Bishop still figuring out Canadian style of play

Adjusting to ‘the way you guys play ball over here’

He is known as Freddie Bishop III, but he’ll be the first in the family to try to make a name for himself on the gridiron.

“I’m starting a new generation,’’ the newest member of the Calgary Stampeders said with a laugh. The 23-year-old was signed to a free agent deal earlier this week and placed on the practice roster.

While his grandfather owned his own auto sales business for 44 years, Bishop’s engine runs on adrenaline that comes from playing football and doing it rather well. A native of Inkster, Mich., the defensive lineman played four seasons with the Western Michigan University Broncos and first caught the eye of the Stamps’ staff at their camp this past spring in Florida.

But the NFL sidetracked Bishop for a spell, as the Detroit Lions signed him to a free agent deal right after that camp. He also took part in a mini-camp put on by the Green Bay Packers.

“It was a great experience, even though it was short-lived,’’ he admitted. “I was sad about that. Getting to meet guys I looked up to since I was little and talk to coaches who have years and years of knowledge of the game. I learned a lot from them.’’

And that was when the Stamps pounced on the 6-foot-3, 251-pounder.

“I went out there, put my best foot forward in camp. I knew they liked me so I made sure I didn’t burn any bridges with them,’’ Bishop explained. “They welcomed me with open arms, so I’m grateful for that. I get along well with the other guys. They’ve been giving me different pointers; coming from playing American football, this is a big change, a yard off the ball and all that. So I’m just taking my time trying to get adjusted to the way you guys play over here.

“Before I came here, it was like, man, you’ve got to learn fast. I’m a quick

I’m starting a new generation FREDDIE BISHOP III ON BEING THE FIRST IN HIS FAMILY TO PLAY PRO

FOOTBALL

learner, anyway, so I knew I’d be all right. I came down and have just been taking it day by day and ingesting as much as I can from my teammates and from the coaches.’’

INJURY UPDATES: No news was not good news for quarterback Drew Tate as he was still unable to throw the football on Wednesday, ensuring that he will not play in the rematch against the Montreal Alouettes on Saturday at McMahon Stadium … Defensive lineman Charleston Hughes did not practise for the second straight day and his condition (wrist injury) will be monitored again tomorrow … Offensive lineman Jon Gott, meanwhile, wandered the field helmetless, nursing a sore elbow. “He really didn’t finish the game last week and it’s still pretty sore,’’ said head coach/GM John Hufnagel. “It felt better today, though, so we’ll see what happens.’’