The football off-season continues to deprive REDBLACKS fans of action at TD Place and around the country. Whether it’s a playoff run in the Nation’s Capital or even a full-field punt return touchdown by Diontae Spencer – the fans and the City of Ottawa must patiently wait for the 2018 CFL season to kickoff.
Fortunately for fans and players, the Ottawa REDBLACKS will hit the field for the first time this spring as mini-camp takes over TD Place from April 23-25.
The camp roster will feature primarily REDBLACKS rookies while a handful of veteran players preparing for their first season in Ottawa will also be in the mix. The quarterbacks, led by Trevor Harris, will also take part.
“We bring in mostly rookies, a select number of returning veterans and any newly acquired veterans at skilled positions,” said REDBLACKS General Manager Marcel Desjardins. “We can’t have guys in pads therefore were not bringing our offensive or defensive line guys.”
The REDBLACKS management will get a close look at how some of the new acquisitions slide into their system and schemes. For rookies, it’s their first opportunity to show that their ready to hang with the vets.
“The objective is to bring everyone up to speed,” said Desjardins. “We have to evaluate a lot of new players versus returning players and see what direction we want to go in.”
The schedule for mini-camp will be divided between a rookie practice in the morning, followed by a full group session in the afternoon for the first two days. The final day will feature one full group practice.
Mini-camp is the first real chance for Campbell and staff to evaluate players and start making decisions. By May 1, the REDBLACKS have to start cutting down the roster – advice from Desjardins is “don’t make any assumptions and put your best foot forward.”
Not only does mini-camp provide a great opportunity for players and coaches to get acquainted when it comes to playing styles and on-field presence – it offers REDBLACKS fans the very first glimpse at potential full-time starters for the new season.
All sessions at TD Place are open to the public. Video recording is strictly prohibited. Fans can enter the north side field seats via the field gate entrance located near Gate 1.
The full schedule is as follows:
Day 1 – Monday, April 23
- Rookie practice: 10 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.
- Full practice: 4 p.m. – 5:40 p.m.
Day 2 – Tuesday, April 24
- Rookie practice: 10 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.
- Full practice: 4 p.m. – 5:40 p.m.
Day 3 – Wednesday, April 25
- Full practice: 9:30 a.m. – 11:10 a.m.
