It’s time to defend the crown.

Reigning CFL Defensive Player of the Year Alex Singleton has plans on winning the award on an annual basis.

“First and foremost we want to go and win the Grey Cup,” the linebacker said. “That’s the ultimate goal.

“At the end of the day you still have individual goals and in terms of that, that’s first on my list to win Defensive Player of the Year and hold down the title I have. It’s a lot of work and dedication and I’m committed to it.”

The 24-year-old is coming off a career season which saw him record 123 tackles, four sacks and one interception, significant increases over his rookie season when he finished with 65 tackles and nine special-teams tackles.

Headed into his third CFL season, Singleton is determined to continue that upward trajectory.

“I’m trying to evolve my game more and more every year,” he said. “Being in the third year in the league you notice things you know now compared to what you didn’t know in your first couple of years. It’s all about adapting and outworking everyone.

“If you come in thinking you’re the best right away, you aren’t going to be the best at a certain point so it’s important to come out and work every day at the highest you can. End of the day, the good things will happen to the guy who is prepared. The ones who are the most prepared play the best.”

Last season also saw Singleton take more of a leadership role, both on and off the field.

He’s continued in that capacity during training camp at McMahon.

“Everyone here is good enough to play in this league or any league and have shown signs of that every day,” he said. “The things our group has been able to do has been amazing and I’m definitely trying to help them as much as I can.

“One thing passed on is to having the proper mindset. You can’t come in and think you are in mid-season-form day one of camp. You come in and build a foundation of little things and slowly build your way up and every guy has been doing that.”

As the Stamps get set for one more tune-up tilt before the start of the season against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on June 8, Singleton is more than ready to jump into the lineup after missing the first pre-season contest against the BC Lions last Friday.

“It saved my legs,” he laughed. “I’m just itching to get to out to Saskatchewan and play. Even though it’s only pre-season, you still want to walk away with the win.

“Either way, it’s the best time of year. Football is back and it’s time to go.”