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There is much in the wording of the B.C. Lions’ press release that is familiar for a training-camp hopeful.

The Leos have invited a random receiver to camp whose name is completely unfamiliar to 99 per cent of all football fans. Said receiver is a rangy 6-3, 190 pounds and demonstrated enough athletic ability at a recent scouting combine to intrigue the Lions coaching staff.

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Every year, a dozen or so of these players show up at Lions camp and disappear, never to be seen or heard from again.

There’s just one difference with this particular dude. He played with the powerhouse Thonon-les-Bains Black Panthers in the elite division of the French Federation of American Football last season and he’s from Le Mans, France.

“We didn’t go to France to scout him,” advises Lions GM Ed Hervey.

Pity. That would have made a great feature and I, for one, would have volunteered to write it.

“I don’t see it being a distraction,” Hervey continues. “It’s been talked about so much and so often, I think all the coaches and players understand where we are in this project. They’re going to get their opportunity and compete. It’s football.