RIDERS LIKE ERIC MORRIS

Roughrider rookie Eric Morris
Photograph by: Don Healy, Leader-Post

REGINA — Rookie Eric Morris could turn out to be a triple threat for the Saskatchewan Roughriders — returner/receiver/recruiter.

Morris is close friends with former Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell, who's on

Saskatchewan's negotiation list. The undrafted free agent set multiple school and NCAA passing records during his college career, also finishing fourth in the Heisman Trophy race last season and winning the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award as the nation's outstanding senior quarterback.

The Riders have been in regular contact with Harrell since the NFL draft and there are rumblings he could be in town within the next two weeks. If necessary, Morris will gladly offer his services in an attempt to sell his former teammate on the virtues of football in Saskatchewan.

"I want him here just as bad as they do," Morris said after Friday's practice at Mosaic Stadium. "He'd be great in this league. He's one of the most savvy football players I've ever seen. He understands the game and sees the field better than anyone I've ever played with. (Saskatchewan's) offence is really similar to what we did at Texas Tech so he'd be really good at it. I'm hoping for the best for him. Hopefully he gets a call from the NFL but if not I'd love to have him down here and I think he'd be a great asset to the team."

Morris said he hasn't talked to Harrell in a couple weeks — his U.S. cell phone doesn't work in Saskatchewan — but the two have corresponded via e-mail. They met in 2003 while playing together in a Texas high school all-star game and were reunited the next year at Texas Tech.

They've been friends ever since.

"For five years we've done nothing but throw balls; we'd throw in the off-season every day together," said Morris, 23. "We developed a relationship and as friends too off the field, hung out all the time. I think that helps . . . build trust on the field. I hope he comes down here in the end. We'll have to see."

As for Morris, he has defied the odds by cracking Saskatchewan's lineup straight out of college, impressing the team's brass with his durability, dedication, football smarts and raw talent. Offensive co-ordinator Paul LaPolice noted that Morris's learning curve hasn't been as steep because the Riders run a similar spread-type passing offence to the one at Texas Tech. However, that doesn't take anything away from his innate ability to pick things up on the fly.

The Riders believe Morris can help improve their return game this season, but it's his talents as a receiver that put him over the top in competition with the likes of Casey McGahee.

"He has really stepped up in the return game," said LaPolice. "That allowed us to say, 'Well, he's close enough as a receiver now, but he's a great returner so let's get him an opportunity.' He'll have to learn a number of roles across the field and be able to step in and play a number of spots. He should be able to spell some of our starters and get reps.

We think he's going to be a good player."

In addition to being a full-time receiver in college, Morris also returned punts and the occasional kickoff. He previously scored 18 touchdowns as a returner in his high school career.

"I've done it my whole life," he said. "It's something I love to do and take pride in doing."
Despite Morris's size — 5-foot-8, 177 pounds — LaPolice has been impressed with his toughness, blocking ability and lack of fear catching the ball in traffic. In fact, you might say he was built for the CFL game.

"Hopefully," Morris said with a smile. "I like the fact you can't fair catch down here.

Three years in college I didn't fair catch one time. Some people thought I was crazy but it was just a part of my nature. I'd rather have the opportunity to make a play."

DURANT TO START FOR THE RIDERS

REGINA — It was a good Friday for Darian Durant.
That's when Durant heard from head coach Ken Miller that he would be the starting quarterback for the Saskatchewan Roughriders when their regular season opens Friday at Mosaic Stadium against the B.C. Lions.

"I was happy,'' Durant said Friday at Mosaic Stadium. "You play the game to be the starter and it's a dream come true. I feel like I'm ready and that's the main thing.''
Considering the events that have transpired since the Riders closed out the 2008 season, the official announcement of Durant's starting role could be considered anti-climatic.

Two days after the Riders were beaten 33-12 by the Lions in the West Division semifinal, quarterback Michael Bishop was released. The Riders said one of the reasons for the quick release of Bishop was to let Durant know they had confidence in him for 2009.

Durant then re-signed with the Riders in January rather than test free agency. It was repeated again that Durant was on top of the team's depth chart. He was followed by Steven Jyles and Dalton Bell.

Things seemed to change during training camp. On June 17, Durant struggled against the Edmonton Eskimos in a 45-12 loss. On Tuesday, he came off the bench in the second quarter and looked more poised as the Riders were beaten 27-19 by the visiting Calgary Stampeders.

"I was getting antsy,'' said Durant, who is heading into his fourth season with the Riders but first as the starting quarterback. "You hear a lot of people inside and outside the locker room saying that you are the guy but it doesn't count until you hear the coach say the word. Once he did, I was happy.''

That good humour appeared to carry over to Friday's workout because the 24-year-old looked sharp. His passes were crisp and he looked in control of the Riders' first-team offence.

"This is like any other job, you're going to have some good days and bad days,'' said Durant. "Out of the 20 practices we had, I two or three bad ones. I was really happy with that.''

That consistency and Durant's experience were among the reasons Miller went with Durant over Jyles. Durant dressed for 15 games in 2008 and started four. He started three games when quarterback Marcus Crandell was sidelined with a hamstring injury and helped the Riders win five straight to open the season. Jyles dressed for 18 games but had just one start late in the season.

"Darian has shown before that he can command our offence,'' said Paul LaPolice, the Riders' offensive co-ordinator. "When things break down, he can use his feet. He showed that in (Tuesday's game) where the protection broke down and it was actually (running back) Hugh Charles. Hugh came out of the backfield and Darian still found him. Those are the type of thing you want to see because it's not always going to be perfect. When guys make plays like that, it can keep you on the field.''

Jyles pushed Durant in training camp, which contributed to some of the uncertainity surrounding the naming of a starting quarterback. Jyles, 26, has accepted the coach's decision.

"I knew regardless of the outcome of training camp I would be starting or backing up,'' said Jyles. "I knew there was a possibility of each role and I'm ready to accept the one I have. I will help Darian and I know he will help me.''

The Riders head into the season with three unproven quarterbacks. Durant has heard some of the concerns but doesn't plan on letting them bother him.

"Stay tuned,'' Durant said when asked about those concerns. "I don't worry about what's said outside of the organization. The coaches and the team have 100 per cent confidence in me and as long as they do, we will just prove the nay-sayers wrong.''

