43 hopefuls report for rookie camp at McMahon as a new CFL season looms

43 Stampeders rookies reported Wednesday to McMahon Stadium.

Canadian Football League (CFL) rookie camps opened Wednesday and the time for newbies to shine is brief.

The first-year players are on the field for just three days before the main camp opens Sunday, with the CFL regular season just around the corner.

A total of 43 hopefuls took to the field at McMahon stadium Wednesday for Day 1 of rookie camp.

The quarterbacks are also able to join them for these sessions.

It’s hoped that some of the rookies can offer competition when the veterans open up camp on Sunday, and maybe some of them will be good enough to make the team roster.

Head coach Dave Dickenson said there wasn’t a lot of energy but that’s to be expected with a bunch of players trying to get a feel of what to expect.

“The big thing is to try and build a foundation and knowledge,” Dickenson said, “so that when we install or get going with the main guys that they’re a little bit ahead of maybe what a true rookie would be.”

“You’ve got to try and make it as even of a playing field as possible, but it’s tough,” he added. “Three days -- I mean it’s just really difficult,” Dickenson added. “But if you have a chance to try the guys that can make it through the first two cuts and get to that first pre-season (game), that’s where football players are decided.”

The first pre-season game is on Monday the 18th, when the Stamps host the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Saturday, the club is hosting a Jr. Stampeders Camp which includes a chance to participate in drills run by the rookies, an appearance by coach Dickenson, a ticket to the home opener, an official Jr. Stamps Camp t-shirt and a swag bag.

With files from CTV’s Glenn Campbell