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He believes that’s a result of the Esks’ recent success.

“Part of it is you realize what kind of opportunity we have here, and what type of team (championship calibre) we have and the good group of guys we have, so you want to make the most of it.

“You get older and you realize you are closer to the end than the beginning, and you want to take advantage of every year you have left. It has been the best off-season I’ve had. Everyone is going to have a down day, but when you have that many guys to pick you up, you are getting great work in every week. It made a big difference for me,” he said.

Sorensen said he’s in the best shape of his career. He’s leaned down and is faster. Rottier also feels quicker and stronger, but Rottier feels the benefits from training together every day will go beyond just being faster and bigger.

“It is one of those things with the o-line. The more you hang out together, the more you get to know each other and the more trust there is. You see the other guy working hard, and you want to keep up. It builds that trust, and it will help with continuity when we get on the field.”

Last year, there were many questions surrounding the offence heading into training camp and the season. The defence was the backbone of the team until the offence got healthy in September.

This season, the roles are reversed. The defence lost three starters in Dexter McCoil, Aaron Grymes and Otha Foster, and the offence will be the strength of the team early on.

Their play-calling will be more aggressive. Mike Reilly is healthy. They have two all-star receivers in Adarius Bowman and Derel Walker, the o-line returns five starters, and some young backups are pushing for jobs.

All of them are in the best shape of their careers.

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