Saskatchewan Roughriders offensive lineman Chris Best.
Photograph by: Bryan Schlosser, Leader-Post

REGINA — Chris Best has tried to be a studious pupil in his two seasons as a backup offensive lineman with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Now he's ready for the crash course.

Best is expected to step in for perennial all-star Gene Makowsky, who suffered a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee during Tuesday's 27-19 CFL preseason loss to the Calgary Stampeders. Makowsky is slated to miss up to a month, leaving Best with a window of opportunity to show what he can do as the starting left guard.

"It's my third year now and I've really concentrated more on learning from the older guys (like Makowsky and Jeremy O'Day), learning the things that make them the players they are," Best, 26, said after Thursday's practice at Mosaic Stadium.

"I've been paying attention to those guys, just trying to be ready for this opportunity if it came. It's unfortunate Geno had to go down but he's going to be back soon enough and in the meantime I'm going to do my best to fill those really big shoes."

Best joined the Riders as a highly touted prospect after being selected fourth overall in the 2005 Canadian college draft. He dressed in three games as a backup in 2007 and six more in the 2008 campaign, including one start.

Makowsky's injury will test Saskatchewan's depth, but head coach Ken Miller said Thursday the team currently has no plans to re-sign veteran Mike Abou-Mechrek, who remains a free agent and has let it be known he's just a phone call away. Instead, the Riders plan to run with their youngsters, led by Best and home-grown rookie Nick Hutchins, 21, a product of the University of Regina Rams.

"It feels really good," Hutchins said of making the team. "A lot of work went into getting here. I came in hoping and being optimistic about where I would be and it worked out well."

Hutchins was one of the most pleasant surprises to emerge from training camp. That said, Riders offensive line coach Bob Wylie felt from the beginning that he had the potential to stick around.

"If I didn't think he could play, he wouldn't be here," noted Wylie. "From what I saw of him (on film) in college I thought he had the ability to do it. Now it's up to him. You have to have the passion and want to get better every day. That's what makes guys stick

around for a long time."

As for Best, Wylie expressed confidence that he can make a successful transition from backup to starter. It's simply a matter of raising his level of play to match the speed of the game, which goes up several notches from practice.

"I have no problem putting him in there," said Wylie. "He has to make the best out of the opportunity. I've been with other pro teams in the National Football League where guys went down and the guy stepped in and the other guy never got his spot back. Usually when God closes a door he opens a window somewhere else so this is his opportunity to show what he can do."

Best played mostly tackle during the pre-season but noted that he's "probably a better guard." The 6-foot-5, 301-pound Calgary native feels he made most of the necessary adjustments to Wylie's new system during the pre-season, it's just a matter of some last fine-tuning.

"I want to play the game already," he added with a smile, referring to next Friday's season-opener against the visiting B.C. Lions. "We've got a week and a half (to prepare). I'm going to be more than ready."

gharder@leaderpost.canwest.com

RIDERS LOOKING FOR RUNNING BACK

By Ian Hamilton, Leader-PostJune 25, 2009


REGINA — The CFL's transaction wire was buzzing Thursday — and the Saskatchewan Roughriders were watching right along with everyone else.

"Certainly we have interest and we'll look and see if there might be somebody we may be interested in," Roughriders head coach Ken Miller said after practice at Mosaic Stadium.

"I think probably Eric (Tillman, Saskatchewan's general manager) is doing that already."

Miller suggested the Roughriders may look for running backs because of his team's relative lack of depth at that position. Veterans Wes Cates (shoulder) and Neal Hughes (leg) were put on the injured and nine-game injured lists, respectively, as the Roughriders got down to the 46-man roster limit.

Around the league, some familiar names were among those released. That included ex-Roughriders linebacker Reggie Hunt (by the Montreal Alouettes) and former CFL rushing leader Joe Smith (by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers).

Three members of the University of Regina Rams — defensive end Stan van Sichem (Montreal), offensive lineman John Hashem (Calgary Stampeders) and receiver John Kanaroski (Calgary) — were released. The Als also cut Regina-born University of Saskatchewan defensive end Ivan Brown.

In Hamilton, the Tiger-Cats put former Saskatchewan running back Kenton Keith on the nine-game injured list.
* * *
Miller has indicated before he doesn't like cutting players. That was the case again Wednesday night.
"It's one thing to take a player out of a game and sit him on the bench," Miller said. "It's another to call him in a room and tell him he's going home. It's emotional for them and it's not a walk in the park for me."
* * *
The most surprising move by the Roughriders may have involved Hughes.
The Rams product hasn't practised in weeks — and Miller described his injury as "a mystery."
"We don't know what it is, but he continues to have severe pain and it affects him when he just tries to walk . . .," Miller said. "Right now it looks like it's going to be an ongoing thing. With that, we decided to put him on the nine-game. If we're able to get the situation resolved and we have a particular need, then it's possible that we could bring him off the nine-game."
* * *
With the release of rookie quarterback Juan Joseph, the Roughriders have nothing to show for the trade that sent defensive end Kitwana Jones to the Edmonton Eskimos.
"Any time you make a trade, you can be second-guessed on that," Miller said. "It was a situation where we were getting a young quarterback. Really, Juan showed us that he's very bright and could make good decisions. It's just that he's a developmental person. He maybe will be a CFL quarterback down the road, but not immediately."
With Joseph gone, Miller was asked if a potential emergency QB is currently working as a guest coach with the Roughriders — Marcus Crandell.
"Marcus has done a great job in the role that he has," Miller replied. "We feel he'll continue in that role and don't have any plans that he would be our fourth quarterback or higher than that at any time, really.
"We have talked about other people who might be available but don't have anyone scheduled right at this time."
* * *
Among the players released were Brandon Childress and Casey McGahee, who were competing for the job as Saskatchewan's main return man.
Instead, the Roughriders will go with Eric Morris and Johnny Quinn.
"The thing that Morris and Quinn have shown is that they're going to catch the ball consistently," Miller said. "We had some great returns, particularly with Morris, so we're going to go with consistency there."
McGahee let a punt go right through his hands in Tuesday's 27-19 pre-season loss to Calgary. The fumble was returned for a game-clinching touchdown by Juwan Simpson.
ihamilton@leaderpost.canwest.com

STAMPS BEAT RIDERS 27 19

For highlights of the game

CLICK HERE http://rodpedersen.blogspot.com/

ROD PEDERSEN REPORT FROM EDMONTON

It's a busy day for everybody up here in the Alberta capital as the Saskatchewan Roughriders get set to take on the Edmonton Eskimos in CFL preseason action tonight at 7:00 on the 620 CKRM Roughrider Radio Network.It's busy for Carm and I as we prepare for the biggest broadcast of the year (no TV coverage).

