Fred Bennett came to Stampeders training camp with 125 tackles, five forced fumbles and four interceptions in the National Football League to his credit.

The South Carolina Gamecocks alum didn’t know what to expect upon entering Stamps training camp — all he knew was he was looking to prove himself. Bennett has embraced his current situation and flourished with every opportunity he has been given.

“I didn’t know what to expect when I came up here,” he said, “but so far, being around my teammates has made it that much easier.”

Bennett’s current situation finds often him covering the league’s top receivers. He prepared for that challenge by relying on veteran teammates and Bennett is quick to praise the guidance of Brandon Smith and Keon Raymond.

“Smitty and Raymond are our natural leaders,” he said. “They are the backbone. They have really pulled me in, given me the ins and outs of each situation and just talked football with me. They know so much about the game up here.” 

Bennett secured a spot on the Stamps roster with a solid training camp and has become member of the squad as a starting cornerback.

“My main focus was to just come out here and do what I do,” he said. “I wanted to gain the respect of my teammates and coaches by my play on the field. So far, I feel like I’ve done a good job and now I just see it as football.”

Coming from the NFL, Bennett has coped with the usual differences with the way the game is played in Canada.

“How wide the field is — that really blew me,” he said. “More space for the receiver to run — it takes a lot out of you.”

Bennett recalls his first experience with the Stampders as one of his most memorable. Bennett and the rookies headed south to Medicine Hat to meet with youngsters and other Stamps fans.

“It was a great experience for me,” he said. “I’m still going through this experience — so far, everything has been great. I didn’t know what to expect. I just came and I’m blessed, I’m happy to be here. It’s a great team; it’s a great organization.”