It may have been just an appetizer, but what comes next could very well be a full-course meal.

After all, he only has his first game, first start and first (partial) season in Calgary under his belt.

Javien Elliott made his CFL debut in last year’s regular-season finale against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after signing with the Stampeders halfway through the 2021 campaign.

The then-rookie defensive back tallied four tackles, one knockdown and a 23-yard fumble recovery as the Red and White rallied for a fourth-quarter comeback heading into the playoffs.

“It was cool,” said Elliott of his inaugural outing, while also referring to the weather in Southern Alberta back on that Nov. 20 afternoon. “And I remember it being a cold game.”

A Panama City, Fla., native, Elliott graduated from Rutherford High School in 2011 before attending Gulf Coast Community College and Tallahassee Community College – two schools without football programs.

From there, he spent one year on the scout team at Florida State University before head coach Jimbo Fisher awarded him a scholarship in time for his senior season.

In 12 games with the Seminoles, Elliott proved he was ready for the bright lights, recording 37 tackles, two forced fumbles, one interception and one sack.

Next up was a pair of NFL stints as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2016-18) and Carolina Panthers (2019). His two interceptions across four years in the NFC South came off a pair of former No.-1 draft picks in Cam Newton and Jameis Winston.

“I definitely think my time in the NFL is an advantage,” offered Elliott regarding his pro football path compared to others arriving in Canada fresh out of the NCAA or U Sports ranks. “Anytime you can play the game at that high of a level is a good thing. I think that’s prepared me for this opportunity.”

Stamps team president and general manager John Hufnagel is expecting big things from Elliott in 2022, offering up his name regarding Calgary’s plans for the secondary. Tre Roberson, Jonathan Moxey, Branden Dozier and Raheem Wilson are viewed by many as starters heading into training camp, with Elliott also vying for a consistent spot in the defensive backfield.

“Javien Elliott was a young man that came onto our roster last year and got into a game later in the season,” said Hufnagel via a media call on the eve of February’s free agency. “We have high hopes for him.”

As for Elliot’s own outlook on coming back to McMahon, the former walk-on is no stranger to having to prove himself. He is looking forward to joining the team for training camp and letting things unfold from there, ultimately pushing for plenty of playing time.

“I think I’ll be more comfortable being out there (on the field) and doing what I do,” forecasted the Stampeders’ No. 7, currently stationed in Orlando. “I’ll head up there in May when things start going again and I’m going to go out there and just be playing football and having fun at the end of the day.”