It's unfortunate our FIRST broadcast of the year is also the BIGGEST. We usually use the first preseason game to work out all the kinks of a new season but there's really no time for that tonight since a good chunk of the province will be listening.But most of my work's done already so here are a few more notes going into the contest:

- The Riders have 68 players along on the trip (if my math is good). Here's a breakdown:4 quarterbacks10 offensive linemen6 running backs12 receivers10 defensive linemen6 linebackers14 defensive backs4 special teams players

- Starting offensive line will be (from left to right): Harris-Makowsky-O'Day-Parenteau-Johnson
- Starting QB: Durant, TB: Foord, FB: Szarka

- Receivers we'll see in the first quarter: Jones, Dressler, Fantuz, Getzlaf, Bagg, Clermont- Starting defensive line: Chick, Baggs, Mullinder, Shologan

- Starting linebackers: Kornegay, Williams, Lucas
- Starting in the secondary:
CBs - Heard, Alexander,
HBs - Frazier, McKenzie, S - Patrick

- I've been told Dalton Bell DOES have the chance to dislodge Darian Durant as the #1 quarterback going into the regular season but he's going to be in tough tonight. Why? Because Durant will work with the first team O-line while Bell will be protected by a crew of rookies. Hey, if he fares well then his stock rises even more.

- That tailback position is going to be key tonight and next week against Calgary. I've been told that not only will veteran Wes Cates miss Week 1, there's a good chance he'll miss at least a few more games to open the season due to that nagging shoulder injury.

-The Eskimos have Kitwana Jones, Maurice Lloyd and Scott Gordon pencilled as starters on defense for tonight's game so THAT should be interesting.
- The Eskimos will have at LEAST as many players dressed as the Riders
- and likely more - so we're looking at over 120 players in uniform for tonight's game as opposed to the normal 84.
- That brings us to tonight's broadcast and the importance of conveying pertinent info to the listening audience.What Carm and I will try to do is, on every series, try to identify who's in and who's out at each position FOR THE RIDERS. We won't be focusing so much on the Eskimos whatsoever. Who makes the tackles (defensively and on special teams) as well as the blocks and these types of things are of utmost importance.Carm gets this. In fact he hammered it home to me years ago how important it is to the players' families and friends not to mention the fans when they're listening and it's not on TV.Yah.

It makes a broadcaster a little nervous because of the importance of the game, the intricate elements, and the vast listening audience.But that's a good thing!Talk to you tonight at six bells.RP

BAGG CONTINUES TO IMPRESS

REGINA — Rob Bagg has enjoyed a steady progression during his three training camps with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

He so impressive as a wide receiver in 2007 that the CFL team was set to add the undrafted free agent to the roster. Bagg turned down the invitation to return to Queen's University for a fifth season of CIS football.

He returned to the Riders' camp in 2008 and made the squad as a rookie. Injuries cleared the way for him to be a starter and Bagg dressed for 16 games and recorded 22 receptions for 371 yards.

In 2009, Bagg has been among the best wide receivers at camp. He has produced highlight-reel receptions and appears to be on the road to being one of the team's starting wide receivers when the regular season opens July 3 at Mosaic Stadium against the B.C. Lions.

"You hope to keep progressing because I don't want to go back to school again,'' Bagg said Monday with a chuckle after the ninth day of training camp was completed at Mosaic Stadium. "I'm just having a ball. All of the guys are great and it has been more enjoyable. I'm just not stressed out.''

That calmness turns up on the field. Bagg regularly pulls off a head-shaking reception each practice.

"You're just a better athlete when you're not thinking about what's your route and other things,'' said Bagg.
Bagg has caught the attention of the Riders' coaching staff. Head coach Ken Miller wondered during his daily scrum if any members of the media had requested time with Bagg.

"He has become a media darling because he has really performed well,'' said Miller. "He made some great catches in Saskatoon (on Saturday) and some (Monday). He has been consistent throughout camp.''

Consistency is what the Riders are looking for in Bagg, a 24-year-old native of Kingston, Ont. They have also been impressed with him since 2007.
"Rob was somebody we really liked in the draft a few years ago and we were happy to get him,'' said Paul LaPolice, the Riders' offensive co-ordinator. "He showed us his skill the day he stepped on the field. Now, he has a comfort level with everything we do and I'm sure that helps.''

Bagg understands that consistency is best way for him to become an impact receiver with the Riders.

"(LaPolice) told me not to be a flash in the pan,'' said Bagg. "I try to catch everything that comes my way. It's tough (as the wide-side receiver) because you don't get a lot of balls thrown your way. You try to make a play and do that.''

Bagg worked hard during the offseason in preparation for his second season with the Riders. He increased his stride through track work and also boasts linebacker-sized arms.

"I invested a lot into my off-season training,'' said Bagg, "This is a passion for me and I'm hoping that I'm here for a couple of years.''

Bagg can do that with his consistent play. He may also have helped himself because he has been serving as the holder for placekicker Luca Congi. Bagg filled that role in 2008 when slotback Andy Fantuz was sidelined for 11 games with a broken leg.

"I don't feel it's a ton of pressure considering the way these guys kick,'' said Bagg. "I just have to get it down, tee it up and let them kick.''

Bagg is still looking for his first regular-season touchdown. He scored one during the 2008 pre-season when the Riders beat the B.C. Lions 33-13, but wasn't able score a regular-season major despite a couple of close calls.

"I got a taste of it during the exhibition season and I was close last year,'' said Bagg. "I hope to erase that pretty quickly. I know if I keep working hard, the quarterbacks will eventually give me a ball that will lead to a touchdown.''

