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“And the goal post is right there (in the end zone)? Come on, man. That’s crazy. There are a lot of things that are different from American ball.”

On top of all the CFL nuances, Carr also has to get up to speed on Edmonton’s schemes in time for their first pre-season game. It’s a tough take for anyone, let alone somebody who got here four days late.

“There is catching up to do,” he chuckled. “I have to get the playbook down. Me and coach are going to go in afterwards and spend as much time as we can before Sunday so I can hopefully be on the field. That’s the biggest thing, learning the playbook.”

It’s a major challenge, coming in late and trying to figure out a league he’s never seen before, but the Esks wouldn’t have brought him in if they didn’t feel he could do it. And they’re very interested in what the finished product is going to look like.

“Another big D lineman,” said Maas. “We’re always looking for interior guys. We feel like we’ve got about four in there but you always need that depth. He is someone we were intrigued about from the scouting department and we had room to make the move. We’ll see what he’s got.”

Carr is excited to show them. After attending Bengal mini camp last year and playing spring league ball in Texas this spring, he’s been looking for a chance.

“I was working out, waiting on a call, seeing what my agent had for me and (Esks director of player personnel) Paul Jones called me directly. I was surprised but at the same time very excited. I’m really happy to be here.

“When you’re down in the States it’s mainly college ball and the NFL, but the CFL has a couple of tryouts going on in Atlanta so guys are familiar with it. My coaches at West Georgia are familiar with it and so is my agent. I had to read up on it, see what it’s all about, and I’m very pleased.”

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rtychkowski@postmedia.com