By Max Campbell
Stampeders.com

Three games into his transition to middle linebacker, Deron Mayo hasn’t missed a beat.

The spot typically occupied by veteran Juwan Simpson was suddenly vacated following No. 12’s broken collarbone in mid-September, a mishap that paved the way for Mayo to slide over from his customary weak-side position.

“It’s gone pretty well,” offered the fourth-year Stampeder. “Me and (Glenn) Love have sort of rotated at that position, so he’s kind of helped carry that load a little bit and he’s done well stepping in the role as well. The transition has gone well and I’m still looking forward to getting Simp back on the field and getting him running around, but it’s working for now.”

Filling in for Simpson in recent games against Hamilton, Edmonton and Toronto, the Old Dominion alum has recorded 12 tackles during that span while leading a defence that has surrendered less than 17 points per game.

“Mayo is a heck of player and he was doing great even when I was in there,” Simpson proclaimed while proudly displaying his typical Alabama Crimson Tide attire. “He’s a solid player, he’s assignment-sound and he’s that spark that the defence needs.”

Adjusting to the nuances of middle linebacker has allowed the 27-year-old to not only experience a new place in the formation, but also expand his skill set.

“I guess in a way, (I’m) learning different things from that position because they play on the line of scrimmage a lot,” explained Mayo. “I guess I’ve been forced to learn a couple techniques when I go against those (offensive) linemen because you’re a bit closer to them.”

Aiming to return to the field as soon as possible, Simpson isn’t quite sure when he will receive a clean bill of health, although he recently began on-field workouts as his road to recovery is in full swing.

“It felt good to get back out there and move around,” the former CFL all-star remarked after returning from the team’s bye week. “I think the rehab is going well. I’ve just got to visit with the doctors this week and see just how well things are going. But I feel good right now. I know I’m on the six-game (injured list), but if I could get back before then, it would definitely be awesome.”

As for Mayo, even though he’s looking forward to the return of his teammate, he’s enjoying the challenge and feeling right at home.

“I’m comfortable,” stated Mayo, who also took over for Simpson during the 2012 West Final as a league rookie. “They can put me at D-end, they can put me at safety. I’ll make myself comfortable wherever they put me. I just want to be on the field flying around.”