FANTUZ WORKING HARD

REGINA — Saskatchewan Roughriders slotback Andy Fantuz is still looking for his first 1,000-yard season in the CFL.

He couldn't care less if he finds it.
"I'm not worried about numbers," Fantuz said after a training-camp workout at Mosaic Stadium. "It doesn't matter to me if I get one yard or 10,000 yards. It's the ring that I'm worried about and the Grey Cup."

Fantuz, 25, was Saskatchewan's first-round pick (third overall) in the 2006 CFL draft and immediately was touted as a future star. After limited action in '06, the 6-foot-4, 220-pounder lived up to expectations in '07 with 56 catches for 978 yards and seven touchdowns.

He wasn't able to improve on those numbers last season, though, due to a broken leg suffered in the fifth game of the regular season. After missing 11 games, Fantuz returned for the Roughriders' final two regular-season contests; he finished the campaign with 36 receptions for 488 yards and three majors.

So is 2009 a bounceback year?

"I thought I had a decent year when I was playing," Fantuz replied. "It's tough to miss 11 games, so I'm just hoping to stay healthy and contribute in every single game."
That's precisely what the Roughriders are expecting. Offensive co-ordinator Paul LaPolice said he believes Fantuz "has the potential to be one of the best receivers in the CFL" and he, like Fantuz, has put last season in the past.

Instead, player and coach are looking ahead — and looking forward to seeing improvement.

"Talking to him the other day, he said, 'My camp could be better. I'm really working,' " LaPolice said. "That's a positive. A lot of veterans come in and say, 'Aww, it's camp.' With him, it's, 'There are a lot of things I have to improve on and I'm going to get better.' "
For LaPolice, the one thing he wants to see Fantuz do better is simply running by opposing players.

"At times, I think he tries to make a move on the defender when he should just trust his speed," LaPolice said. "Even though he's a big guy, with his waggle (as he approaches the line of scrimmage) and how he runs, he's faster than the DBs think.

"There are times he's just got to climb on a defender and then put his foot on the ground and run by him."

Fantuz doesn't have any concerns about the leg he broke last season, so that should ease his mind as he tries to make the adjustment LaPolice wants to see. And when he's not running by defenders, Fantuz also may benefit from the play of the other members of the Roughriders' receiving corps.

Opposing teams have to be wary of slotbacks Jason Clermont and Weston Dressler, while wideouts like Rob Bagg and Chris Jones have sparkled during training camp.

"We've got a lot of talent at the receiver spots, we're going to space the field well and it's going to be tough for defences to key on anybody," Fantuz said. "We've got a lot of

playmakers who are proven and a lot of young guys who are having great camps. It's going to be really exciting to see."

While Roughriders fans will be excited to see Fantuz crack the magical 1,000-yard barrier, his goal entering the season is simple — and team-oriented.

"To win," said Fantuz, who's entering the option year of his contract. "I just want to help the team win and do whatever I can by playing the best football of my life. I've been training hard and I'm going down the right path for that.

"I'm going to be fully prepared and then it's just going to be about having fun on the field and having fun in the community with all the Rider fans."

ihamilton@leaderpost.canwest.com

CHICK IS READY TO GO

John Chick at Roughriders training camp on Monday.

Photograph by: Roy Antal, Leader-Post

It was bad enough that Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive end John Chick had to live through the most frustrating season of his young CFL career in 2008.
Now he's having to relive it.

"I would say [that bothers me] more than anything," Chick said after Monday's practice at Mosaic Stadium. "A fan comes up and goes, 'Don't get injured!' It's like, well, I was planning on it about Week 3. It's just kind of silly.

"We had 20 to 30 injures last year and the last thing you want to think about is injuries because that's what leads to injuries. Nobody planned on getting injured and don't plan on it again."
Last season, Chick's plight was symbolic of the entire Riders team, which endured so many injuries that it could well have turned the dressing room into a medical ward.

Chick alone missed a total of 10 games due to three different injuries: a torn medial collateral ligament (five games), compound fracture to the ring finger on his right hand (four games) and shoulder strain (one game).

The hand problem came in his first game back from the knee ailment. When he returned, he had to wear a cast.

"It was a long drawn-out season," Chick admitted. "I felt pretty good going into it and suffered a few different injuries. It was frustrating to say the least. But it happens."

Chick was pegged for a breakout season in 2008 after being named the Riders' outstanding rookie the previous year. Known for a high-rev motor that's never on idle, Chick contributEed two sacks in the 2007 West Division final, followed by a forced fumble and a sack in Saskatchewan's Grey Cup victory.

Despite his setback last season, the Riders insist they're not concerned about Chick, apparently chalking it up to one of those football anomalies that can't be predicted.

"I have no concern about his durability whatsoever," said head coach Ken Miller, who's eager to see what a healthy Chick can accomplish. "He is clearly special and I expect him to improve over what he has shown us he can do."

Ditto for Chick, who says he feels great and is ready to make an impact in 2009.
"I'm looking forward to pressuring the quarterback all year; that's what I excel at," said Chick, who had three sacks in eight games last season after recording five in 13 games in 2007. "I look at this season as a breakout opportunity. I feel I'm a playmaker and can do a lot of things."

Without mentioning specifics, Chick he has set some goals. Asked if one is to be among the sack leaders, he said it was "somewhat of a goal" but downplayed the value of individual stats.

"With our defensive scheme now, you're trying to get the ball back, not so much the kill-the-quarterback kind of mentality," Chick said. "You still want to let him know you're there ... but we're trying to get the ball back on defence, it doesn't matter how we do it."

-- Regina Leader-Post
© Copyright (c) Canwest News Service

RIDER CAMP - DAY 10

By Murray McCormick 06-16-2009 COMMENTS(0) Rider Rumblings

It’s a quiet day on the Riders front. Kind of like the day before the storm.Because of that, I’ve put together thoughts, etc., on the players and how they are performed so far during the Riders’ main camp. These observations have been gathered through conversations with the coaches, other members of the Riders’ staff and from deep inside my brain while jogging in the early mornings.

