With Stamps training camp under way and the first pre-season game against the BC Lions in just eight days, things are already getting intense at McMahon Stadium.
Head Coach Dave Dickenson has already put his veterans on watch, letting it be known that everyone has to earn a job — even Bo Levi Mitchell. With a number of jobs open on both sides of the ball, many returning players and newcomers are giving it their all to make the club.
Here’s five things you should be keeping an eye on during camp.
1. A CALLING FOR COLLING
Ever since the Stamps jumped up the draft board to select defensive linemen Randy Colling with the sixth overall pick, fans have been interested to see what he can do on a CFL field.
Same with the Stampeders coaching staff.
Unfortunately for Colling, he has been held out of rookie camp and training camp practices because he is waiting for a custom-fitted knee brace. But the wait to see the team’s top pick is nearing an end as Dickenson believes he will be set up and good to go by Wednesday.
2. BACKING UP BO
One of the biggest position battles in camp is figuring out which pivot will earn the No.-2 slot behind Mitchell.
Dickenson has told Mitchell that he will be limiting his reps throughout the shortened pre-season schedule to get a better look at his three possible backups: Andrew Buckley, Mitchell Gale and Ricky Stanzi.
“I have to give them enough practice time,” Dickenson said. “All three of them have looked good. I’m not saying there’s a clear-cut favourite right now, but I like what I’m seeing.”
Make sure to catch their pre-season performances because the results in those games will be a deciding factor in earning a roster spot.
“It’s a big piece, but it’s not the only piece,” Dickenson said.
3. SECOND-YEAR SUCCESS
They took different paths to success in Year 1, but both Alex Singleton and DaVaris Daniels ended the season as stars in the CFL.
With a full year under their belt and an off-season of hard work behind them, can these two Stamps get even better in 2017?
The short answer is yes.
Singleton played in every game as a rookie, but the linebacker didn’t get a consistent spot in the starting lineup until about halfway through the season. Once he took hold of the job, he held it for the rest of the year. He finished with 65 tackles and three forced fumbles.
The dynamic defender has the potential to get even better in his second year as he is more comfortable in the defence and within the league.
For Daniels, he didn’t make his debut until mid-August in a game against the BC Lions as the receiver put up four catches for 66 yards. That was just the start, as he racked up 885 yards and nine touchdowns for the season.
Daniels, who looks like he hit the weight room hard during the off-season, should surpass his rookie numbers by simple virtue of playing an extra seven games. Could the 2016 Rookie of the Year haul in 1,000-plus yards this season? Absolutely.
4. FIRST LINE OF PROTECTION
There are a few questions here. Who will replace left tackle Derek Dennis? How will the rookies perform during the pre-season? And can the line stay healthy during camp?
Let’s start with the first one. Since we’re only through two days of camp, it’s hard to say if anyone has truly separated themselves from the pack to win Dennis’ old job at left tackle, but returning vets Ucambre Williams and Randy Richards figure to be in the middle of the battle. Others who could challenge for a roster spot are international rookies such as Justin Renfrow, Mike McQueen, Devonte Danzey and Antoine McClain. It’s a strong group of athletes, but at this point, let’s give an edge to the guys who have been here and know the playbook.
After two days of rookie camp and one day with the veterans, the rookies don’t look out of place and that’s about as much as you can hope for at this point.
The Stamps have been limiting several veteran players in early camp in an attempt to keep them in tip-top shape throughout the pre-season schedule.
5. PRE-SEASON ACTION
Football is back and you can watch your Stamps in a pre-season contest on Tuesday, June 6 as they host the BC Lions.
This will be your first chance to catch the 2017 roster in action as the game will not be televised. Come check out the rookies, the new faces and, of course, all of your favourite veteran Stamps.
Just five days later, on June 11, the Stamps will be travelling north to Edmonton where they will play their second and final pre-season game. Fans will be able to watch this game on TSN as part of their CFL pre-season broadcast.