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And he wasted no time making the most of his opportunity with a big gain on the ground on the fifth snap of the day.

“I came out here and competed, that was the main thing,” said the five-foot-eight, 205-pound Mississippi State product, who finished out last season on the Eskimos practice roster. “I wanted to run the ball well and also protect the quarterback. The O-line did a great job up front blocking for me and open the hole so I could make plays that I should be able to make.

Named to the second-team all-Southeastern Conference during his time as a running back with the Bulldogs, Perkins also had some kick return work on his resume, which is a big bonus on a roster that parted ways with a more than capable backup like Shakir Bell in the off-season, simply because they need one who can also be a return man.

“I’m just trying to fit in where I can and make plays and try to make this team,” said Perkins, 26, who made brief stops with the NFL’s Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts before joining the Eskimos for the final month of the 2016 season. “I’m just chipping away and trying to find somewhere that I can stick, a home for me.

“I’ve enjoyed the camp, everything is going well.”

Under review

Friday’s mock game included its fair share of penalty flags thrown by actual officials who were invited to participate, running the gamut from time-count violations and off-sides to defensive pass interference.

And Jason Maas couldn’t pick a better time for his players, both new and returning, to knock off some of the rule rust or get more familiar with the Canadian brand of the game at the pro level than in training camp.

“We had more penalties (Friday),” the head coach said. “But that’s to be expected when you have the referees out for the first time looking at everything and judging every play.”

NEXT UP:The training camp grind resumes with two-a-day practices Sunday from 8:30-10:15 a.m. and 10:25-noon at Commonwealth Stadium.

Email:gmoddejonge@postmedia.com

On Twitter:@GerryModdejonge