PLEASANT SURPRISES:

CB Donovan Alexander: The Canadian cornerback has performed so well that Riders head coach Ken Miller doesn’t even need a long look at him during Wednesday’s preseason game. He can also play at corner or halfback.

WR Johnny Quinn: He has quietly put together a solid camp and was singled out by Miller as one of the best rookies.

DB Chris McKenzie: He has been a star since the start of rookie camp. Doesn’t seem to get beat and will press someone for a spot in the secondary.

RG Marc Parenteau: He has performed so well the Riders could trade Joe McGrath back to the Eskimos. Is poised for a great season and is already among the best interviews on an offensive line filled with great talkers.

SB Chris Getzlaf: The Regina product has been solid and could actually start ahead of Jason Clermont when the season begins. Don’t worry, Clermont will still see loads of playing time but Chris has been that good and adds to the depth at receiver.

WR Rob Bagg: He justs looks better than 2008. Stronger faster and even more sure-handed. He’s a talent who could turn out to be a steal. How this guy was never drafted is way beyond me.

CREATING A BUZZ:

DL Joe Sykes: He can play end and tackle and the early thoughts are he could be another Demetrious Maxie. Very explosive.

SB Todd Blythe: He started out strong but has been slowed by an ankle injury. Still, you can’t coach tall (he’s 6-foot-5) and he has looked better lately.

OL Nick Hutchins: The happiest man on the planet may just play himself onto the roster. If not, the Rams will benefit from him returning for another season. I’ve never seen him without a huge smile.

WR Brandon Childress: Speed always catches my eye (mainly because I’ve never had any) and Childress races up and down the field. He has also spent time in the secondary, so that versatility will help him make the squad.

DL Keith Shologan: He was steady in 2008 but has clearly benefited from being part of a full training camp. He displays great leverage and hustle and DC Gary Etcheverry has called his performance “impressive.”JUST WHAT I EXPECTED:

MLB Rey Williams: You’re going to forget all about Mo Lloyd when this guy gets a chance to showcase his talent.

LB Sean Lucas: Absolutely no drop off from 2008 when he led the team with 95 tackles. I would bet that Williams and Lucas will be CFL all-stars in 2009.

OL Bobby Harris: Looks like he has the left tackle position locked up, which is good considering the loss of Wayne Smith.

RB Hugh Charles: Has received more reps with Wes Cates recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. He has apparently improved his pass-catching skills, which was a weakness in 2008. He also has amazing speed and the ability to cut on a dime.

WHAT'S UP WITH:

RB Wes Cates: He battled injuries in 2008 and we all know that the shelf life of running back is short. He’s doubtful for the opener, which increases the pressure on Stu Foord, Neal Hughes and Hugh Charles. I also think Cates will bounce back nicely.

QBs Dalton Bell and Steve Jyles: Given that Darian Durant is the starter, Bell and Jyles haven’t jumped forward to claim the back-up role. There are flashes but hardly anything really awe-inspiring.

The Rider D: The Riders lost five starters — Mo Lloyd, Anton McKenzie, Kitwana Jones, James Johnson and Scott Gordon. The replacements have looked good but it remains what will happen when they start playing for real on July 3.

LB Tad Kornegay: He’s going to be the cover linebacker and looks great. Etcheverry wanted to improve the weak-side coverage and Kornegay has always been able to do that. There is a dropoff not having a big linebacker there but how it will turn out remains to be seen.

C Jeremy O’Day: He should have been pressed by Jon St-Pierre who is battling minor injuries in camp. O’Day, 34, has looked good because they are going to need him

S James Patrick: I like the idea of an import safety. Few QBs can make the throw to the wide side of the field, so putting a Canadian there makes sense. That way Patrick can make an impact on the game where there might be some passes.

DB Joel Lipinski: He could be an injury away from starting at cornerback. He is also one of the best hustlers in camp. I think he’s outplayed Tamon George, the Riders second-round pick in the 2009 draft. How he was never drafted is really way beyond my level of thinking.That’s it for now. I have to get pounding. Today’s explosion features a set-up piece on the game, the Riders’ thoughts on playing Richie Hall, et al on Wednesday and more. You’ll have to check back online later or, as always, in the printed edition of the Leader-Post, which can be purchased for a nominal fee at all your better corner stores. Your support is appreciated.

RENAULD WILLIAMS TO START IN THE MIDDLE

REGINA — After each day of training camp, middle linebacker Rey Williams joins some of the Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive linemen for some hand-to-hand combat.

The extra practice session appears to be choreographed. Williams and a teammate square off on the sidelines while the other players stroll off the turf at Mosaic Stadium.
Then a spirited exchange of hand-slapping and shoulder-pad grabbing takes place.

The drills are part of Williams’ preparations for some of the changes that defensive co-ordinator Gary Etcheverry has planned for the Riders’ defence.
“I feel that I’m going to blitzing a lot more this year and I haven’t done that in the past,” said Williams, who is expected to be the starting middle linebacker when the Riders open the regular season on July 3 against the visiting B.C. Lions. “I’m going to be engaged with the offensive linemen more and they like to get their hands on you. We don’t do that as linebackers during practice.”

Williams played defensive end at Hofstra University, so he’s familiar with the battle in the trenches. He’s just a little rusty after moving to linebacker when his college career was completed.

“Linebackers don’t like wrestling with the offensive linemen, but I do,” said Williams, who is headed into his third season with the Riders but first on top of the depth chart for middle linebacker. “I fare pretty well against them.”

Williams joined the Riders in 2007 and dressed for two games. He dressed for 15 games in 2008, including four starts at linebacker, and exhibited enough potential that the Riders were able to let Maurice Lloyd sign with the Edmonton Eskimos as a free agent.
Williams is being counted on to fill the void left by Lloyd, who was a CFL all-star in 2008.

“I’m not looking to replace Mo,” said Williams, who at six feet and 228 pounds is roughly the same stature as Lloyd (five-foot-11, 235 pounds). “I want to be better than Mo. Every game I want to get better and hopefully my best is better than Mo Lloyd’s was. That’s what keeps me motivated through every game and every practice.”

Etcheverry has stressed that there is competition at middle linebacker, even though Williams appears to have the edge.
“(Lloyd) was very effective for us and our team is going to miss him,” said Etcheverry. “We have semi-redefined the position and we’re expecting different things from the person who wins the competition.”

