Courtesy Calgary Herald:

Technically, every Calgary Stampeder prospect who hits the field Sunday morning at McMahon Stadium for the first session of Training Camp 2008 is on equal footing.

In theory, a new coach means a clean slate, and last season or the year before won’t necessarily enter into the equation come the final cutdown day, on June 21.

But in reality, a player’s body of work will make a difference when coach and general manager John Hufnagel starts wielding the axe in preparation for the ‘08 Canadian Football League season.

“Obviously, the veteran players have the first chance to prove it to me, and they will get every benefit of the doubt,” said Hufnagel.

“But that’s what training camp is all about, that’s what competition is all about. It’s a new year, you have to make sure you’re at the top of your game, and that you go to camp for one reason: to win your position.”

Which makes the next three weeks of work so crucial for the likes of defensive lineman Miguel Robede and linebacker Mike Labinjo.

As Hufnagel went down the roster Wednesday for the gathered media — the day before the Stamps’ rookies hit the field at McMahon for their first session at 8:45 a.m. — it was telling that he spent extra time talking about Robede and Labinjo. Not about what they can do; more about what they haven’t done, and that it’s high time they start doing it.

“That’s the thing. You tell me what they’ve done in the past,” said Hufnagel afterwards. “I have no starting point; I’m not trying to be wise or anything, but what have they done? You can’t tell me that because they haven’t been on the field enough. They will be on the field to tell me whether or not they can play football.”

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