Stephen Adekolu admits football wasn’t always in his long term plans while growing up in Brampton, Ontario.

“I wanted to be a zookeeper,” the Nigerian-born wide receiver said with a smile. “Dating back to about first grade, I always loved animals.”

It was only after seeing his oldest brother Emmanuel’s kick return touchdown in a youth game Adekolu decided he wanted to pursue his own career on the gridiron.

After playing five years at Bishop’s, where he double majored in business and drama, Adekolu went unselected in the 2013 CFL draft and was contemplating a return to the classroom when the Lions came calling.

“It was a surreal feeling. I talked to my agent briefly and right after that it was on the phone with Shawn Gore to get the sense of numbers and where I might slot in.”

Adekolu and Gore were teammates at Bishop’s and the former says that relationship has helped him make great strides as a pro.

“Shawn’s been great since the day I signed,” Adekulo says. “He’ll give you all the details because he has been through it himself. A lot of players don’t get that from someone who is so close.”

Adekolu’s journey hasn’t come without having to stay patient. The 6’4, 200 pound receiver dressed for just six games in his rookie season, recording one catch and also spent time on the practice roster. His sophomore season provided more promise as Adekolu appeared in every game and became a reliable member of the Lions special teams unit.

“Playing special teams gives you the speed and allows you to gauge the strength of the game. People think special teams is not a glorious position, but I find it to be one of the most important aspects of the game,” Adekolu says.

With the offseason departures of Andrew Harris and Austin Collie, there appears to be room for at least one new Canadian starter on offence. Adekolu hopes an offseason of intense training will go a long way in securing a spot on the receiving corps when camp breaks June 16th.

Along with sessions from strength and conditioning coach Chris Boyko, Adekolu has spent time in Ontario working out with fellow CFL pass catchers Chad Owens, Andre Durie and Shamawd Chambers.

The third-year Lion was impressed with what Owens, who is one of the fittest CFL players you will see, had to offer. “Chad is a technician. He always has something to give you constructive criticism on whether its body posture or how many steps you need to run an out. It’s good to get that inside from another veteran player.”

Adekolu also takes great advice from the Lions teammates he works with in practice, particularly the two quarterbacks.

“Jennings is an exciting, young up and comer. Lulay will tell you how to run your route before you even hear the play. He helps guide young receivers into being comfortable with how things go.”

Adekolu’s offseason commitment and determination are impressive to his long-time football friend. “A lot of people have potential, but not everybody makes good on it,” Gore says. “He’s taken advantage of the opportunity. Just like any business you have to work your way up. In football you have to grind your way on special teams and do things most players don’t want to do but you have to.”

Gore, who turned 29 on Tuesday, believes Adekolu’s presence is also beneficial to him.

“It’s great having someone you know. He’s stayed over when he’s come to visit me in the city. It’s great having people around you go back with, the conversations are a bit deeper. It’s a pretty surreal experience,” Gore adds.

Even though his football career appears to just be taking off, Adekolu is already making plans for his next chapter. He’d like to continue to pursue acting. Prior to his fine arts experience in university, he performed in a few musicals, including a rendition of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. More recently he appeared in commercials for large retail company Dick’s Sporting Goods.

“Being out in BC in the offseason, I figure it is a good place to dive into acting,” the wide receiver says.

Adekolu has also put his business background to use serving as a consultant for My Road Workout, a mobile fitness company that promotes natural health. Giving back to youth is a big part of his off the field activity as well. Adekolu opened A.Mile Football camp in Sherbrooke, Quebec and is planning to open a children’s daycare in the same area.

In the unlikely event none of those work out, you know he has what it takes to be the best zookeeper in town.

Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com