We’re back.

Rookie camp is open, as players new to the CFL took to the McMahon Stadium turf for their first practice this morning.

There are 50 participants competing for a job with the Red and White this year, including one rookie quarterback, four running backs, nine receivers, seven offensive linemen, 13 defensive linemen, two linebackers, 12 defensive backs, and a kicker.

Rookie camp practice is open for fans to watch. Those attending practice must enter through the southeast gate and sit in the east stands. The team has its next two sessions on Thursday, May 9 from 9:20-11:10 a.m., and Friday, May 10 from 10:05-11:25 a.m.

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‘Good Young Talent’

CFL coaches and scouts spend the winter looking for new talent, trying to find the next great star.

Now, they can evaluate the athletes they’ve found and see if they have what it takes to remain a permanent fixture on the roster.

“The draft class is important, but I also think our influx of talent on young Americans has to make a big impact and take us to being that team we want to be,” said general manager and head coach Dave Dickenson.

“We didn’t do a poor job in free agency, we got some guys we like, but we always try to find fresh guys. Guys that are looking for a start and I think we have got some really good young talent.

“We hope that they fit in and push our vets, and we’ll see how the final roster sets up.”

‘Back On The Field’

Although he is a rookie to the CFL, receiver Auden Tate has plenty of pro football experience.

The 27-year-old was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft. From 2018-21, Tate played 35 games for the Bengals and had 61 catches for 799 yards and two touchdowns.

Since then, he’s spent time with the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles (2022), and Arizona Cardinals (2023).

“I wanted to get back on the field,” said Tate. “When Calgary called me in January, and I talked to (receivers coach) Nik Lewis on the phone and it was a no-brainer for me. I wanted to come here and play for this team.”

Embracing The Pressure

The Stamps made a trade on draft night, swapping their pair of second-round picks with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for an extra in the first round and adding a selection in the third. They moved up to pick Washington State offensive lineman Christy Nkanu, and he’s embracing the pressure that comes with being a high draft choice.

“It feels good for sure, but it also puts a little pressure on,” said Nkanu. “I have to come in every day and perform but I’m embracing it, and it feels good to be back on the field.”

“Every day I show up and try to get one percent better.”

Sights and Sounds from Day 1