Williams, who re-signed with the Riders rather than test free agency during the off-season, is fine with competing for the starting job.
“I think anyone who comes in needs to compete for a spot,” said Williams. “To be a better football player, you have to compete every day.”
Williams is also excited about one of the responsibilities that may be added to the middle linebacker. There will be an opportunity for the starter to call the defensive plays in Etcheverry’s system.

“It’s a challenge and it’s something new,” said Williams. “It makes you become a better football player and you learn more about the game that way.”

Regina Leader-Post

82 and 83

Click here http://watch.tsn.ca/cfl-news-and-highlights/clip182875#clip182875

JASON GEATHERS

Jason Geathers looks like a very exciting player. Click here to see highlights

http://www.leaderpost.com/sports/Geathers+ready+play+Canadian+football+with+Saskatchewan+Roughriders/1686836/story.html

DAY 6 IN RIDER CAMP

By Murray McCormick 06-12-2009 COMMENTS(0) Rider Rumblings

Just a brief weather report: Gorgeous — but loads happened today at Rider camp and elsewhere, so let’s get at it:

— Riders president Jim Hopson met with the media during main camp about Eric Tillman’s charge goingto trail on Jan 4. Hopson said it’s business as usual, which was expected. Tillman remains on paid administrative leave while the case is before the courts.
— Hopson responded this way when asked about the effects of the charge on the perception of the Roughriders: “You have to think that it does have an effect,’’ Hopson said. “One of the things we’ve seen from our fan base is a tremendous level of understanding and certain acceptance that this is a personal issue, not a football issue. It’s outside the club and the club is doing what it should be doing, which is stepping back and allowing the thing to be resolved properly and we aren’t rushing to judgment. Clearly with the support we’ve received from season-ticket sales, sponsorships and the to the number of people at training camp . . . The fans are like players, they are worried about the next football game.’’
— I asked one player for comment and he declined. It’s not really their issue and it doesn’t have much to do with the football team.

— The trade of Joe McGrath was among of the other topics not related to the Tillman court case. McGrath was traded back to Edmonton on Thursday for a first-round pick in the 2010 draft and a neg. list player. Riders head coach Ken Miller reiterated that the importance of chemistry the locker room and how if McGrath didn’t want to be there and he didn’t fit in, it was good thing he wasn’t there.

— Gene Makowsky chuckled when asked if he sensed some unhappiness with McGrath. “I don’t think anyone is overjoyed during camp,’’ said Makowsky. “I think that everyone is a little bit down, so he’s not alone. We have a some good guys here and I thought he would fit in. That may not be the whole case but that has past now and we’re looking forward.’’

— I asked Miller for more details on Carl Berman, who was released on Thursday. Miller didn’t elaborate other than to say that he was gone and they would coach the guys they have here. Berman was attempting to come back from a torn Achilles tendon in 2008.

— With so much going on off the field, it was tough keeping track of what was taking place on the turf. Rob Bagg made a spectacular, twisting 45-yard reception on a pass from Dalton Bell. LB Jerron Wishom made a strip and pick on Chris Jones on the sidelines.

— The Riders also pack up for a road trip on Saturday to Saskatoon. Along with the other festivities, they will have a controlled practice. Miller sounds like he’s looking forward to the trip: “One of the reasons I like to go up there is we get to see some different fans and it’s great for them,’’ said Miller. “I also like it because we get out of our comfort zone and have a little different schedule. That’s good because in a few days we’re going to Edmonton.’’

— Practice sessions were reduced to just one Friday and ended at 11 a.m — nearly 90 minutes earlier than Thursday. Miller said that one practice was enough because the players were working hard and some are nursing minor injuries.

— Legend George Reed also stopped by practice. We chatted and the substance of that interview will appear online later and in the L-P on Saturday.— Also looking ahead, I have a Riders’ reaction on Tillman and a long look at the development of Darian Durant as a leader and a quarterback. As always, you can check online or look in the paper in the morning. Busy day, so I had better pound.

McGahee looks fast standing still !!

REGINA -- Casey McGahee looks fast standing still.
But he’s even faster while returning kicks and punts at Saskatchewan Roughriders’ main training camp. The 5-foot-9 and 185-pound wide receiver and returner has impressed more than a few onlookers after fielding a punt. With just one step, McGahee looks to be at full speed and looking to make tacklers miss.

“It’s a God-given talent,’’ McGahee said Thursday after the fifth day of the Riders’ main camp at Mosaic Stadium. “I never ran track or anything like that because I played baseball. It just came naturally.’’

McGahee, 25, dressed for two games in 2008 with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. In Week 19, McGahee had seven punt returns for 95 yards against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He showed off his speed when he returned a punt 57 yards for a touchdown as the Blue Bombers beat the Tiger-Cats 44-30.

That performance wasn’t enough to earn McGahee a spot on the playing roster. He was returned to the practice roster and joined the Riders in the offseason.

“Everything happens for a reason,’’ said McGahee, who spent four seasons at Florida Atlantic University as a receiver, returner and defensive back. “I’m here in Saskatchewan where they want me.’’

Riders head coach Ken Miller chuckled when asked for an up-close perspective on McGahee’s speed.

“He’s faster up close because he has an extra burst that most human beings don’t have,’’ said Miller.

The Riders are hoping that McGahee can add some excitement and speed to their special teams. Weston Dressler handled the bulk of the return duties in 2008 en route to winning the CFL’s rookie-of-the-year. While he’s a sure-handed returner, the Riders want Dressler to concentrate on being a receiver.

That’s why they are auditioning players like McGahee, Brandon Childress, Johnny Quinn, Byron Ross and Eric Morris for the returner’s job.

“If the situation is necessary, we will use Weston,’’ said Kavis Reed, who is in charge of the Riders’ special teams. “I’m a firm believer that a returner should be a returner. If you ask a guy to do two things, one goes lacking. Weston is an outstanding receiver and let’s leave him at that.’’

That doesn’t rule out McGahee seeing playing time at wide receiver. Riders head coach Ken Miller said he would like to see McGahee play wide receiver just to help with the CFL’s roster limitations.

