The Stamps continued the tradition of Black Betty Day during Wednesday’s practice as they get set for their first preseason game Saturday against the Lions at 2 p.m.
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It was a damp practice, but the Stampeders were full go on the McMahon turf as the position battles heated up.
Guess what day it was today 🎶 pic.twitter.com/DgBPlRnVrD
— Calgary Stampeders (@calstampeders) May 22, 2024
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Stepping Up On The Defensive Line
The Stamps lost a couple defensive lineman to free agency over the offseason, including veteran Derek Wiggan who moved on to Montreal.
Mike Rose, who enters his seventh season with the Stamps, says he needs to further embrace a leadership role.
“It’s kind of like starting over,” Rose explained. “Derek Wiggan was the guy when I got here so now I have to take a different role and mentor some younger guys.”
Head coach and general manager Dave Dickenson reiterated the need for veteran guys on the line to step up.
“(Rose) has been a good player and a good leader,” said Dickenson. “I think he can up especially that second part since we did lose Derek Wiggan. Mike has to be that veteran voice but we have other guys, too. James (Vaughters) hasn’t been with us (Julian Howsware) hasn’t been with us as long but they’re veteran players, they’re hard workers, they’re tough guys.”
Defensive Back Battle
The defensive backfield will see some changes this year.
Demerio Houston came over from Winnipeg to play the corner opposite of Tre Roberson. As for where everyone else fits in, that’s still TBD.
Dickenson spoke about how he has liked his DB group so far.
“We’ve had more hands on balls and actually finished some interceptions,” explained Dickenson. “I think it’s a very competitive group. I’m anxious to see once the lights are on who shows up. DB’s have to have the quickest memories, meaningeveryone is going to get beat, but how confident are you in yourself; that play is over I’m going on to the next one and I’m confident I’m going to make it.
“Demerio has fit in well, bringing him in at the corner. Tre has accepted switching sides and he just seems to be stronger. I like what I’m seeing. Good battles, though there is a lot of good young talent and we’re happy with that group. We will see who does it when the lights come on.”
One player who has started making plays is 2024 draft selection Ben Labrosse, who had a knockdown yesterday in 12-on-12 drills and an interception today. Dickenson gave his impressions of the first-round pick.
“Any of the guys who go to the rookie mini-camps in the NFL, it’s definitely worth their time,” said Dickenson. “It does hurt him because they miss that foundation of rookie-camp (with the Stamps). Ben hadn’t really played anyway, he missed a full year of football, but he made a play today that was a great play and he is starting to, I think, feel more comfortable.
“He’s got a lot on his plate, let’s see where he takes it, but I like what I am seeing.”