Stampeders add four receivers to rookie roster

Another day, another batch of rookie camp signings for the Calgary Stampeders.

On Wednesday, the team announced four new receivers who are set to get their shot with the team when rookie camp kicks off on May 25, and they’re each making their way north after spending time trying to break in with NFL teams.

Most recognizable among the four — at least to Stamps fans — is Marken Michel, a 23-year-old who spent 2 ½ weeks on the team’s practice roster in October. Michel is a University of Massachusetts grad who signed with the Minnesota Viking as an undrafted free agent in May of last year.

The new signings also includes Reggie Begelton, Lamar University’s all-time leader in catches (227) and yards (2,435). Begelton is new to the Canadian game, but attended a rookie mini-camp last year with the Atlanta Falcons.

A.J. Cruz, a three-time firstteam all-Ivy League receiver out of Brown University also signed after playing for two seasons in the Arena Football League, while Henderson State-product Darius Davis signed after leaving the school as the all-time career leader in receiving yards, catches and receiving touchdowns and signing with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent.

While it’s unlikely that any of the receivers will be breaking into the starting lineup on Week 1 of the regular season, the success of DaVaris Daniels in 2016 should be encouraging for the rookies.

After signing as a free-agent on May 9 of last year, Daniels broke into the starting lineup in Week 9 and would go on to collect rookie of the year honours, so there’s certainly every reason to believe that Stampeders head coach Dave Dickenson is perfectly happy to give young receivers a shot if they earn their opportunities.