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The Edmonton Elks are buzzing with optimism as they approach the 2025 season, following a transformative 2024 campaign. With a new leadership team at the helm, including Chris Morris as president and CEO, Ed Hervey as vice-president of football operations and general manager, and Mark Kilam stepping in as head coach, the Elks are ready to shift their culture and performance on the field.
Revamping the roster
Ed Hervey has been hard at work during the free agency period, focusing on rebuilding the Elks’ roster. This strategic overhaul aims to bring fresh talent and energy to the team. As the Elks prepare for their first pre-season game against the Calgary Stampeders at McMahon Stadium, excitement is palpable among fans and players alike.
A total of sixty-two players will suit up for this crucial matchup, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the franchise.
Quarterback competition heats up
One of the most anticipated storylines heading into the pre-season is the quarterback battle.
Cody Fajardo, who will start on Saturday, is set to back up Tre Ford once the regular season kicks off in two weeks. Fajardo’s experience will be invaluable as he leads the team in this initial test. Following him, rookies Will McElvain and Cody Snyder will compete for the coveted third quarterback position, adding an exciting dynamic to the team’s offensive strategy.
Key position battles to watch
In addition to the quarterback competition, several other position battles are heating up as the Elks prepare for the season. The kicking game is under scrutiny, with Campbell Fair, a 2023 draft pick from the Stampeders, vying for the place-kicking job against Vincent Blanchard, a 2024 draft pick for the Elks.
The receiving corps is also shaping up nicely, featuring second-year players Zach Mathis and Arkell Smith, alongside promising rookies like Kearis Jackson from Georgia.
Defensively, the Elks are facing tough competition for the defensive end position, with Canadian Jonathon Kongo and American Brandon Barlow battling it out.
The secondary is proving to be the most competitive area of training camp, as veterans Marcus Lewis, Devodric Bynum, and Kobe Williams strive to secure their spots against a wave of eager rookies.
As the Elks gear up for their pre-season game, fans can tune in to 880 CHED for live coverage, starting with Countdown to Kickoff at 6 p.m. The excitement is building, and all eyes will be on the Elks as they aim to make a statement in the 2025 season.
