CALGARY - Adrian Davis welcomed an old friend.
And a new opportunity.
With the Calgary Stampeders’ addition of defensive end Shawn Mayne earlier this week, Davis was reunited with his longtime buddy and business partner in Montreal-based Athletic Academy.
The signing also solidified Davis’ status as the CFL club’s new go-to guy at defensive tackle.
Mayne doesn’t have much experience playing the interior, leaving Davis as the only non-import option to fill in for injured Canadian starter Corey Mace.
“I guess it’s always better when they don’t bring somebody in at your position. It says something — that they feel comfortable with the guys at that position,” Davis said.
“Funny enough, Shawn Mayne is a good friend of mine. I’ve known him for over 10 years, so I’m happy that he’s got a job and to see him here.
“And at the same time, I think it does show that they’re pretty secure with what’s going on and that they feel comfortable with the guys on the inside.”
Mace, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon during last week’s loss to the Toronto Argonauts and is awaiting what will likely be season-ending surgery, watched Tuesday’s workout at McMahon Stadium from the sidelines.
Davis won’t be doing much standing around while Mace is out. The 29-year-old from Greenfield Park, Que., arrived in an off-season trade with the Argos and is the only member of the four-player swap — the Stamps also acquired receiver Reggie McNeal, with defensive lineman Miguel Robede and pass-catcher P.K. Sam going the other way — that earned a job with his new squad.
There was speculation the Stamps would re-sign Robede to help out at his old spot, but Davis has it all to himself for now. Barring a last-minute change of plans, he’ll be in the team’s starting lineup for Friday’s meeting with the B.C. Lions at Empire Field (8:30 p.m., TSN, QR77).
“They brought me in here for a reason,” Davis said.
“They told me from Day 1, ‘Just be ready to get snaps and get ready to play.’ And that’s what I’ve been doing. I feel like they have confidence in me, and I feel like every practice, I’m coming out and doing a little bit better.
“Losing Corey is a huge loss. The guy is a great football player. He brings a lot to the table. The bottom line is I’ve got to step my game up. Especially last week, I didn’t play terribly, but I didn’t play great, either, and they need more from me. It’s that simple.”
Replacing Mace, who spent parts of three seasons with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills before joining the Stamps, is a tall task, but Davis doesn’t seem willing to settle for anything less.
“That’s what I’m hoping to do. That’s what I feel like I have no choice but to do,” Davis said. “I mean, it’s now or never. I’m 29 years old.
“I only have so much time left in this game, and I want to take advantage of every moment. I want to make a statement to this team and to this coaching staff that I’m a guy that they don’t have to worry about at this position.”
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