“We really want him to be an accomplished receiver but he has some growth to do in that area,’’ said Miller. “We might looked at him as designated import on offence as a supportive receiver while filling the return position.’’

There isn’t much doubt in Reed’s mind that the McGahee can be an impact returner. He couldn’t hurt, either. Dressler had the Riders’ longest punt return of 31 yards and the longest kickoff return of 41 yards. The Roughriders were also seventh in the league in kickoff return yards (1,375) and fifth in punt return yards (787).

“You can’t coach speed,’’ said Reed. “Our responsibility to time the blocks and make certain they are secured at the right point. He’s going to get on the blockers a lot faster than most. It will be an absolute treat to watch him run returns.’’
McGahee is also looking forward to the opportunity.

“I love returning punts and kicks,’’ said McGahee, whose third cousin is Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee. “I expect it’s going to be very exciting this year, especially on special teams. Hopefully, we’ll have one of the best special teams in the league.’’

http://www.blogger.com/mmccormick@leaderpost.canwest.com

DAY 5 OF RIDER CAMP

By Murray McCormick 06-11-2009 COMMENTS(1) Rider Rumblings

What a pleasant day at Mosaic Stadium.The sun was shining, there was hardly any wind and there was loads of action on the turf. This is what training camp is supposed to be like.So, without any more of intro, here’s some observations and thoughts after Day 5 of the Riders’ main camp:

— Defensive back Danatay Heard put on quite the show. He intercepted two Steve Jyles’ passes and returned one 110 yards for a touchdown. He also knocked down a Jyles pass. Pretty impressive for the second-year pro.

—Actually the interceptions in the end zone may have been by design. Riders head coach Ken Miller said he wanted extra pressure on everyone while the team practiced it’s goal- line offence and defence. “To have the picks is a concern but as we practice more in that area of the field we will make better decisions and not have that happen,’’ said Miller.

— Running back Jason Geathers and linebacker Brandon Perkins were added to the roster and made their first appearances in pads Thursday. Geathers is quite the player in the Arena Football League and here is some video proof of that on youtube.

— Miller is concerned that running back Wes Cates could be sidelined longer than just the season opener. Cates is recovering from off-season should surgery. “I just hope we are able to get him recovered as soon as possible,’’ Miller said. Miller added that Hugh Charles has looked good. He hopes that one of those two might be able to pick up the slack while Cates recovers.

— QB Darian Durant looked pretty good with what I suspect is the first-team offence. He looked comfortable in the pocket and could run outside pretty well. He connected on a TD pass to SB Jason Clermont during the short-yardage drills. The pass was kind of ordinary but he completed while backing into the pack of players watching the drills.— RB Eric Morris made a nice one-handed snag in the second practice.

— Riders president Jim Hopson addressed the team after Thursday’s practice. “He wanted to tell them that he was pleased and that they were doing well,’’ said Miller. “It’s really part of a team-building exercise.’’

— Linebacker coach Alex Smith’s outside voice has some volume. You can hear him throughout the stadium during all of the drills.

— I talked to returner Casey McGahee about the Riders’ special teams for Friday’s paper. I also have a story on Jason Geathers. They will also appear online later but you can always help out the L-P by purchasing a paper on Friday.

WESTON DRESSLER WILL BE USED A LOT

You can bet the farm that reigning CFL rookie-of-the-year Weston Dressler will be slotted back into the starting lineup of the Saskatchewan Roughriders this season. Where he’ll be positioned is a more risky wager — and that’s the whole idea.
Photograph by: Don Healy, Leader-Post

REGINA -- You can bet the farm that reigning CFL rookie-of-the-year Weston Dressler will be slotted back into the starting lineup of the Saskatchewan Roughriders this season.
Where he’ll be positioned is a more risky wager — and that’s the whole idea.

With the signing of former all-star slotback Jason Clermont, teamed with prospective all-star Andy Fantuz, the speedy Dressler is expected to complement their robust inside game by rotating all over the field in an effort to free him up and create mismatches.
“When we decide where our receivers play, we take the player who we feel is one of the most adjustable players and put him in the boundary slot,” explained Riders head coach Ken Miller.

“Then we move them back and forth across the field, exchange them in and out with the boundary (wide) receiver. That’s what Weston does really well so that’s probably where he will fit into our lineup. We can adjust our formations so he can play any of the positions on the field as well to give us a vertical stretch. He’ll be a versatile player for us.”

Dressler emerged as the Riders’ secret weapon last season when their receiving corps was decimated with injuries, but they couldn’t keep the secret for long. Hence the need for a little extra creativity.

“We try to find ways to get him the ball all the time and vary that,” noted Miller. “After the first two or three games, we didn’t sneak up on anybody with him last year.”
In spite of that fact, Dressler was a clear-cut choice as the league’s top rookie after leading the team with 56 catches for 1,128 yards and six touchdowns.

Now, the question is: What does he do for an encore?

“Last year was last year,” said Dressler. “I’m just looking forward to trying to improve as a player and do everything I can to help the team win. We’re gonna have a lot of different things we can do with the guys we have and that’s going to be an advantage we’ll have against defences. We’re just trying to get used to everyone and work together to try to be successful every play.”

Dressler insisted he isn’t concerned about where he lines up this season, be it the slot, the outside — even the backfield. He’s happy as long as he’s on the field and has a chance to contribute.

As for the slotback position, offensive co-ordinator Paul LaPolice noted that Dressler and Fantuz were productive starters last season, so it’s up to everyone else — including Clermont — to prove themselves worthy of the same opportunity.

“We feel (Dressler and Fantuz) are two of the most tremendous receivers in the league,” offered LaPolice, whose offence favours five-receiver sets. “We have a talented receiving corps. There’s a competition for that one last slot position. Everybody has to compete.”
Even the incumbents.

“Weston Dressler has to compete for his starting job; Andy Fantuz does,” added LaPolice. “That’s not fair to other players if we just say these guys walk in as starters. One thing we tell all our players is there’s no entitlement. You have to earn everything you do.”

The Riders plan to minimize Dressler’s work on special teams in hopes of keeping him fresh and healthy. Dressler was the team’s primary return man early last season, but the wear and tear eventually caught up to him. He missed three full games due to injuries and saw limited action on special teams late in the campaign.

