The Stamps will have some new faces lining up with their starting defence on Friday.

Two of them, linebacker Maleki Harris and defensive lineman Bryan Hall, will make their first ever start in the Red and White in a road matchup with the Ottawa RedBlacks.

“I’m just blessed that the coaches gave me an opportunity,” Hall said. “I feel like I’ve worked hard all training camp and I’ve earned this spot. I just want to show them what I’m made off.”

Hall, who will line up next to All-Star Micah Johnson, joined the Stampeders during the off-season after spending the past three seasons between the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Toronto Argonauts.

The 6-foot-1 behemoth stuffed runners in the middle of the field last season, while recording 33 defensive tackles and four sacks. He’s ready to put on his work boots and get things started on Friday.

“I just want to put my helmet on and do my job,” said Hall. “We’re an assignment-sound defence and the coaches gave me an opportunity and a responsibility and I’ve got to do my job and carry my load.”

Since joining the Stamps as a free agent back in 2015, Harris has done a majority of his damage on special teams. In his two season with in Calgary, the Tuscumbia, Ala., native has nine defensive tackles, 18 special teams’ tackles, an interception and a forced fumble.

With last year’s starting middle linebacker Deron Mayo still on the shelf with an injury that he incurred late last season, Harris has been thrust into that role.

And he doesn’t want to disappoint.

“I just want to be another cog in the engine, keep this well-oiled machine going,” said Harris. “We had one of the best defences in the league last year and I guess I’m just hoping not to be less than Mayo. Mayo’s a great player and I’m trying to fill the void.”

Last season, the Stamps defence ranked first in points-against (369), sacks (52), and pass knockdowns (80).

The duo are hoping to help lead the Stamps defence in hopes of putting up similar numbers again this season. But more so, they’re hoping the defence can be a difference maker in games to help them earn the most important stat: victories.

“I’m just out here trying to win, that’s it,” said Harris.

“That’s the game plan,” Hall said of trying to earn a win in Week 1. “We’ve been working hard, we’ve got a great group a tight defence. Coach Claybrooks does a great job with us and Coach Mace, all he guys.”

“I’m just excited.”