TORONTO — It’s been six months since Bo Levi Mitchell’s third-down pass hit the BMO Field turf at the 104th Grey Cup. And while it was only Friday that the REDBLACKS received their rings, Head Coach Rick Campbell says his team has long since moved on.

“[Winning the Grey Cup] was a great experience,” said Campbell. “What’s done is done. We’re always going to be proud of it but regardless of the result from the previous season, you have to move on to the next season.”

On Sunday, all nine teams will be on CFL practice fields for the first time in 2017 as training camps officially open. The next season is here and football is finally back.

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Kenny Shaw works on his fundamentals during REDBLACKS mini-camp (Chris Hoffley/Ottawa REDBLACKS)

“It’s always a new season and a new process each year,” said the REDBLACKS’ coach. “I’m hoping the guys have gotten over it a couple of months ago. You can always be proud of it and remember it but it’s really important that you turn the page.

“We’re moving on and getting ready for 2017.”

For fans, it’s the most wonderful time of the year because at long last the wait is almost over. For players and coaches, on the other hand, these are the best of times and the worst of times.

Plenty of sweat, hard work and heartbreak go into these next few weeks as players come and go while coaches look to shape the rosters they’ll take to battle when the games start to count. They only have three weeks to get it right and this day in late May is exactly when the journey begins.

With that, we look at important storylines and position battles on every team head into Sunday’s start of training camp:

For Jonathon Jennings, success and expectation come hand in hand. Can the Lions’ young pivot get his team over the hump?

3 THINGS TO WATCH

The heart of the Lion

It’s a funny coincidence that if you type ‘big hole to fill’, the letters b-i-g-h-i-l-l appear in the correct order — but yes, Adam Bighill’s absence from BC Lions camp for the first time since 2010 certainly comes as noteworthy. Bighill, now a member of the NFL’s New Orleans Saints, recorded 489 tackles, 33 sacks, eight interceptions and eight forced fumbles in 99 CFL games, but more than that he’s been the heart of the Lions’ defence.

Scratching and clawing

Wally Buono always demands a competitive camp but this year things could get really heated in Kamloops. Off-season departures mean at least three openings in the secondary; one at WILL linebacker where Adam Bighill stood; and two more on the defensive line following the departures of Jabar Westerman and Alex Bazzie. On offence, meanwhile, much is to be determined on the O-line as at least six qualified starters compete for five spots.

Vandervoort looks to turn heads

Keep an eye on McMaster receiver Danny Vandervoort, who has signed a contract and will be in camp after being picked third overall earlier this month. Vandervoort may be competing for a chance to start at wideout with fellow nationals Stephen Adekolu and Shaq Johnson.

A POSITION BATTLE YOU CAN’T MISS

With so many spots up for grabs in Wally Buono’s camp, it’s hard to single out just one position battle. Bighill’s old spot at WILL will be critical, however, so that’s where we land. Tony Burnett was a savvy pickup by Buono in the off-season and is the odds-on favourite to fill-in there, but word out of BC is 23-year-old Micah Awe could also get a good look.

DON’T BE SHOCKED IF…

Last year’s fourth round pick Shaquille Johnson comes out of camp with the starting role at wideout. He’s a dark horse at this point but the Lions are high on him and this is his window if the team looks to bring Danny Vandervoort along slowly.

In Jason Maas’ second season, the sky is the limit for the Esks’ offence. Will the Green and Gold ascend to new heights in 2017?

3 THINGS TO WATCH

Benevides’ defence

Following a stellar 2016, there’s little doubt the Eskimos’ offence will click this season. The question for the Green and Gold going into camp will be the defence, which ranked fourth-worst in the league last year allowing 375.5 yards per game. New faces could instill life into that unit including veterans Cory Greenwood, Euclid Cummings and Forrest Hightower, who are slated to make their Eskimos debuts on Sunday.

Who will replace Derel Walker?

The void left by Derel Walker’s departure at wideout is a gaping one after the 25-year-old flew south to the NFL. There’s no shortage of talent in the Esks’ receiving corps, but that position is an important one and the competition between Vidal Hazelton, Bryant Mitchell and others will be an intriguing one.

Picking up the pace

While the Eskimos’ offence soared in 2016, there was only so much Jason Maas could install in his first year as the team’s head coach. A full year in the offence and a greater influence from newly-named offensive coordinator Carson Walch should allow the Eskimos to go deeper into the playbook and also speed up the tempo.

