Courtesy Montreal Gazette:

So, how would you like to be in Marco Thomas’s skin today as a rookie receiver trying to crack an Alouettes roster that already boasts Ben Cahoon, Kerry Watkins, Brian Bratton and, once he recovers from pneumonia, Jamel Richardson?

That’s three 1,000-yard receivers from 2008, for those of you keeping score at home.

“I know what’s at stake. It’s very important. I’ll take care of business,” Thomas said. “It’s big, my first CFL game. More than anything I have to give myself (the chance to make) a good first impression for all to see.”

Rookie camp’s over and nine days of training camp workouts are in the books. Now, finally, comes the opportunity to play a game, albeit an exhibition encounter against the Toronto Argonauts tonight (7 p.m., CJAD Radio-800) at the Rogers Centre.

At least Thomas gets the opportunity to start.

With Anthony Calvillo remaining at home, second-year CFL pro Adrian McPherson starts at quarterback and is expected to play the first half. He’s scheduled to be relieved by Chris Leak, with Ricky Santos coming on in the fourth quarter. The Als brought 62 players to Toronto, and head coach Marc Trestman has vowed to get them all in, or at least try.

Any athlete who has made it this far can obviously play and has some talent. Thomas has spent time in the NFL, with the New York Giants and Jets, San Diego and Oakland, making it to the Raiders’ practice roster. But that doesn’t mean there’s an opening for him in Montreal.

The odds are stacked against Thomas and most rookies. Training camp lasts less than three weeks and there are only two exhibition games. Considering many veterans will start next week, when the Als entertain Winnipeg, this could be Thomas’s only opportunity to show what he can do under pressure, in a game situation. It might be unfair, but who said life’s fair?

“I’m excited to see the new guys play … to see the newer guys under the lights,” Trestman said. “Are they dependable, reliable and durable? I’m excited to see what they can do.”

Trestman believes a player makes a team during camp workouts. That, he said, is where a coach determines the consistency and performance level. “But that doesn’t mean you don’t make it in a game,” he stressed.

“The situation’s important under the lights because of the stress and tempo factor. You’re playing against guys for the first time. The structure will be simple, so they can perform. Still, I don’t look at one (game) performance as being conclusive.”

Thomas is one of many rookies to be closely scrutinized tonight. Take Chris Jennings, a running back who will be rotating with Brandon Whitaker against the Argos. Both are attempting to dislodge starter Avon Cobourne and his backup, Mike Imoh.

“A lot of rookies are playing for their future,” Jennings said. “I’m not going to say I’ll be spectacular. I’m no superman. You see the situation and, when they call your number, you’ve got to be ready.”

Jennings came to the Als, albeit briefly, last season from the Arizona Wildcats. He arrived at camp near the end, had little time to learn the playbook, and dressed on

special teams for the season opener. And then he was promptly released.

“At least they gave me the opportunity to come back and have a fair shot,” he said.

Andrew Hawkins, a talented slotback, is expected to play the second and fourth quarters, Trestman said, and could return kicks. That will make up for his late arrival at camp and temporary suspension.

“You have to go in with the mindset that it’s all or nothing,” Hawkins admitted. “I’ve worked all my life to get to this point and it’s a dream come true. You want to make plays, but it’s tough. It could come down to luck. I’d like to think the harder you work, the more luck follows you.”

De’Audre Dix will play the first half at cornerback in an attempt to unseat veteran Mark Estelle. It’s a high mountain to climb.

“I try not to think about that and get caught up on who’s in front,” said Dix, another player right out of college. “You just want to show the coaches you can play. Take what they teach and bring it to the field. You’ve got one shot. Seize the moment and show the coaches you can play.”

Notes – Santos could get an opportunity to punt against Toronto, Trestman said, although Damon Duval will play. … Linebacker Reggie Hunt, yet to appear at camp because of a shoulder injury, has been placed on the retired list, meaning his return isn’t imminent.

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