The time is now for 21 year-old Kamloops football product Colton Meikle.
The Kamloops Broncos All-Canadian receiver and Westsyde graduate opens up his 3rd BC Lions Training Camp Wednesday evening at Hillside Stadium.
“Now I’m 21 so it’s getting to the point where it’s one of those make or break years. I’m just trying to lock in and get after it for the next month,” said Meikle in conversation with Radio NL’s Jon Keen.
The BC Lions would tend to agree.
Vice-President of Football Operations Neil McEvoy is excited to get another look at the 6’4” receiver.
“Colton is still a young man, but he’s getting to the point now… it’s time to step up. In talking to (Colton) he’s excited about the opportunity,” McEvoy stated just a day before he headed to Kamloops to begin the three-day rookie camp ahead of Main Camp arrivals on Saturday.
“I know the pathway, with Jacob (Bond) last year we kind of worked together in a way,” said Meikle.
Bond made the BC Lions playing special teams and eventually saw limited action in a defensive role. The South Kam Grad became the first Kamloops product to make the CFL in years going back to Brad Yamaoka’s time in the league.
“(Jacob) was a big help for me,” continued Meikle.
Meikle says he’s added to his already large frame without giving up quickness.
“I’m pushing 234-240lbs right now and my 40 (yard) sprints are at the same time or even a little quicker… I definitely put in a lot of work his off-season.”
Last year, he dressed for the Lions first pre-season game in Langford and saw limited action on special teams. He hopes to take another step this year and make the team full-time.
More BC Lions Training Camp information is available at www.bclions.com. The team’s schedule for rookie camp is below. Practices are open to the public at Hillside Stadium.
Wednesday, May 6
Walkthrough: 5:00-6:00 pm.
Thursday, May 7
Practice 1: 10:15-11:50 am.
Practice 2: 4:30-6:00 pm.
Friday, May 8
Practice: 3:00- 5:30 pm.