A POSITION BATTLE YOU CAN’T MISS

Having already talked about the vacant receiver spot, of equal importance will be who ends up starting at tackle. Colin Kelly has been added to the mix and will battle with Tony Washington and Joel Figueroa for two starting tackle positions heading into the season.

DON’T BE SHOCKED IF…

D’haquille Williams comes out of camp with a starting job at receiver. There’s a spot up for grabs and Williams could offer the Eskimos a unique skill-set with his 6-foot-3, 225-pound frame, his ability to run block as well as his potential to make big plays downfield — not to mention he’s just 24 years old.

After a stunning loss last November, redemption is the theme of the Stamps’ 2017 season. Can they exorcise last year’s Grey Cup demons?

3 THINGS TO WATCH

O-line shuffle

Dave Dickenson is accustomed to shuffling his offensive line and it could be more of the same early in 2017. Shane Bergman and Pierre Lavertu are coming off injuries, Derek Dennis moved to Saskatchewan while Karl Lavoie retired, meaning new faces will have to contribute on that unit in 2017. Training camp will determine who lines up where when the season opens.

Redemption theme

The players have been talking about it all off-season — the theme for the Stamps in 2017 will be redemption. They feel they should have won the Grey Cup last November following a 15-2-1 season and some have admitted to working harder because of it. While any real vindication will have to wait six more months, expect plenty of focus when everyone’s reported on Sunday.

The return of Deron Mayo

Getting veteran linebacker Deron Mayo back after a season-ending knee injury last year is a major boost to DeVone Claybrooks’ defence. Keep an eye on how he performs and gets back up to speed as he looks to transition back to a starting role alongside Alex Singleton in the linebacker corps.

A POSITION BATTLE YOU CAN’T MISS

While Bo Levi Mitchell is firmly entrenched as the Stamps’ starting pivot, the competition behind him will be one of the most highly-contested in the CFL. Canadian Andrew Buckley has a chance to move into his first prominent role as a pro but will be challenged by a promising passer in Mitchell Gale along with recent addition Ricky Stanzi. It’s a three-horse race for the No. 2 job in Calgary.

DON’T BE SHOCKED IF…

It ends up being Stanzi who seizes second string behind Bo Levi Mitchell. He’s got the attributes to be an effective CFL quarterback and has more experience professionally than both Buckley and Gale.

The absence of Darian Durant casts a shadow over Riders’ camp but winning cures all. Can Jones’ Riders put the past behind them and become a contender?

3 THINGS TO WATCH

Message well received

With the signing of three veteran receivers, Chris Jones sent a clear message to his team: No one’s job is safe. The Riders will have competition at every position this camp and while it starts at quarterback, it’ll be interesting to see which pass-catchers stick around come the regular season. Cut-down day is June 17 and someone talented will be going home.

Vince Young

Welcome to the CFL, Vince Young. The comeback continues for the former NFL Pro Bowler and training camp will be the true measuring stick for the 34-year-old. His hill to climb is a steep one but Young, who will be the centre of attention over the next three weeks, brings plenty of excitement to Saskatoon.

Protection is key

While the focus this camp will be on the quarterbacks, it won’t matter who’s under centre if he’s always under siege. Darian Durant faced constant pressure last year and the Riders’ front five will have to be better if there’s any hope of a turnaround in 2017. Derek Dennis, Brendon LaBatte, Dan Clarke, Josiah St. John and Thaddeus Coleman are the projected starters although that can change fast.

A POSITION BATTLE YOU CAN’T MISS

For the first time since 2008, someone other than Darian Durant will start for the Riders on opening day. Kevin Glenn has an inside track on the job but the wily veteran faces competition from Vince Young, Brandon Bridge, Bryan Bennett and Maty Mauk — all intriguing options in their own way.

DON’T BE SHOCKED IF…

Vince Young doesn’t make the Riders’ opening-day roster. Then again, nothing would surprise us with the former NFL pivot but understand this: there are only so many reps to go around. Jones is trying to balance winning now with finding his quarterback of the future. If he doesn’t see a long-term fit for Young, he’ll know pretty quickly and won’t waste his time.

The Bombers took a massive step forward last season. Is 2017 the year Mike O’Shea and co. clear the final hurdle?

