Stamps quarterback Vernon Adams to see his first action as Stamps wrap up the pre-season

The Calgary Stampeders will wrap up their pre-season on Saturday night, and it will be a Battle of Alberta as the Stamps take on the Edmonton Elks.

It’s not hard to spot Calgary Stampeders quarterback Vernon Adams at practice. He’s the one constantly talking and pumping positive energy into his teammates.

Adams has stepped into he role as one of the team’s leaders and that’s how he wants it.

“I lead by example and speak up when I need to,” said the 32-year-old out of Pasadena, California.

“I want to have fun though,” Adams added. “I’m not a drill sergeant type of leader, I’m me and not anyone else. I’m myself and have to take it how it is and that’s what it is.”

Great vibe at camp

Veterans on the team have certainly noticed a difference in this year’s training camp. Receiver Jalen Philpot says it’s more upbeat -- and he believes Adams plays a big role in that.

“It’s awesome how Vernon is one of those guys and you feed off of him,” said the 24-year-old.

“You know he’s going to show up with 100 per cent effort and ready to go. It’s one of those things and it’s easy to follow him and everyone wants to put their best foot forward.

“When you’ve got a leader and a guy that’s just taking action like that it’s really easy for us,” Philpot.

Will play Saturday

Head coach Dave Dickenson confirmed that Adams will see a lot of reps against the Elks on Saturday night.

“He should have I would say a good half,” said the Stamps’ skipper.

“I mean it’s hard to say you know if he can get in a rhythm and he gets a flow you know? Who knows (how much)? (He might get) 20 to 30 plays -- but he’s got to play.”

Adams says it’ll be great to finally line up against another team.

“I’m excited to get out there and play in the red and white,” Adams said. “I know a lot of veterans are excited, too, to get on the field and play against somebody else.

“I’m excited and building up to day one -- so I’m going to keep (on) working.”

Interacting with fans

Even though Adams didn’t play in the Stamps’ first pre-season game in Langford, B.C., he was still there cheering his teammates on.

He was also interacting with some young fans in the front row, chucking around a football with them.

Adams feels that’s an important part of the job.

“I think it’s important because when I was younger and I used to go to USC games and different games like that, I would’ve loved to play catch with the guys,” he said. “I never really had it though so I put myself in their position and it’s okay to just go out there and have some fun with them, right?”

Stamps and the Elks on Saturday night at McMahon stadium, kickoff for that game is at 7:30 p.m.

The Stampeders are offering two-for-one tickets for the game.

They open the regular season June 7 hosting the Hamilton Tiger Cats at 4 p.m.