The Regina Thunder weren't expected to make their final cuts until Tuesday, but Estevan's Michael Bittman was confident of making the squad.
The Prairie Football Conference club wrapped up its training camp last week, followed by a 19-19 tie with the Winnipeg Rifles Sunday in Brandon.
Bittman, a former ECS Elecs middle linebacker, said he got about 15 minutes of game time and was happy with his showing.
"I felt pretty good about it. I made a couple of plays," he said.
"I got a good opportunity to show them what I can do this year and hopefully they liked what they saw.
"The exhibition game is mostly to see what the rookies have and get a good look at the team."
There are 11 linebackers in camp and the Thunder will likely keep 10, using a few on special teams.
That's where Bittman expects to land this season.
"I'll be happy if I see special teams this year," he said.
"It's kind of a seniority and skill thing where you work your way up the chain. Hopefully by my third or fourth year I'll be starting."
Bittman felt he made a solid impression during the camp itself, which included two-a-day practices.
He said he already knew there was a good chance he'd make the team because defensive coordinator Shawn McCall had told him at a previous camp that the team was committed to out-of-town players.
"He basically told me there's a spot for me on the team, but I knew I still had to work hard and not take anything for granted," Bittman recalled.
He had nothing but good things to say about the coaching staff, led by Erwin Klempner, as well as his probable soon-to-be teammates.
He moved to the city two weeks ago and is rooming with a fifth-year defensive lineman.
"It's been a really great experience so far."