3 THINGS TO WATCH

Matt Nichols’ team

Matt Nichols is an opening-day starter for the first time in his career and it’s fair to say that as he goes, so go the Bombers. The 30-year-old former top prospect was exactly the spark his team needed in 2016, helping the Bombers win seven straight games and nine of 10 after going 1-4 out of the chute. As a result, he was rewarded with a lucrative extension in the off-season and now it’ll be up to him to back it up.

Faith in No. 1

Faith Ekakitie and his 6-foot-2, 304-pound frame would be hard to miss anyway but be sure to keep an eye on the Bombers’ first overall pick throughout camp. Ekakitie was considered one of the most pro-ready prospects in the draft and should vie for a chance to start against Rupert Butcher and Jake Thomas.

Healthy competition

Kyle Walters’ effort to build depth across all positions is evident in the form of healthy competition this training camp. Kevin Fogg could be on the outside looking in at a starting role — that’s how deep the Bombers’ secondary is — while other position battles include defensive tackle, middle linebacker and backup quarterback.

A POSITION BATTLE YOU CAN’T MISS

Khalil Bass signed with Ottawa this off-season, leaving a hole at the middle linebacker position. That’s an important one on Richie Hall’s defence and it appears to be wide open with Nick Temple, Kyle Knox, Sam Hurl, Thomas Miles and 23-year-old George Stone all in contention. Temple appears to have the early edge.

DON’T BE SHOCKED IF…

Either Bruce Johnson, Chris Randle or both find themselves out of their starting roles come the end of training camp. It’s not an indictment of their play but instead the impressive depth Kyle Walters has built in the defensive backfield. Kevin Fogg and Chance Casey could make a hard push for playing time.

Last year, the Ticats were unseated for the East Division crown. Will they regain their status as beasts of the East?

3 THINGS TO WATCH

A healthy Zach attack

After playing at an elite level in 2015, injuries have derailed the past two seasons for quarterback Zach Collaros. As he comes into the season healthy, maintaining that good health will be key for the Ticats in 2017. Collaros, 28, has shown flashes of greatness in his time in the CFL and will look to bring his team back to the top of the East this season.

Strength in the secondary

Injuries hit hard everywhere for the Ticats in 2016 but nowhere more than the secondary. With Craig Butler back at safety, Emanuel Davis re-signed and Abdul Kanneh added from the Grey Cup-winning REDBLACKS, the best secondary in the CFL may just wear Black and Gold. Khalid Wooten, Demond Washington, Ethan Davis and Dominique Ellis will also compete for starting roles while Courtney Stephen moves back to corner.

Reinebold running the show

Orlondo Steinauer’s absence this camp will be glaring after the defensive coordinator took a job with the NCAA’s Fresno State Bulldogs. Steinauer has brought top defences to the Hammer and now it’ll be up to Jeff Reinebold, previously the special teams coordinator, to facilitate a seamless transition for that unit.

A POSITION BATTLE YOU CAN’T MISS

There are several openings in what will be a competitive camp from Head Coach Kent Austin — but the most critical battle may be at the kicker position. The Ticats will employ their third kicker in as many years when they visit the Argos in their season-opener after Brett Maher went to the NFL.

DON’T BE SHOCKED IF…

C.J. Gable isn’t the Ticats’ starting running back come the end of camp. Still an unlikely scenario, at this point, but possible if either Alex Green or Ross Sheuerman enjoy a strong enough camp.

Marc Trestman and Jim Popp represent a changing of the guard in Toronto. Will renewed optimism translate to success for the Boatmen?

3 THINGS TO WATCH

Not finished yet

After some talk he might retire last November, Ricky Ray is entrenched as the Argos’ number one quarterback for his 15th CFL season. Injuries have plagued the 37-year-old, but when healthy Ray has proven he can play at a high level, last year completing 74.5 per cent of his passes while throwing 15 touchdowns to just six interceptions. There’s no shortage of motivation for one of the league’s all-time greats.

A new era begins

One of the league’s most successful coaches in recent memory, Marc Trestman brings a new sense of direction for the Argos’ ship this training camp. Trestman is a detail-oriented coach who raises the bar when it comes to his expectations, so expect plenty of buy-in from Argonauts new and old. Add names like Jim Popp, S.J. Green and Marcus Ball and there’s plenty of intrigue from Argo camp.

Defence on the attack

Expect a renewed energy from an Argos’ defence that’s added plenty of character this off-season. Defensive Coordinator Corey Chamblin comes with a chip on his shoulder after being fired by the Riders two years ago, while Shawn Lemon, Winston Venable, Marcus Ball and Cleyon Laing bring plenty of attitude to the front-seven. Those guys won’t be a treat for opposing quarterbacks.

