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“That little bit at the end of the year definitely helped me because for the most part the playbook is the same so I feel like I’m coming in with a lot of knowledge,” Gray said.

“It has been longer than what I’m used to since I last played real football. I got in for a couple of plays at the end of last year, but it’s been a long time since I’ve had pads on and really been going. It’s not like I’m nervous or apprehensive about it but it just feels good to get back into it.”

Gray could get a challenge for a starting job from another first-round draft pick.

Drew Desjarlais, picked fourth overall out of the University of Windsor just a couple of weeks ago in the CFL draft, signed a contract with the Bombers Wednesday and was on the field later in the day.

He’s a top prospect at guard and some observers believe he’s ready to start right away.

“Training camp is full of opportunities and every day you’re trying to win that spot,” Desjarlais said. “I wouldn’t expect anything less than a great competition.

“That’s kind of what drives the game of football, winning that spot, not wanting to lose, winning that game, winning that play.”

Even before the draft, Desjarlais believed Winnipeg would be a good destination for him, as the Bombers lost both Chungh and all-star centre Matthias Goossen (retirement).

He said he plans to bring the same kind of game he displayed at Windsor to the Bombers offensive line.

“Just the run-game nastiness,” he said. “That’s been my reputation through the whole process and I’m sticking with that. I like that.”