Calgary Stampeders linebacker Kyle Wilson is feeling fully engaged as the team enters Day 13 of main camp. The veteran, now in his sixth CFL season, acknowledges that his head was "all over the place" when he joined the Stampeders late last June, but a full training camp and a clear role have restored his confidence.
"Honestly, my head was all over the place, even when I got here," Wilson said. "It was just having to learn a new playbook and entering a new locker room — I wasn't sure how guys would welcome me in."
The 30-year-old Wichita, Kansas native struggled mentally after being released by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats early last season. However, he views his second chance in Calgary as a blessing. "Having another opportunity here in Calgary was definitely a blessing, because a lot of guys sometimes get cut and do not get another opportunity," Wilson added. "Using this as another opportunity just to excel has been great."
Wilson made an immediate impact in Monday's exhibition win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders, intercepting quarterback Jack Coan early in the 20-15 victory. "They say they come in bunches," Wilson said with a smile. "So I'm looking to stack on that."
The Stampeders are counting on Wilson to fill the void left by Jacob Roberts, the team's leading tackler last season who departed for NFL opportunities. Wilson's 2024 season with Hamilton included 88 tackles, two sacks, one interception, and a forced fumble, and the Red and White hope he can replicate that production.
Linebacker Depth Chart
The Stampeders' linebacker corps is a strong unit, featuring a mix of veterans and rookies. Here is the current roster:
- Kelechi Anyalebechi (No. 51, 25, 6'0", 234 lbs, Incarnate Word)
- Morice Blackwell Jr. (No. 23, 23, 6'1", 214 lbs, Texas)
- Marquel Lee (No. 8, 30, 6'3", 233 lbs, Wake Forest)
- R.J. Moten* (No. 48, 24, 6'0", 226 lbs, Florida)
- Tyreem Powell* (No. 49, 24, 6'4", 249 lbs, Rutgers)
- Eric Rascoe* (No. 41, 25, 6'1", 214 lbs, Angelo State)
- Olivier Ruest* (No. 24, 24, 5'11", 215 lbs, Laval)
- Micah Teitz (No. 42, 29, 6'0", 230 lbs, Calgary)
- Kyle Wilson (No. 2, 30, 6'0", 230 lbs, Arkansas State)
* — rookie
With Wilson's experience and the depth of talent in the room, the Stampeders are optimistic about their linebacker group heading into the season.
