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Q. It will be a big challenge. The Eskimos have a completely new coaching staff, and the strength of the 2016 roster looks to be the offence — a major change from last year when the defence led the team for much of the season. Do you see it that way?

A. “When you go into the season you want to have strength in all three areas,” Hervey said, adding later, “Mike (Reilly) is a phenomenal player and we have Adarius (Bowman) and Derrell (Walker) and some other play makers and our O-line is very solid.

“I think our fans would enjoy seeing a team that can be more explosive than it was offensively last year, but also maintain that intensity on defence.

“We believe all three of our units will be good and disciplined. No doubt there is a challenge for this team heading into 2016. It will be interesting and enjoyable to watch Jason (Maas) working with Mike in that quarterback-quarterback relationship and seeing Jason (Maas) call plays for this football team.”

Q. How will the previous experience rebuilding the Eskimos’ roster help this time around?

A. “The objective has always been to build a consistent operation on and off the field. The task remains continuous. I’m always prepared with a firm understanding that changes will occur from year-to-year and we must continue to evolve to maintain a high level of consistency.”

Q. Are we seeing a change in free agency? Is this the beginning of a trend of big name players testing the market?

A. “We will find out. This will be a test between those players who want to have a long career in one city and those who want to bounce around from team to team and make the most money possible in their career. In the end it can work both ways, it can work for or against you.

“I’m concerned the days where players embraced community and found opportunities outside the field are slowly coming to an end in all markets. Many players look at what the other guys are getting and they want more. The new age of the CFL is slightly different, and there is more compensation for players due to the cap. Teams are going to pay who they prioritize, but I think we could see bigger names moving more often from team to team.”

You can listen to Gregor weekdays from 2-6 p.m. on TSN 1260, read him at oilersnation.com and follow him @jasongregor on Twitter.