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Pencer taking to the field today for start of Bombers' rookie training camp

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 05/30/2012 1:29 PM | Comments: 0 | Last Modified: 05/30/2012 2:48 PM | Updates

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Tyson Pencer signed with Bombers on Wednesday. (TREVOR HAGAN / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store

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Tyson Pencer -- and his size 16 feet -- have landed in Winnipeg.

Pencer, the Bombers first-round draft pick and third overall in the 2012 CFL Entry Draft earlier this month, flew to Winnipeg from his home in B.C. Tuesday night and signed a contract with the Bombers Wednesday morning, just in time to join the club’s other 30 rookies on the field at Canad Inns Stadium this afternoon for the start of rookie training camp.

"I got the deal done this morning, just a couple hours ago we finalized the contract," said Pencer.

Pencer said some minor changes and incentives he was seeking in his contract held up his signing -- which he was calling a done deal last week. But at the end of the day, Pencer said he never had any doubt that he would be reporting for rookie camp today.

"There’s just been some negotiating going on, little things here and there needed to be changed. But overall, no, there wasn’t any doubt in my mind," Pencer said.

"Signing that paper makes it official so I couldn’t be more happy than that."

Pencer was asked if he feels he’s ready -- after a two-year career at Washington State and a detour to the B.C. junior football league last year -- to make the big leap to professional football in the challenging position of offensive tackle.

"I think so," said Pencer. "The big thing for me will just be learning the offence and getting the offensive scheme down -- everything from my footwork to the plays, within a short period of time here."

At 6-8, 330 pounds and boasting a pair of flippers at the bottom of his legs that he disclosed for reporters were size 16’s, Pencer will be the second largest Bomber player in training camp this year. Only fellow offensive lineman Paul Swiston -- 6-9, 342 -- is bigger.

That doesn’t mean he’s not nervous, however, about stepping on the field for his first ever professional training camp. "Obviously, I’m feeling a little anxious -- anxious to put the pads on, to put the helmet on. But that’s kind of the same feeling it’s been for the last month, though," Pencer said.

"Obviously being third overall, there’s going to be a little bit of spotlight on me. But I’m more than willing to take the challenge though."

The Bombers rookies will be on the field Wednesday from 3:50 p.m.-4:50 p.m..

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Updated on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at 2:48 PM CDT: adds video

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