The folks who flip a coin in the air, look into the future and advise us of weather trends say Wednesday afternoon is going to be a mix of sun and clouds, with a high of about 29C.

That would be just fine with the Ottawa RedBlacks, who will open their rookie camp at Carleton University's Keith Harris Stadium Wednesday from 3:30-5:15 p.m. The RedBlacks expect many sunny days in Year 2, after an inaugural CFL season that fell short of expectations. A 2-16 record won't cut it this time. The RedBlacks have spent the past couple of months leading into training camp using the "P" word. Playoffs. To them, it's not a pipe dream, it's reality.

"There's a sense of urgency this year to keep building and to keep getting better," said RedBlacks coach Rick Campbell on Tuesday. "We want to get better and we need that to show in the win column. We're not interested in talking about the number of wins. Our goal is to make the playoffs, that's it. We want to do this right for the city of Ottawa and for the fans. The fans held up their end of the bargain last year, now it's our turn to return the favour."

Among those at the rookie camp will be first overall draft choice Alex Mateas, an offensive lineman from Ottawa, and second-round pick -- receiver Jake Harty. Interestingly, their first two draft choices play positions where the RedBlacks beefed up through free agency in the off-season. SirVincent Rogers was signed to play left tackle, while Greg Ellingson, Chris Williams, Maurice Price, Brad Sinopoli and Ernest Jackson should make the receiving corps elite.

There will be 30 or so RedBlacks (players with six games or fewer of CFL experience) on the field Wednesday-Friday, with the main training camp opening on Sunday. The coaches are revved up to get out there after a long break since their 2014 season ended with a 23-5 loss in Toronto.

"It's been a long time," said Campbell. "You spend a lot of time at the office watching film. Everybody is excited to get back on the field. Our goal as coaches in the next three days is to get them working so they can compete with the veteran guys. Usually, you're hoping out of this that you can find a rookie or two to help you out. For us, there could be three or four or even more who come in and help right away."

Being in their second camp, the RedBlacks will be better prepared and familiarity will be a factor.

"We've spent a lot of time self-scouting," said Campbell. "We did a lot of things right and we need to correct other things we have to be better at. We came into camp last year, we didn't know the players and the players didn't know the coaches. We've seen many of these guys so there's not that same period where you're figuring each other out."

And while it'll be all business as the RedBlacks try and sort out who will make their final roster, there will also be a balance to the intensity.

"My job with the coaching staff, with the training staff, with the medical staff and the strength coach is to make sure we not only work hard, but we work smart," said Campbell. "It's a big factor in professional sports, how healthy you can stay."

It'll also go a long way in determining how close they really are to that "P" word.

REDBLACKS CAMP

When: May 27-June 19

Where: Carleton University's Keith Harris Field

The cost:Free. There is paid parking on site.

The scoop:May 27-29 will be a rookie camp, just for players with six games or fewer of CFL experience. There will be 30 or so players on the field.

The times: The first practice, on Wednesday, goes from 3:30-5:15 p.m.; practices Thursday and Friday go from 8:30-10:15 a.m.

Main camp: Begins Sunday - 8:30-11:55 a.m.

Twitter: @timcbaines