Ex-NFL vet Unutoa to start vs. Alouettes
or the first time since 2003, the Renegades are turning to an American for protection.

Seven-year NFL veteran Morris Unutoa is expected to be the starting left guard when Ottawa hosts the Montreal Alouettes in their Canada Day home opener Friday. Unutoa will become the first non-import on the line since Seth Dittman was traded to Calgary two winters ago.

His addition -- plus the fact George Hudson spent yesterday's practice back at centre -- suggests Val St. Germain could start at left tackle.

Coach Joe Paopao, who saw quarterback Kerry Joseph sacked seven times in the regular-season opener last Friday, refused to confirm his alignment for fear of helping the Als out with their preparation.

Unutoa, who spent most of his NFL career as a backup guard and long snapper, hasn't played in a game since 2002 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Last winter, he was preparing to play for a semi-pro team in Utah when he decided he wanted one more shot at pro football. A Samoan by decent, he had heard that a Paopao was in the CFL, and after doing a Google search on the name, he discovered where.

A phone call to the Renegades led to tapes being sent and then a free-agent tryout for the coaching staff in California, from which Unutoa earned an invite to the team's camp in Kemptville.

Barring the unforeseen, he will be activated from the practice roster today.

"I'm grateful for this opportunity," said Unutoa, a 34-year-old who checks in at 6-foot-2, 289 lbs. "I've just got to play my game and not lose focus.

Hopefully, I'll make all my mistakes now (in practice) so I won't make them in the game."

Paopao calls Unutoa a "pit bull" and says he is probably the best "pulling lineman" on the team.

He also likes the player's pass blocking ability, saying he learned his technique at a college known for its spectacular air shows.

Unutoa attended Brigham Young with Als slotback Ben Cahoon.

YEOW NOW: The Renegades are also expected to debut their first- round draft choice Friday: LB Cam Yeow. The 6-foot-1, 230-pounder had to steer clear of contact drills through training camp as he recovered from Jan. 20 shoulder surgery. "I'm ready," said Yeow. "I've had a couple of hitting days ... (Monday) I tried to hit everyone to show them I'm ready." Yeow will play special teams and could also be used on defence for a few plays at middle linebacker, if Keaton Cromartie doesn't play. Cromartie, who suffered a mild concussion last week, says he is fine and symptom-free, but Paopao is reluctant to take any chances with a head injury ... Jason Kralt and D'Wayne Taylor will also likely play at middle linebacker if Cromartie doesn't go ... Paopao said yesterday DE Kai Ellis is "50-50, more questionable than probable," to play against the Als. Ellis, who had Ottawa's only two sacks last week, has a sprained ankle. He would be replaced by A.C. Collier ... The Renegades will showcase their new third jerseys tonight (6 p.m.) at Fat Tuesday's in the market ... The team will observe a moment of silence prior to Friday's kickoff in honour of Frank Clair, the legendary coach and GM who died in the off-season. The Renegades are also wearing FC stickers in his memory.


By DON BRENNAN, Ottawa Sun