Nate Behar has always marched to the beat of a different drummer.

That was no different in his first year in professional football and it’s no different during his first offseason. In this case, though, the beat wasn’t as smooth as he would have liked it to be.

The talented pass-catcher from London, the fifth player selected in last spring's Canadian Football League draft, went through a learning experience on and off the field with the Edmonton Eskimos.

He hopes to be able to impart the wisdom he’s learned on the field to young receivers at an extended receiver camp he’s going to hold in London. Formula 11 is an eight-week camp that goes twice a week.

Behar is a three-time Ontario university all-star, two time all-Canadian and the Carlton Ravens all-time leader in receptions. His CFL draft position is an indication that his talent was acknowledged.

But from there it got difficult for Behar. There was a nasty contract dispute that saw him miss training camp and the preseason. He finally signed a contract that was one year and an option on June 21. It’s difficult as a Canadian rookie at a skill position to break into the starting lineup. A Canadian rookie at a skill position who's missed the start of the season after a nasty contract dispute is really behind the eight ball.

Behar dressed for 12 games, seeing most of his action on special teams.

He says it took a little time to get adjusted to the team, especially after the public battle over the contract. There is always some resentment with a holdout.

“It was not exactly storybook, but it’s all part of the story, so it’s fine,” Behar said. “For the most part it didn’t take very long for the guys to find out that I wasn’t what the media made me out to be like. Plus what I made myself seem like, it was a joint effort. But people realized pretty quickly I was OK.”

Behar was always a quick study and physically was prepared to play, but making the jump from university to professional football is difficult, especially going from being the main guy in university to fighting to a roster spot.

“There was definitely some mental curve there,” he said. “It was tough because I didn’t necessarily get a shot -- again because that was my fault for not being there. The position I was playing was an American spot in practice. I was frustrated at times thinking, ‘Gosh, I had a good practice,’ but it didn’t matter,” Behar said.

“So I would have little hissy fits at times when I was on my own. But in sober, clearheaded thinking, I thought I was a rookie, saving hits on my body and getting ready for next year. At the end of the day, it all worked out.”

When it was all said and done, Behar said his first year was a learning experience, something he can pass on to other players.

“I thought I could have made a difference playing, but that’s just me,” he said. “I got great coaching; the vets were great. They were hands-on. They had something to say to me and it was always positive reinforcement all the time, all the time, all the time.

"I have a very clear picture in my mind what I have to do to improve for next year. I don’t want to be just a good Canadian receiver; I want (people) to say I’m just a good receiver.”

Behar also took pride in what he did on special teams.

“I was given lots of responsibility on special teams and it felt like that they would trust a rookie enough to be put in a position to make calls on special teams. There is a silver lining to everything,” Behar said.

So Behar is going to take this offseason to prepare for next season and run his receiver camp.

The camp, which runs Jan. 10 to March 10, will have several instructors, including former Western Mustang and now Montreal Alouettes receiver George Johnson and weekly speed training by Steve Hendriksen, who has worked with numerous professional football players. There will also be guest coaches and coaches will work with small groups.

It and will include the mental, technical and physical aspects of receiving as well as a mentorship component.

There will be an in-depth film review session every week to improve technique, correct errors and allow players to see how well they’ve advanced from Day 1.

Behar said he wants the camp to be based on those in which he participated in the United States where the focus was on a particular position from a young age.

“I’ve always wanted to do a camp in London,” Behar said. “This is the first time I’ve had time to do it without school . . . I just want to bring a technique-based camp for receivers here.”

More information can be found at Facebook at Formula11 football or email nateformula11@gmail.com.