EDMONTON - Marc Mueller is trying to take it all in.
The University of Regina Rams quarterback is at the Edmonton Eskimos training camp and does not look out of place among the veteran CFL pivots and rookie gunslingers competing for jobs.
“It’s been a dream kind of deal for me to get a chance to come to a CFL camp, compete and get a chance to get better,” said Mueller. “It’s great working with these guys.”
The grandson of CFL legend Ron Lancaster, Mueller will be heading back to Regina this fall to lead the Rams.
Prior to that, however, the Regina product will get a chance to suit up for the Eskimos when they face the Roughriders in an exhibition game on Friday.
“That will be cool,” said Mueller. “I’ve played on that field 100 times, but that will be a first for me, playing a CFL game. It’ll be a great experience.
“I’ll have a lot of family and friends in the stands.”
Mueller is one of five quarterback currently at camp.
Apart from bringing him in for the experience, the six-foot, 200-pound pivot provides another arm for the team in order to keep the receivers busy.
“I think having him here helps him understand how things work at the professional level,” said Eskimos offensive co-ordinator Marcus Crandell. “He’s handled it very well and he’s taking all that we’re teaching him. He’s learned a lot, I’m sure. You can’t get this type of experience anywhere else.
“It’s good for him to get a chance to practise with the pros and execute at a high level.”
Last season, Mueller threw for 2,437 yards for the Rams. He was passed over in the CFL draft, but signed as a free agent with the Eskimos.
“This is going to help me with the Rams next season,” said Mueller. “Any time you’re on the football field, you’re getting better. But when you get a chance to go out there and practise with guys who have been playing for over 10 years in the CFL, it’s going to help even more.
“These last three weeks have been great and hopefully I’ll be here for a least another week, and I play well on Friday. Then I can go back and try to lead my team to the Vanier Cup.”
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