It didn’t take long for the Stamps’ second-round pick in the 2016 CFL Draft to switch allegiances.

A Mississauga, Ont., native, Juwan Brescacin grew up rooting for the nearby Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Toronto Argonauts but has no complaints whatsoever about heading west to dawn the Red and White.

“It means a lot to me,” the former Northern Illinois receiver said when asked about being selected by the Calgary Stampeders. “Growing up I was always a fan of Hamilton and Toronto but I’ve always watched the Stampeders and they’re always a team that has competed for the Grey Cup or has been in the running for it. I just want to be a part of something like that. I have family out in Calgary and just having that there for me is a big deal to me.”

On the edge of his seat Tuesday night waiting for his name to be called, Brescacin got word of his selection in a rather unique way. While the televised coverage of the draft concluded before his selection was announced, Brescacin was then following along online, but his friends and family beat him to the punch.

“My reaction was kind of interesting because we tried to get the draft on the computer and it kind of was frozen,” explained No. 15 overall pick and third wideout off the board. “People started calling and texting me saying I was a Stampeder before I even knew I was a Stampeder. When I finally saw it, I was really excited, but I had a feeling of relief knowing I was going to a great team with a great opportunity for me.”

Registering 88 receptions for 1,242 yards and 17 touchdowns over his last three seasons as a member of the Huskies, Brescacin is ready to prove his collegiate playing days have adequately prepared him for the next level.

“I learned a lot during my college career,” the journalism major stated. “I think I came a long way and learned a lot about the fundamentals of playing receiver with route running and blocking and creating separation. I think a lot of the stuff that I learned in college and the competition that I faced will have me prepared for the pros.”

The six-foot-four, 230-lb. Brescacin was first drawn to basketball before making the switch to the gridiron and feels as though his unique skill set is due in large part to his early days on the hardwood.

“I think me playing basketball transitioned over for me really well because high-pointing the ball and having natural hands is something that I’ve realized isn’t as common as people might think it is,” offered the 23-year-old. “Just playing basketball from a young age kind of makes football a natural fit for me, especially at the wide receiver position.”