The best part of being with the Stamps is that I’m able to learn from two of the best receivers in the league. That’s been a big thing for me. Being a young receiver, I’ve got to sit behind both Rambo and Romby and just learn from them and help improve my game.

Of course I want to play but I also know that when I’m sitting out, I’m watching everything that they do and I was able to pick up a whole lot more by doing that. That way, when it’s my time to get in, we’re not missing a step.

Growing up as a young football player, you always have people who are teaching you things and that learning process never stops. Even younger players can teach you things — they may know something that you don’t know. You could ask them a question and then, when you hear the answer, you say, “That makes sense, let me try this” and then it works for you. You just always continue to learn. That’s all part of the game.

I’m hoping to have another productive year. I’m hoping to come out strong like we finished and hopefully continue that on all season and get to the Grey Cup.

I’m excited to see a full season from Drew Tate. Drew is the type of the player who demands a lot from us as receivers. He will make sure that when it comes right down to it, we will be in the right positions, the place we need to be for him to get us the ball. That’s one big thing that I know about him and I think he’s going to take us to that next level that we need to get to.

A play that stands out was the game against Saskatchewan when Drew really scrambled to get away from pressure and was able to find me in the end-zone for a touchdown. We just had a connection on that play. When the pressure happens like that and the quarterback starts scrambling, we’re told to roll in that direction. So when that play happened and he was able to break free, he just found me — eye contact and all. I knew that ball was coming my way, so it was pretty cool.

I’ve been working out like crazy during this off-season. I’ve found myself a new trainer named Bryan Meyer who I’ve been working out with. He also trains (Orlando Magic centre) Dwight Howard and we’ve been working on my strength and balance in particular. He’s been working with me on being able to come out of my breaks under a lot more control so that when I get in my routes, it’s a lot smoother.

With April coming fast, it’s going to be intense now. I just got back off of vacation with my wife and it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty because it is just around the corner and it won’t be long until camp begins. It’s time to gear up. I’m very excited and very thrilled to get back to it. I just can’t wait.

Landan Talley, #84
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