Stamps defensive back Jaydon Grant excited to take big step in Year 2

The Calgary Stampeders are preparing for their first pre-season game Monday against the defending Grey Cup champions, the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Jaydon Grant had a steady rookie season for the Calgary Stampeders.

The 27-year-old defensive back finished the year with 35 defensive tackles and three interceptions.

He says he learned a lot from that first season in the CFL.

“It takes a while to get adjusted to the CFL game and all of the unique ways the game is played,” said Grant.

“It definitely took me probably half of the year to really get adjusted and the second half of the year to really get comfortable and feel like myself and play above-the-neck football.”

Coach wants to see step forward

The CFL is a long season, and Grant had a bit of a lull because he wasn’t used to it.

Head coach and general manager Dave Dickenson wants all of his rookies from last season to take a step forward in their second season.

He says he’s happy with what he’s seeing from Grant.

“He got his body right,” said Dickenson.

“If you look at him, he’s stronger and leaner. He just looks good and understands what it takes to get a full season.

“I do feel like his voice is stronger, and you can tell exactly what he’s doing, and he’s leading the guys.

“You can’t be a leader as a rookie—it’s too hard—but I do feel like he’s really upped his game.”

Being a leader and using his voice is something Grant says he will be more comfortable with in Season 2.

“I was taught ball was like the better you can teach it, the better you can know it,” he said.

“Once I really understood it and once I had a deeper understanding of the scheme, I felt like it’s my responsibility as a guy that can see it all from the position that I play to better help the guys around me and be in position to make plays or, overall, for the defence to have success.”

Got married

Grant also had some big changes in the off-season. He says he got married to Daelyn in February.

“It’s just a blessing to be able to find your person and to be married,” he said.

“We just thank god every day, and she’ll be up here in June, so I can’t wait for that. It really does just allow me to focus on football, and I’m just so thankful because she allows me to chase it so passionately.”

Daelyn is the daughter of former NFL defensive back Anthony Newman.

The Stamps open up the pre-season on Monday as they host the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Kickoff for that game is 1 p.m. at McMahon Stadium.