A fresh start is just what the doctor ordered.

After a couple of difficult years dealing with injuries and sitting on an NFL practice roster, offensive lineman Josue Matias found his new beginning with the Stampeders.

It’s the perfect opportunity the 26-year-old was looking for when he checked into rookie camp last Thursday, and now he’s looking to make his mark in main camp.

“It feels amazing to get back out here and get back to playing football again,” Matias said. “Being away from the game for so long makes you start to miss it and itch to get back out there.

“I’m here to get better and also prove to myself that I can still play at a high level.”

The Dominican Republic product appeared in 47 games at Florida State from 2011-2014. After spending his freshman year as a backup, Matias took over the left guard positon and started in every game until he graduated, playing a major role in two undefeated seasons in 2013 and 2014.

His final year of college football was topped off with the team winning the BCS Championship.

“I was very fortunate to enjoy so much success during my college days,” he said. “The main goal is to win championships and keep winning games which we were able to do for the last two seasons I was there and that’s something I want to carry over to my time here.

“It doesn’t matter where you go, wherever you are playing, you always want to come out on top and win.”

After his final year of college, Matias signed with the Tennessee Titans but an upper-body injury took him out of action.

Now he’s getting another shot here in the CFL.

“It’s all about being patient,” he said. “There was a lot of waiting around but I just took it day-by-day and not let it bring me down.

“I’m so excited to be here in Calgary now. It’s a new experience for me and so far I’m loving every minute of it.”

As the first pre-season game for the Stampeders on June 1 against the B.C. Lions inches closer, the focus is set on learning the playbook and adjusting to the different rules.

“It’s a completely different dynamic and there will be mistakes along the way but the important thing is that you learn from them and correct it to become a better player,” he said. “There’s a lot to learn and a lot to study but that all goes along with being a pro football player.

“I’m ready to show what I’m all about.”