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“They’re going to have to catch up to the rest of the class because we are not going to wait. … They have to keep up with everybody because we can’t slow down for them,” Campbell said, adding that coaches would spend one-on-one time with those who deserved the opportunity.

“We are never going to turn a guy down because early on he might be a little bit behind on the learning curve. If he’s a good player and a good football player, we’ll find time to make sure he catches back up.”

Roster battles sort themselves out

“Let me put it this way,” Campbell said. “The smart veteran guys that have a good long career always are on their toes and know there are guys coming in to try to beat them out, and then the good rookie guys that find a way to get on the roster, they can do whatever is asked of them. Whether that’s (because) they can do multiple roles on offence or defence or whether they can play special teams, all that type of stuff, if you see something in a guy, that’s where you find a spot for him.”

There will be surprises

Spring mini-camp is intended not only to familiarize all players with assignments and terminology, Campbell said, but also to minimize the surprises that come with training camp.

It can’t eliminate them, however.

“That happens when you put the pads on and the lights come on because there are some guys that are gamers and really show up in a game,” Campbell said, “which is obviously what matters. And there will always be two or three guys that step up and show that they’re capable.”

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Redblacks rookie camp schedule

At TD Place stadium

May 25: 3:30-5:30 p.m.

May 26-27: 8:30-10:30 a.m.