Meikle of Kamloops makes move to fullback from receiver at B.C. Lions training camp

“It’s definitely a big learning curve, but all the coaches have been great,” Meikle said after the first mini-camp practise of 2026 on Thursday at Hillside Stadium. “It’s just me as a fullback in rookie camp. It’s been a lot more one-on-one coaching and getting more reps, so it’s been nice.”

Both Bond, formerly of the Okanagan Sun, and Meikle, a receiver for the Kamloops Broncos, are from the Tournament Capital.

Meikle, 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, can feel the clock ticking on his pro football aspirations and remains determined to play in the CFL.

“I’m getting older and I’ve been here for three years now, so just with the progress we’ve been making and building, it’s kind of led to this year,” he said. “There is something to fall back on (he is eligible to continue his B.C. Football Conference career with the Broncos this season), but there is more pressure in that sense.”

There has been growth each year since his first camp experience with the Leos in 2024, when he dressed for a pre-season game, but did not play.

Meikle saw his first pre-season action last year, taking the field on more than 10 special teams plays against the Calgary Stampeders in Langford.

Lions’ head coach Buck Pierce said he wants to see more growth from Meikle.

“Now, just expanding his role a little bit, seeing where he is and how he adapts to that role being a little bit closer to the box,” said Pierce, the second-year Lions’ bench boss. “He looks great. He’s moving well. You can tell already he’s ahead in the playbook and understanding what we’re trying to do. I’m excited to see how the rest of camp goes for him.”

Meikle knows his best shot to squeak onto the roster is likely through exemplary work on special teams.

“Just what Jacob Bond did,” Meikle said. “He cracked the roster by special teams. I talked to him and he loved it. That’s kind of what I’m hoping for.”

Added Pierce: “Understanding CFL rosters and the importance of special teams… the majority of our roster is made up of guys who make the team on special teams. It will be important for him.”

by Marty Hastings

Meikle of Kamloops makes move to fullback from receiver at B.C. Lions training camp

Our Community