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KAMLOOPS, B.C. -- Matt Walker missed all but the first game of the regular season with the UBC Thunderbirds in 2012 due to a major knee injury -- but the B.C. Lions drafted him anyway. Now, the defensive back is looking to prove the Lions made a good decision as he contends for a job at the CFL clubs training camp. "(The injury) has been a good learning curve, and its made me a better professional, I believe, because I know I cant control anything else," said Walker. "I have to control myself. And, I controlled my rehab, and I worked hard at it -- and Im here today." But to stick with the Lions, he will have to master an unfamiliar position quickly. The 21-year-old Vernon, B.C., native is in contention for a job at safety as the Lions look to replace Cauchy Muamba, who bolted to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as a free agent in the off-season. "When you look at our needs and the potential for the conversion to happen for him, I look at him as a free safety," said Lions coach Mike Benevides. "When you look at his speed and when you look at his heart and skill set, how he plays with a physical edge, thats where he has the best opportunity to compete." Before transferring to UBC, Walker played on offence in two seasons with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies and his former Okanagan Sun junior team. At UBC, he briefly played defensive halfback. "Ive only played three games at safety in junior and two games at defensive halfback (with UBC)," said Walker, who also played an exhibition game with the Thunderbirds. "But I used to play quarterback and slotback. When I was running a (pass route), Id always be watching the safety to see what my read was going to be to beat the offence." Recalling his days on offence, Walker tries to go to the spots where he knows the receiver does not want the safety to be. But Benevides said Walker will also have to prove that he can earn a spot on special teams. Muamba also played special teams, and the Lions need to fill another hole on kicking units following James Yurichuks departure to the Toronto Argonauts as a free agent. Benevides has been impressed with what he has seen of Walker on the field thus far. The coach also liked the way he battled back from an injury that threatened his CFL career before it got started. "Theres a lot to be said for him fighting through a devastating knee injury," said Benevides. "Hes done everything he has to (in order) to try and get an opportunity to be here." Walker was injured in the Thunderbirds season-opener against the Manitoba Bisons and spent several months recovering. He still managed to get healthy in time for all necessary CFL combine and Lions tryout camps as well as several other informal workouts that B.C. defensive backs coach Mark Washington put him through in advance of the draft. Used to going all out at everything, Walker struggled not to do too much too soon during the rehabilitation process. "You really have to stay in your shoes, because if you dont and you do something dumb, then youre going to miss your whole shot," said Walker. After watching him succeed in his recovery quest, the Lions provided a new one by drafting him in the sixth round, 50th overall. "When the opportunity came, we wanted more depth at the free safety position," said Benevides. "So (Walker) was a perfect pick ... ." Walker is in line for a backup role to Muambas anticipated replacement. J.R. LaRose, entering his fourth year with the Lions and eighth in the CFL, has the starters job for now, pending his performance in exhibition games in Calgary and at home against Edmonton before season opener against the Stampeders on June 28 back at McMahon Stadium. In addition to his desire and determination, the Lions like Walkers passport. The starting and backup safety spots are ticketed for Canadians as the team manages the nuances of the CFLs import and non-import ratio. Benevides said Walker also has a good chance to earn a spot because CFL teams are expanding their practice rosters to nine players from seven this season. The two extra spots must be filled by non-imports in accordance with the leagues effort to develop more Canadian talent. If Walker does not stay with the Lions, he could return to UBC, where he has three years of collegiate eligibility remaining. But he is not overly keen on returning to the classroom, preferring instead to pursue his CFL dream after overcoming significant adversity. "Im making sure Im prepared to be a starter one day," he said. Notes: Centre Angus Reid remained out with a sore back Tuesday. He went to get examined by a specialist. a Offensive linemen Cameron Thorn (concussion) and Andre Ramsey, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery, are sidelined indefinitely with injuries suffered in camp. Jerseys NFL Cheap . -- Mike Smith never saw his first NHL goal go in. Cheap Jerseys . The No. 1-ranked Nadal tweaked his back warming up for the Australian Open final, which he lost almost four weeks ago in a major upset against Stanislas Wawrinka. His first stop after the layoff is the clay in Rio as he tests the back and tries to stay healthy for the French Open in three months. http://www.wholesalejerseysnfl.net/ . The Celtics closed out their first preseason under Stevens on Wednesday night with a 101-97 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, who rested a lot of their lineup including former Celtics Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. Cheap