By Jonathan Anderson
Stampeders.com
Chris Randle came to Stampeders training camp not knowing much at all about the Canadian Football League.
The former Utah State standout knew his alma mater produced a fine CFL quarterback in Anthony Calvillo but, as far as the league itself was concerned, he didn’t know much.
“My dream since I was a kid was to get to the NFL,” said Randle. “I didn’t know the CFL was an option. All I knew was Anthony Calvillo won Grey Cups when I was still in college.”
The NFL didn’t pan out for the Berkeley, Calif. native but he has since fit into the CFL game very nicely. With 34 tackles and one interception heading into the final regular-season game of the 2012 season, Randle’s fine play has received notice as this week Randle was named the Calgary nominee for the CFL’s rookie of the year.
The nomination came as a shock to Randle.
“My main goal was to make this team,” he said. “That was my priority in coming here from Day 1. As things progressed, I wanted to start, then get to the playoffs and now it’s win a Grey Cup.”
Randle has showcased his talents at various positions for the Stamps, playing both the linebacker and defensive back positions. Randle has embraced the challenge.
“There’s a lot more communication when you’re inside playing SAM linebacker,” he said. “You have to base everything off your linebackers, the defensive backs and your defensive line.”
Randle is just one of a number of first-year players on the Stamps defence as Keenan MacDougall, Jamar Wall, and Fred Bennett are also CFL rookies.
“Me and Jamal both went to the (Dallas) Cowboys before we came here, so we have a good chemistry with how to work off each other,” said Randle. “Bennett knows the system — he just knows how to play football, so I listen to him a lot. And Keenan’s my roommate, so we converse about everything. We have a great relationship on and off the field.”
The newbies quickly has adapted to the Canadian game.
“Once you start getting comfortable,” he remarked, “you take the thinking out of the game and you can rely on your athletic ability. Then you become a better player. That’s what I’m trying to do everyday.”
Randle credits the veteran guidance of Keon Raymond — another player with multi-position experience — for allowing him to be a quick study.
“He shows me the ropes as far as learning techniques and reading coverages,” said Randle. “He’s been a key factor in me progressing as a player.”
Randle isn’t afraid to look around the league for pointers from opponents, too.
“I take it upon myself to watch other SAM linebackers around the league like T.J. Hill and (Chip) Cox (Chip) and watch those guys how they play their game,” he said.