The Ticats have released three players, two of whom are a bit of a surprise:

• import defensive back Bo Smith, who played five years with the Ticats, just signed a two-year contract extension in February.

• non-import receiver Jordan Brescacin was re-signed in December after leading the CIS in receiving last year. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent, Brescacin practiced with the team for the first part of last year before returning to Windsor.

• defensive lineman Derrick Summers played in a couple of games late last season as the Ticats tried put together something resembling a solid defensive line.

That said, the Ticats were 6-12 last year and there's a new sheriff in town so change is inevitable. Austin and Steinauer got their first look at these players in action at last month's mini-camp and will have made their own assessments.

In other Ticat news, Dave Naylor at TSN is reporting that Chris Williams' arbitration hearing, which I wrote about last week, is scheduled for tomorrow. No time line for a decision, though the CBA says rulings should be handed down within 30 days.