Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Adel Ahmed

BC LIONS ROOKIE CAMP

The Lions are back: rookies look to crack main roster at training camp

May 11, 2023 | 4:18 PM

KAMLOOPS — More than a dozen rookies are looking to make a lasting impression on the BC Lions coaching staff in day two of rookie camp. It’s an opportunity for the players to show coaches if they have what it takes to make the opening day roster.

“We throw a lot at these guys as far as learning our playbook and understanding our schemes,” Offensive Coordinator Jordan Maksymic told CFJC Today. “The guys need to be able to pick that up mentally and show that they can learn and translate the things in the classroom to the field.”

For a number of players, it’s their first taste of what it’s like playing football in Canada, let alone the Canadian Football League. And that means adjusting to the rules.

“The extra man on the field and definitely the receivers being able to move,” Xavier Williams told CFJC Today. “I’ve got to adjust to it and learn how to get used to it and I think i’ll be fine”

Stay Ahead of the Curve with Kamloops' Trusted Property Manager - Rohit Kumar

May 20, 2025

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: You can't have your cake and eat it, too

5h ago

Two and Out

PETERS: Funny how some psychoactive substances are acceptable in public and some aren't

Jun 13, 2025

“It’s a wider field and longer,” said Cole Blackman. “There’s an extra person in the box so I think learning the offensive things, I had to really account for an extra person when I’m trying to line up. I’m like, ‘Okay, there’s three people over here. Normally, there should be two.'”

As the rest of the rookies go through the next few days in camp, Maksymic and the coaching staff understand being more sharp with the plays will follow.

“There’s a lot on their plate right now. As they get comfortable with their surroundings, as they get more comfortable with the way we do things, we definitely expect them to ramp up into just being more comfortable and performing at a higher level.”

The rest of the veterans will join the Lions when training camp begins on Sunday (May 14).