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May 21, 2018

A Package Deal

Receiver Anthony Kelly attempts to make a catch during training camp. Photo by Candice Ward

They’ve done just about everything together.

Receiver Anthony Kelly and running back Terry Williams have been working towards their football dream in lock-step.

“We really did this whole professional thing together,” said Kelly.

“It’s been a long road,” Williams added. “We were roommates in Kutztown for about a year and then he graduated and went to a place called TEST Football Academy to train for the combine and I left school early to join him.”

“Coming out, we went down to the Florida All-Star game, then we did the regional combine together,” Kelly continued. “We went down to Jersey to train together at TEST and we actually were on the New York Jets together for a while. So we’ve been doing pretty much this whole process together.”

While Kelly continued to pursue NFL opportunities in 2017, Williams was hard at work in Calgary helping his team make another Grey Cup appearance.

And Kelly took notice.

Add in a good word or two from Williams and the Stamps brought in the 6-foot-2, 210 lb receiver.

“I told all the coaches and I told him,” said Williams. “The day I tried out for Calgary I told him to do the same thing, but he was still getting calls from the NFL. He saw all my production last year and saw me do well, so he’s like, ‘Look, where’s the try-out?” I talked to coach and he came to the try-out, he killed it and now he’s here.”

The tandem suited up for rookie camp on May 17-18, which was a great introduction to the CFL for Kelly.

Now into training camp, Kelly is starting to feel comfortable with the playbook and the Stamps offensive schemes.

“It felt a lot better than the other days,” admitted Kelly. “I was struggling with the playbook a little bit, but I think I’ve got it now. My wind wasn’t a problem, but it was more in my mind, it was racing with all of the plays coming in.

“Physically I feel ready, so once I get it down mentally I’ll be able to play fast and be able to produce for the team.”

It helps to have a familiar face guiding him through the rigors of training camp, as well.

“It’s awesome,” said Kelly of having Williams around. “It makes me more comfortable out here, having someone to go to, someone to talk to. He gives me the heads up on what to do, what not to do, what not to do around the vets and save me from some awkward situations and things like that.”

As a very big, athletic receiver, Kelly is a fan of the Canadian game. The waggle is a tool that he’s excited to take advantage of.

Especially for a guy who likes convert on long passing plays, getting to top speed quickly is essential in beating the defensive backs one on one.

“The motion, with the long strides, once I get going at top speed, that eight yards to jog is a huge help rather than standing still,” said Kelly.

“I like going deep, I like taking the top of off the coverage, but I think I can do a little bit of everything as a receiver. I’m more of a long strider, so that’s why I like to go deep, but I’m comfortable in the slot, with the short routes, the double moves.”