All the patience and hard work has paid off for Justin Renfrow.

After years bouncing from various practice squads in the NFL, Renfrow signed with the Stampeders this past off-season in hopes of getting in some playing time.

His hard worth ethic and drive will be rewarded as the 27-year-old makes the trip to Montreal as the Stampeders take on the Alouettes Friday night.

“I am really excited but I’m not putting in any steps before each other,” Renfrow said. “I’m taking in the coaching every day and just making sure I’m prepared mentally before getting too excited. The biggest thing is to go out there and help the team win, then be excited after.”

With the offensive line losing players due to injuries and Renfrow impressing during practice, head coach Dave Dickenson felt like the first-year CFL pro was ready to take the field in a game setting.

“It’ll be a big challenge for him and Montreal’s defence is right there with the best in the league,” Dickenson said. “But he’s a strong, young and athletic player who has been to a few NFL camps and has really progressed.”

Renfrow signed with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2014 and would then join the Green Bay Packers practice squad, the Seattle Seahawks practice squad as well as spending time with the San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills.

Despite signing with many teams, Renfrow never saw game action. But instead of giving up, he took his football career north and now finds himself ready for his first regular-season game since his senior season at the University of Miami in 2013.

Since training camp, the Philadelphia native has grown more comfortable with the CFL style of play and gives all the credit for finding his form to offensive line coach Pat DelMonaco, not to mention his new teammates on the O-line.

“I’ve really enjoyed the transition and the game,” Renfrow said. “Pat DelMonaco is a really great coach and I feel like he was able to teach me the whole game from a different perspective and put me in a position where I am able to contribute this early.

“Spencer (Wilson), Randy (Richards), Ucambre (Williams) and the whole offensive unit have been helping me out and telling me that I can contribute and helped me get to this point.”

And, although excitement is high, he’s determined to stay focused.

“Really, for me,” he said, “it’s going to be to keep my head up and do my job. See where everything is and go to work.”