SURREY, B.C. — Mark Washington looked over at Bo Lokombo after one of the B.C. Lions' mini-camp sessions last week and marvelled.
After two seasons spent learning the system and contributing on special teams, the club's defensive co-ordinator declared it was time to unleash the 25-year-old on the rest of the CFL.
"Bo's a very talented young man," said Washington. "It's time to let him loose."
The Lions knew they had an impressive physical specimen when they drafted the University of Oregon linebacker in 2013, but it wasn't clear where he fit in three-down football when he finally joined the club partway through the following season.
A chiselled six foot two and 233 pounds, was he better suited as a linebacker or as a safety?
Heading into a third CFL campaign, Washington made it clear where he expects Lokombo to line up in 2016.
"He's a linebacker," Washington said, before repeating himself: "He's a linebacker. I mean, look at him."
Lokombo — who was born in Congo, but moved with his family in 1996 to Montreal and then eventually Abbotsford, B.C. — led the CFL in special teams tackles last season, and said he's confident he can handle more responsibilities on defence after spot duty the last two years.
"They want to get a role for me," said the soft-spoken Lokombo. "We have Solomon (Elimimian) and (Adam) Bighill, two great all-stars. They want me to come in here and help contribute to the team."
Lions head coach and general manager Wally Buono, back on the sidelines this season for the first time since 2011, is eager to see what Lokombo can do.
"His role last year was more significant," said Buono. "When you look at his production, it's warranted looking at getting him more involved. He's a tremendous athlete.
"When he played on defence he made plays for us."
But as with most young players, the learning curve from college to the pros can be steep. The Lions are confident Lokombo is ready to take the next step where he simply reacts on the field without having to think.
"We had a firm idea of what he was, but until you see it on the field you don't know," said Washington. "More importantly, he needed to figure out what he wanted to do here on the field and get used to the CFL game.
"He's starting to catch up to speed now."
Lokombo didn't have to show up to the Lions' two-day mini-camp for mostly first- and second-year players, but the club was glad to have him there soaking up as much information as possible.
"We definitely want to expand his role," said Buono. "When you look at the athlete and you look at the fact he helps you with the ratio, there's lots to be excited about."
