Allen Cameron
Calgary Herald

CALGARY -- There was an exchange of money that marked Landan Talley's first official act as a professional football player, but it wasn't in the traditional direction.

No, this was money that went out of Talley's pocket and into the Calgary Stampeders' bank account -- the $80 fee that allowed Talley to try out at an open free-agent camp last January in Tampa, Fla.

Six months later, both sides of the transaction would have to say it was money well spent. The 23-year-old Floridian has been turning heads all through training camp with his combination of speed and good hands (as evidenced by the four catches he made in Sunday's pre-season win over Edmonton, tops for both teams).

"Man, this camp -- it's hard to explain," said Talley with a smile. "I'm living it right now. I'm enjoying myself, I'm having fun. But I still have lots of work to do."

What's more remarkable is that Talley was basically out of football last year after completing his final season in 2008 at Lambuth University. He'd actually been in contact before the 2009 season with Stamps defensive co-ordinator Chris Jones, who also has player personnel responsibilities with the team, but the lines of communication got crossed and Talley had no place to play.

"Last year? I spent it pretty much at the house," he said. "Just working out, trying to get workouts for diffe-ent teams, and just staying in shape. And I helped coach at old high school. Hey, I had a lot of fun, but I'd rather be playing."

So, he scraped together the $80 ( "The best $80 I ever spent," he said with a smile) and drove from his home in Jacksonville across the state to Tampa. What he did there was good enough for the Stamps to invite him to their main free-agent camp (no, he didn't have to pay this time) in DeLand, Fla., in March.

"That first workout? It was pretty decent," recalled Talley with a smile. "But at the next workout, I knew I had to turn heads and show them everything."

Evidently, he did that -- he signed with the Stamps, and has caught his share of eyes during training camp.

"Lot of speed, lot of wheels," praised all-star cornerback Brandon Browner. "He has good hands out there, and he's a young guy who's willing to put the work in."

Not to mention the money.


courtesy of www.calgaryherald.com