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If there had been a prize for the first fans at Ottawa Redblacks training camp, Justin Hubers and Dylan Hines would have won.

A slotback for the senior Cumberland Panthers and a fullback for the Acadia University Axemen, respectively, Hubers and Hines were in the stands of Carleton University’s Keith Harris Stadium by 7:30 a.m. Sunday, a half-hour before the Canadian Football League’s newest team began its first workout with more than 80 players.

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“It said online that fans could watch. We both play football, and we’re big football fans,” Hines said. “We figured it was going to be packed.”

It wasn’t, although eventually about 100 spectators were scattered around the grandstand, including a noticeable numbers of minor football players who had participated in a weekend camp nearby.

“No. 2! No. 2! No. 2! Jovon Johnson! Jovon Johnson!” several young footballers chanted in a bid to earn acknowledgement from the veteran defensive back.

“How do you know my name?” Johnson said with a wave at the youngsters. “What team y’all play for?”

The Junior Ravens, they responded.

“Just to see the kids and how they’re into it, it definitely lets you know that somebody looks up to you,” Johnson said later. “You just want to make them proud and do whatever you can to keep them happy.”

Johnson was CFL defensive player of the year in 2011 with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and was one of the higher-profile free agents to sign with the Redblacks in February. He previously played for Redblacks head coach Rick Campbell and defensive co-ordinator Mark Nelson and as a teammate of defensive backs coach Ike Charlton, so they’re familiar with what he can do and he knows what they’ll expect.

Not so for Travon Patterson, a first-year wide receiver and kick returner who beat even Hubers and Hines through the gates. He was on the field more than 40 minutes before practice, stretching.

Patterson spent one season with the National Football League’s San Diego Chargers, but he’s just one of 16 receivers trying to earn roster spots for maybe half that number.