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“It’s very different,” said the New Mexico State product. “If you don’t have technique, you’re going to get exposed. For real.”

He played only four games in 2017 for Ottawa, then all 18 for B.C. last year.

“I honestly would say that playing all 18 games last year made this year better for me. It opened my eyes and gave me confidence. But I don’t know what else to tell you. It’s not like I go out every game and focus on interceptions. It just so happens that the plays have come to me and that’s the only thing I can say. I am nothing without my brothers. I give credit to everybody playing their part.

“If you look at it, most of my interceptions are coming off of pressure, D line or linebackers getting pressure on the quarterback. Like I said, I am nothing without my brothers, my teammates. We all complement each other.”

Rose was part of the free agent exodus out of Vancouver earlier this year, as the Lions moved bodies around to accommodate the big-money signing of quarterback Mike Reilly. He said it didn’t take him long to identify Winnipeg as the place to be.

“I did my homework on teams in general, and Winnipeg showed interest in me. They were one game from making it to the Grey Cup last year so that made it easy for me, to see how they finished off last year.

“There were other teams. But Winnipeg was the only team that gave me a security blanket, saying this is what we’re offering, we want you to come, so this decision is on you.”

He signed a one-year pact and already feels at home in the Peg.

“The whole city of Winnipeg is just different as far as the fans, the coaches. Every day I ride by the stadium, we have a sign that says CFL’s loudest fan base, and it shows every home game. Just having that environment and that camaraderie and community support makes it great. They welcomed me with arms open. I feel it’s home here.”

dbarnes@postmedia.com

Twitter.com/sportsdanbarnes