Chris Bauman said all the right things in signing with the Calgary Stampeders.

Make no mistake, he would love to stick it to the Edmonton Eskimos for a disappointing 2011 season. The former first-overall draft pick only played seven games last season after signing a big free-agent deal with in Edmonton after four years with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

“It’s not just to prove to the Eskimos or anybody,” the 27-year-old Bauman said. “I want to prove to myself because I know I can do it. I wish I had more of an opportunity to prove it. I’m glad Calgary was willing to sign me. I’m looking for an opportunity there. I want to prove I can be a starter in this league.”

Bauman looked like he was primed for a breakout twice in his career. After his sophomore season of 2008, it looked like the Regina Rams product could be productive as a slotback. He had 48 catches for 588 yards in 15 games.

The Ticats went out the next off-season and signed Dave Stala, who would become a 1,000-yard receiver for them in the slot.

“No matter what I did, I couldn’t beat him out,” said Bauman, who was then tried as a wideout, which isn’t where he’s comfortable. “Dave is a great Canadian receiver and I can’t take anything away from him. I never could get into the slot in Hamilton.

“I like being closer to the ball. There is less thinking and more reaction. Obviously you get more opportunities to catch balls there. With my size and athletic ability, I can pose some matchup problems for most defences.”

When the Eskimos signed him last year, Bauman believed there would be a chance to start as one of two non-imports on the field for the majority of games. It didn’t happen, as the Canadian starting position went instead to running back Jerome Messam. Bauman hardly even dressed and only made 11 catches for 132 yards.

The Stamps use Canadians at two of the five receiver positions the majority of the time, although Bauman will be competing with Jabari Arthur for time as a slotback.

“I know when given an opportunity, I can make plays,” Bauman said. “I know I can put up back-to-back 100-yard games. I’m just trying to stay focused on what I can control and do whatever I can to help the team win.”

“They have a great young quarterback, which is a plus. You want to get to a place where there will be stability in that position. He looks like he will be there a long time. It’s a great opportunity for me to come in and try to earn a spot.”

The Stampeders also officially announced Wednesday morning DeVone Claybrooks has retired from active play and will become the team’s defensive-line coach. They also announced that Dave Walkosky is the defensive co-ordinator and Tony Missick returns for a second season as the defensive backs coach.

— Buz