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“The scouting department’s done a great job going out and locating the players we feel are going to give us the best opportunity to win and now it’s time for the coaching staff to get the eyes on them,” Maas said. “So when you go out and watch guys that are on the field in green and gold that are part of what we do, it’s always going to be an exciting time of year.”

Eskimos scouts and coaches have been hot on the talent trail on the open tryout circuit throughout the U.S. since March 11, and mini-camp offers the first chance to see it all start to come together alongside a few players already under contract.

“It will be the quarterbacks and a small group of guys, whether they were on the practice roster last year or guys that we just feel like we want to see a little bit more of,” Maas said. “We think it’s important at times to get them down there.”

As for the potential new recruits, a final number was still being compiled in the days leading up to mini-camp, but last year’s outing at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Fla., saw 54 invitees.

“Right now, it’s a fluid number,” Maas said. “More than anything, we’re looking for the best players that we can find, get them all on the field, judge them and, from there, some of them move on.

“The guys we deem can make our team or give our guys a run for the money in (training camp at the end of May) are the guys that move on.”

The spotlight is on a number of positions that lost American starters from last year. Wide receiver Derel Walker (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and linebacker Deon Lacey (Miami Dolphins) went to the NFL in free agency this off-season, while other vacated spots include: D’Anthony Batiste at right tackle, cornerbacks Patrick Watkins and Cord Parks, as well as another American defensive tackle to start alongside all-star Almondo Sewell in a role previously held by Canadians.

GModdejonge@postmedia.com

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