The big red spotlight is finally focused on Drew Tate.  

No longer will Tate be out of focus on the sidelines, no, now Tate is the main man in Calgary.

Following an impressive audition at the end of last season and in the playoffs, Tate assumes the mantle of the Stampeders’ starting quarterback.

Does he have any concerns about taking over the most visible spot on the field?

“Itching. Just itching to get back,” sad Tate in a recent interview.

Knowing full well that he will be under heavy scrutiny in his new role, Tate has already invested considerable time in his preparation.

“I lived in Cleveland for about three months just to get ready,” he noted.

“I worked with a coach on some position-specific things like the core and a lot of shoulder work.  It’s amazing the science that goes into training athletes.  The people were awesome.”

“Right now this is the most important thing in my life, except for family, friends and faith” he added.

Tate took over the starting role for the final three games of the 2011 season, and impressed head coach John Hufnagel to the point where he anointed him the starting pivot for Calgary’s playoff game against the Eskimos.

However, his run of success would end in Edmonton. Tate completed just five passes for 99 yards and an interception, en-route to being replaced by Henry Burris in a 33-19 loss to the Eskimos.

“Edmonton did a good job. We were able to run the ball, but our passing game just couldn’t connect. I wasn’t seeing the field well in the first half,” reflected Tate.

“I don’t get paid to make judgements on coaching decisions. I get paid to produce and I wasn’t producing.”

So how does Tate plan on rebounding from the last time he was on a field?

“You learn from it,” he added,” I sat and watched the game again in Cleveland.  I sent coach (Dave) Dickenson a text.  He just said to learn from what happened and move on.”

Obviously, as a keen competitor, it stung Tate to be watching Burris take the final snaps of the 2011 season. But was there any tension or resentment between the two proud quarterbacks? Far from it says Tate.

“What I liked about Henry, is he brought it all the time to every practice” gushed Tate.

“I was never a great practice player but I saw what he did. I was able to ask him questions all the time. It was a true blessing to be with him for three years. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him.”

Burris was dealt to Hamilton in the off-season.

Being around Burris for three years, means Tate has a substantial bank of experience to draw from.  He may lack playing time, but he has more than made up for it with his observations, research and intuition.

Having two successful quarterbacks in Dickenson (offensive coordinator) and Hufnagel around is obviously a great resource to draw from. Both have substantial experience in the spotlight as starting QBs.

Tate takes over an offence that scored a CFL-best 51 touchdowns last year.  

Canadian running back Jon Cornish returns and appears poised to add to his impressive totals of last year.

A veteran receiving core led by Nik Lewis is also at Tate’s disposal. The Stampeders are also hoping for more stability along the offensive line.  In 2011, injuries forced a never-ending series of changes to the group.

Now it is up to Tate, on a full-time basis, to pull all those elements together.

And, soon, he will become accustomed to rolling down his window, realizing all those at the red light are really look at him.