A POSITION BATTLE YOU CAN’T MISS

There will be plenty of battles along the O-line, where it’ll be interesting to see who ends up starting where. Chris Van Zeyl likely starts at right tackle while Sean McEwen holds down the centre position, but guard could be an intriguing position where four players — Tyler Holmes, J’Michael Deane, Peter Dyakowski and Corey Watman — will likely fill two spots. Meanwhile, Jamal Campbell could be in the running to start at tackle opposite Van Zeyl if he’s ready.

DON’T BE SHOCKED IF…

DeVier Posey wins a job at wide receiver for the Argos. He’s an explosive player and could double as a return man while opening things up for S.J. Green and Jeff Fuller on offence.

With the retirement of Henry Burris, the REDBLACKS are Trevor Harris’ team. Is No. 7 ready to handle the reins?

3 THINGS TO WATCH

Harris assumes the controls

The symbolic passing of the torch from Henry Burris to Trevor Harris is one of training camp’s biggest stories. That transition will be key to the REDBLACKS’ future success because Burris’ impact — not just on the field but off it — was immeasurable. Burris played a significant role in helping Ottawa go from two-win expansion team to Grey Cup Champion in the span of three years and Harris, as the next man up, has big shoes to fill.

For whom the bell tolls

An explosive young running back who averaged more than 100 yards per game last season, Shakir Bell could add a ton to the REDBLACKS’ ground game in 2017. The 25-year-old is averaging 5.8 yards per carry throughout his career but has never truly gotten the keys to a CFL backfield. He’ll have to compete for it, but the starting running back job could be his.

Starting from scratch?

Defensive back is a critical position in the pass-oriented CFL and it’s there you could argue Rick Campbell has the most work in front of him. Mitchell White, Forrest Hightower, Abdul Kanneh and Jeff Richards are among off-season departures, leaving gaping holes on what had emerged as one of the CFL’s most talented secondaries. Keep an eye on the competition there throughout camp.

A POSITION BATTLE YOU CAN’T MISS

We already touched on it but the REDBLACKS’ running back position is one of the biggest training camp battles across the CFL. William Powell is back coming off a season-ending Achilles injury last year while Mossis Madu put in solid work in Powell’s absence. Meanwhile, the REDBLACKS have added former ASU Sun Devil Marion Grice to the equation and, most recently, former Eskimos running back Shakir Bell. It looks to be a wide open race at this point.

DON’T BE SHOCKED IF…

The REDBLACKS release one of their big-name running backs. There may not be enough room for all of Mossis Madu, Shakir Bell and William Powell, three running backs fighting not only for a job but potentially a roster spot.

The Alouettes have their most highly-touted QB since Anthony Calvillo. Can Darian Durant live up to the hype?

3 THINGS TO WATCH

Durant in new colours

One of the off-season’s most followed stories was Darian Durant’s move from Regina to Montreal. Quarterback has been a sore spot for the Als since Anthony Calvillo retired but the veteran Durant could be the answer. Everything is new for the Als, from the head coach and GM to the man under centre. For Alouettes fans as well as the team, that should be exciting.

Action Jackson

Als fans had become accustomed to Duron Carter and S.J. Green leading the Alouettes’ receiving corps but that’s another thing that’s changed. Keep an eye on the receivers this camp as Nik Lewis, Ernest Jackson and B.J. Cunningham will be the ones catching the majority of passes from Darian Durant.

New-look defence

Some holdovers remain but Kavis Reed opted for a new direction with the Als’ defence as he adjusts the ratio. Winston Venable, Alan-Michael Cash and Marc Olivier-Brouillette are among the departed while Reed brought in a bevy of Canadian defensive linemen to help the cause. Noel Thorpe will hope his unit can gel fast if the Als want to enjoy a hot start in 2017.

A POSITION BATTLE YOU CAN’T MISS

The running back position is one to watch in Als camp as Tyrell Sutton looks to hold down his starting job. Brandon Rutley and Cierre Wood could threaten for the position as Sutton, 30, comes off an injury-filled campaign in 2016 in which he played only seven games.

DON’T BE SHOCKED IF…

T.J. Graham takes on a prominent role in the Als’ receiving corps. Graham, who ran a 4.34 at the NFL Combine, has electric speed and could be a difference-maker both on offence and on returns on this side of the border.