Adidas NHL Jerseys . Now, correct me if Im wrong but I saw one official distinctly pointing at the net indicating a good goal but after an inconclusive review they overturned the goal. Shouldnt the ruling on the ice (good goal) stand after an inconclusive review? Why was this overturned? James Veaudry Pembroke, ON -- Hey Kerry, Youll get a lot of these, but why was the Montreal goal against Nashville Saturday night overturned? Eller puts the puck on net and the on ice ruling from the ref behind the net is a Montreal goal. Wholesale China Jerseys . Scott Kazmir allowed four hits in seven shutout innings, Michael Brantley hit a two-run homer in a three-run first inning and the Indians maintained their hold on an AL wild-card spot with a 4-1 win over the Houston Astros on Saturday night. Growing up, Jill Geer wanted to be a professional football player. But she chose track and field because she could control her own destiny -- she could depend on herself to win a race.The former sports writer is now the chief public affairs officer for USA Track & Field. Under her leadership, USATF has navigated the evolving world of digital media,?marketing and sponsorship.?Shes worked with many champion athletes and witnessed competitors break more than 30 world records.As she prepares for the Olympics in Rio next month, Geer is managing to remain calm, particularly amid the the disparaging headlines surrounding USATFs long-term sponsorship agreement with Nike. Geer, who is married and has a 10-year-old son named Hayden, opens the door to her busy life.?Coolest moment?In 2014, several members of the 1968 Olympic track and field team returned to Echo Summit, California, where the 1968 Olympic trials were held, and we had a ceremony honoring them.I had the opportunity to speak in front of the one group of people I would refer to as truly my heroes. They were men who were important to society, to the Olympic movement and to human rights as well. When I spoke, I saw my hero, bronze medalist John Carlos -- who raised a black-gloved fist during the American national anthem at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City -- nodding his head and telling me to preach. And at that moment, knowing that these men whom I thought were so important felt understood and appreciated almost moved me to tears.Focus to overcome obstacles?The correlation between distance running and any job is the ability to focus and overcome distractions, overcome pain and discomfort, whether its personal, physical or professional, to get something done. The things I am most proud of at work are often times where we face a great challenge and figure it out.Running the worldWhile traveling is a great way to get out and see the world, the fact is that once I reach my destination, Im working. I dont run on treadmills; I go out into the city and run. At various cities, running has become my sightseeing because there is too much work to be done to be doing any vacationing.Have perspectiveDont take anything personally, and then you can deal with whatever the issue is in a professional way. The most important thing in dealing with a sensitive issue or a crisis is to first take a step back. When its a sensitive topic, especiaally in the social media world, you have to step back and see: Who is it coming from and how many people are really contributing?In the social media world, very few people get very active on social to say positive things.ddddddddddddIts important to keep perspective with any issue. Acknowledge concern while pointing out factual basis.Positive thinking is keyThe great thing is that whether its the Olympic trials -- which last for a week and a half in Oregon -- or the Olympic Games or any of our events, regardless of if you are ready for them, they arrive, they start, they happen, they finish and they go great! Its just something that we manage. We do what we need to do to succeed, just like our championship athletes.Anything a guy can do, I can doWhen I was an athlete, or even as a professional, whether its right or wrong, Ive never self-identified first as a female. I never thought of myself as a female athlete or a woman in sports. Ive been an athlete and a person in sports first. For me that was a good thing because it meant that in no way I limited myself throughout my whole life. Anything a guy can do, I can do. That was never even a question.Sisterhood in sportsIm really appreciative of the sisterhood Ive always had with female journalists. Women in sports just have a different kind of experience than men in sports.Be gratefulNo job is cool every day, and every job has days where you wonder what youre doing. But if youre fortunate enough to get a cool job, it is so important to be grateful for the job you have and to the people who helped you get there.Always try new thingsPushing yourself out of your comfort zone is how you grow and really stay engaged in your job. Ive been here for 16 years, and this job has never been boring to me. That is one of the highest compliments I can give a job because to not burn out after 16 years is saying something for me.Byron Linnell Edwards is a run coach, marathoner and triathlete. The former entertainment executive spent his formative years working in public relations and event logistics at Viacom (BET Networks), Roc Nation, Huff Events & PR, and Urban League while doing social media and digital consulting on a number of projects within entertainment and creative properties. Follow him?@ByronLinnell.? ' ' '