Being the flag bearer and leading the team out onto the field is a privilege not everyone gets to experience.

So when the Stamps captains told rookie Adam Laurensse he would be the one to carry the flag at Tuesday’s pre-season game, he thought he was being punked.

“I thought they were playing a joke on me,” laughed Laurensse. “I found out later on that they were being serious, so I had to figure it out.”

“It was crazy running out the flag and all. It was a pretty awesome experience.”

In four years with the Dinos, Laurensse played in 32 games and recorded 74 tackles, 11 interceptions, and 13 pass breakups. He also earned first-team Canada West honours in each season (2013-16).

Having played at McMahon Stadium during his time with the University of Calgary, Laurensse was comfortable on the field Tuesday.

“It’s just another football game on the same field, so it’s all the same,” said Laurensse.

But even with his comfort level at McMahon, he had some butterflies before the game.

“It was good to get that first play over with and get the nerves out of the way,” Laurensse admitted.

The 6-foot-1, 183-lb. defensive back was a seventh-round selection (61st overall) in the 2017 CFL Draft. Now competing against top tier athletes has been one of his biggest adjustments to the pro game.

“Just bigger and faster guys,” said Laurensse. “I’m still getting familiar with the speed and size of everybody.”

Laurensse played well in coverage in his debut and was credited with three defensive tackles in the contest. Despite not making any flashy plays, Laurensse was pleased with his performance against the Lions.

“I played quite a bit,” said Laurensse. “I thought I did my job and I didn’t make many errors. There’s always room for improvement, but I thought I played well.”

“Just knowing my assignments more, being more physical, and getting my body in the right place to make blocks.”