Courtesy Hamilton Spectator:

Lots of sunshine, blue skies and green, green everywhere.

Tiger-Cat football is back. The rookie version.

The unofficial launch of a new Canadian Football League season kicked off yesterday when some 42 players hit Ronald Joyce Stadium at McMaster University for the first rookie practice.

Two numbers to keep in mind.

The first is four. That’s how many more practices beginning today the newcomers have to make an impression.

The second number is seven. That’s the number who can expect to be sent packing Saturday.

The veterans report for their first practice Sunday and the team must have no more than 68, plus draft picks.

Still, head coach Charlie Taaffe was encouraged by what he witnessed yesterday. Most of the new recruits might be as green as the slick, shiny new stadium turf but many appear to feature skill, size and speed.

“Physically I think we have a good looking group. I was impressed with some of the quickness I saw on the defensive line. We had some bigger, stronger looking receivers. I felt the quarterbacks did a nice job. I think we have a couple of offensive linemen who look pretty good.

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