It’s a golden opportunity to take the ball and run with it.

Literally.

The Stampeders backfield will look a lot different this season with the departure of Jerome Messam and absence of Roy Finch, giving rookies Romar Morris and Don Jackson the chance to seize a job with the Red and White.

“It’s a blessing to be out here and I’m so thankful for the chance,” Morris said Thursday as the team opened their rookie training camp on a wet day at McMahon Stadium. “The first thing coach said in the meetings before we got started was that someone here could be the one to rush for 1,000 yards. It’s a huge opportunity to come out here and compete for a job.”

“It felt wonderful to get at it,” added Jackson. “I haven’t been on the field in a while so it feels like the first day of school with the nerves and excitement.”

Morris spent four seasons at the University of North Carolina, which saw the Salisbury, N.C., native make 13 starts in 50 career games and finished with 1,024 yards and 12 touchdowns on 213 carries. He also made 54 receptions for 499 yards and two touchdowns, returned 27 kickoffs for 597 yards, and ran back two punts for 11 yards.

Jackson, meanwhile, spent his collegiate days at Nevada for three seasons after transferring from Iowa Western Community College. He had 2,318 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns on 520 carries, as well as 23 catches for 269 yards and two touchdowns.

The pair of backs both spent time at NFL training camps and on practice squads prior to signing with the Stampeders: Morris with the New York Jets, and Jackson with the Green Bay Packers.

Although the Canadian game is different, both are using their past experiences to aid them in their quest for a roster spot.

“Both leagues are cutthroat and you need to take advantage of every day,” Jackson said. “You want to make the best of opportunities because you don’t want it to slip away.”

“You have to really sink your teeth into it,” Morris added. “This is your profession, it’s your job it’s not just something you want to do for fun. This is your life. You have to give it 110% every day.”

Rain aside, their experience with the Stampeders so far has been a positive one.

“I honestly didn’t know what to expect leading up to it,” Morris said. “Once we got here they welcomed us with open arms and it’s just been a great atmosphere making all us rookies feel a part of the family.”

With main camp set to open Sunday, the duo know they have a long road ahead to lock down jobs.

“It’s all about not looking too far ahead,” Jackson said. “You try to stay in the moment, worry about right now and today. All the dominoes will fall where they are supposed to. I know this is going to be a good group and I’m really excited to be a part of it.”