An unknown commodity headed into training camp has now made himself officially known.

Linebacker Jameer Thurman joined the team a little later than the other rookies as he was signed on the eve of main camp after the others first-year players had already gone through four practices. Despite the late start, the Chicago native proved to the Stampeders management he is capable to play in the CFL and was rewarded with a roster spot.

“I was excited,” Thurman said after getting the good news. “It was a long training camp that started a little slow for me, but then I started to pick it up during the pre-season games and showcased my skills. I was just so relieved when I found out.”

The former Indiana State linebacker left quite an impression in his first game playing three-down football, racking up two sacks and causing havoc whenever he was on the field when the Stamps defeated the BC Lions 23-18 in the pre-season kickoff.

Making plays is nothing new for Thurman – he finished his college career with the Sycamores with 340 tackles, 11th all-time in the school’s record books.

Thurman during a pre-season game on June 6, 2017 (Photo by David Moll)

Head coach Dave Dickenson took notice of his strong performances throughout camp and sees the potential for a long CFL run for the 22-year-old.

“He makes things look easy and he’s growing,” Dickenson said. “He’s a very fluid and smooth athlete and could be a real good answer at linebacker for a long time.”

With the regular season on the horizon, June 23 is marked on his calendar as that’s the date the Stamps travel to Ottawa to battle the RedBlacks to start the 2017 CFL campaign. If Thurman gets the call, this will be the first official professional football game of his career, a moment he has dreamt of for years.

“It’s here. This is something I’ve been working for my entire life,” Thurman said “I’m just excited for the opportunity and looking forward to making the most of it.”

And, when and if he steps foot onto TD Place Stadium turf, there will be nerves and emotions as he takes a moment to reflect on all those who helped him along the way.

“All my family, coaches, and teammates, they’ve all helped me to get to this point and made me who I am today,” Thurman said. “I’m going to go out there and show them what I’ve become. Go and represent everyone who has helped me to where I am now.”