more improvisation from the QB, and you often have to throw the ball a long way across the wide field for a short gain.
If Clement was a "system" QB in university, and doesn't have a very strong arm, then he is probably right that he wouldn't fit well in the CFL. He said when signed that he looked forward to the challenge and felt he could adapt. I guess he found out differently. Too bad he didn't figure that out before he went to Hamilton and wasted everyone's time.
Nate: You are a terrific person and reporter. Yes, all the fans and family of Chase thank you! We know the best is yet to come for Chase.
Gran
Bagging groceries? Please. Do a little homework on the kid and his alma mater before you display your embarrassing ignorance. Why make a deeply personal life decision some sort of slam on the Canadian league? He's a great kid, and it's a shame that you won't get to know him, but you'll bagging your own groceries, thank you. Paper or plastic?
I went to high school with Clement. I was a senior reciever on the same team and we graduated together. If anyone doubts his work ethic and motives, you are a fool. He may not be the most talented player, but he has earned the right to do what he wants. Trust me, he is a much better person than all of you.
i blocked for this dude, all of you are idiots, well not all but most. chase is a good quarterback no doubt. what he chooses to do with his life is his decision, so if he doesent wana play in the cfl then boo freakin hoo. This boy is used to Texas Football where we do it harder than anyone else. Im not saying hes the best but i see him get a shot at the NFL he might just prove most people wrong.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!