“That’s a coach’s decision,” said the 5-foot-7, 179-pounder. “I think (returning kicks) is a very exciting part of the game and I love doing it. But we obviously have some athletes here that are capable of doing that. If it’s going to make the team better, that’s what we should do.”

http://www.leaderpost.com/Saskatchewan+Roughriders+with+Weston+Dressler+position/1682977/gharder@leaderpost.canwest.com

JOHNSON BIG BROTHER TO HARRIS AT RIDER CAMP

REGINA -- Big Brother is watching Bobby Harris at the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ training camp.

OK, so Belton Johnson isn’t really Harris’ older sibling. But ever since the two offensive linemen met at the University of Mississippi, Harris has seen Johnson in that light.
“Belton was my host when I was a recruit (at Ole Miss),” Harris, a CFL rookie, said Wednesday after the Roughriders’ training-camp workouts at Mosaic Stadium. “Ever since then, it’s been like a big-brother relationship. I look to him for guidance.”

“What can I say? I’m glad he’s here,” added Johnson, who’s entering his third season with the Roughriders. “I’m always chit-chatting with him or talking to him about plays and stuff. I love that he’s here.”

When Harris was on his recruiting visit to the Ole Miss campus in Oxford, Miss., he saw the sights with Johnson — and learned a thing or two about the man.
“The thing I liked about Belton the most is he was honest,” said Harris, a product of Richmond, Va., who turns 26 on Monday. “He’d say, ‘I’ll tell you who’s just talk and who’s not. This is really how it is. This isn’t a front for you recruits. We really do it like a family here.’ He really kept it real for me.”
Harris decided to go to Ole Miss and spent the following two seasons as Johnson’s teammate and backup, learning the ways of Rebels football from his mentor. That has resumed now that they’re on the same team again.

“He still to this day will come over and say, ‘Pick it up. You know what you’ve got to do,’ ” said Harris, whose dorm room at Luther College is two doors down from that of Johnson. “I appreciate that, not only as a teammate but as a friend as well.”

“He always has questions for me every night,” noted Johnson, a 28-year-old product of Coffeeville, Miss. “I’ll sit down with him, go over the plays, explain what we’re looking for on each play. I try to go the extra step with him.”

Whereas Harris was Johnson’s backup at Ole Miss, the duo may get to play at the same time in the CFL.
Thanks to the pre-camp Achilles tendon injury suffered by non-import Wayne Smith, the Roughriders now are looking at using a pair of import tackles this season — and Harris (6-foot-3, 310 pounds) and Johnson (6-foot-6, 315 pounds) are the only two currently in camp following the release of Andrae Townsel on Wednesday.

“I don’t make those decisions,” offensive line coach Bob Wylie said of the team’s plan to use two Americans. “I don’t have any thoughts on imports and the ratio. All I’m going to do is sit in the (coaches’) meetings and say, ‘These are the best five guys. You figure out who you’re going to play.’ ”

Ironically, Harris and Johnson have played previously under coaches who worked with Wylie. As a result, the tackles have a headstart on their colleagues at camp in understanding Wylie’s techniques. Now they have to hone their skills.
“They do a lot of little detail work,” Wylie said. “You may see them out before practice working on just one step because that may be something where they’re deficient and they need to get better at it. They have that attitude. That’s what you want to coach.”
Harris — who had stops in the NFL, NFL Europe and the Arena Football League before signing with Saskatchewan — said Johnson’s presence in Regina has helped as he tries to adjust to a new league, a new city and a new country. For Johnson, it’s just like old times.

“I feel like I’m hosting him right now, showing him around the city,” Johnson said. “I know how it was when I first got up here — didn’t have a car, didn’t really know anybody. Now I know the city and a lot of the places, so I kind of take him under my wing and introduce him to different people. It feels like that experience (at Ole Miss) all over again.”

http://www.leaderpost.com/Sports/Belton+Johnson+brother+Bobby+Harris+Saskatchewan+Roughriders+training+camp/1683130/ihamilton@leaderpost.canwest.com

RIDER UPDATE

There's got to be more to this blog than Ken Miller quotes and training camp news releases! Since those of us that are there have to be the eyes and ears of the Rider Nation, here are some thoughts through the first four days of training camp, plus three days of rookie camp:-

If you get a chance, you've got to feast your eyes on Joe Sykes. This defensive lineman is a monster, and I mean that in a good sense. We had heard all about his resume, being the all-time sack leader with the AFL2's Green Bay Blizzard, but he's actually been bigger than advertised.They've got him in jersey #98 and it fits him like a glove. Plan on him being here for awhile. In fact, I heard the other day he asked somebody on the sidelines what the CFL sack record is. What does that say about his confidence??

- It's very early to say this is the best set of receivers in the CFL. BUT, they are very good. I know people are bemoaning the fact Adarius Bowman is in Winnipeg and they feel we didn't get much back for him (as Jordan Rempel may not be an offensive line starter) but this set of ball-catchers should make us forget all about Bowman. And really, what was there to remember?

- The receiver, quite honestly, that I can't take my eyes off is #86 Johnny Quinn from North Texas. He doesn't get his name mentioned very often by the coaches in the interviews, but I know behind the scenes they're making plans for him. And #18 Todd Blythe from Iowa State is an eye-popper too.

- I'm pulling for 5'7", 190 lb RB Justin Beaver from Wisconsin-Whitewater to make this squad. He works so dang hard. He made a leaping one-handed grab on an overthrown ball today that was very impressive. He's been NAILED by Olajubutu a couple of times but he pops right up smiling. I LOVE that.

- BUT he's going to be in tough now with the emergence of Jason Geathers. Two players were released Wednesday to make room for him (see below). What's Geathers look like? Like a thicker Adarius Bowman.- James Patrick at safety could end up as a significant upgrade in our secondary.

- Would you have put money on Tad Kornegay replacing Anton McKenzie at WILL linebacker? Maybe you should before the betting windows close.- Back to the secondary -

- the vets back there are raving about new coach Nelson Martin. He's calm, cool and collected and he knows his stuff.- On the offensive line

-- Regina's Nick Hutchins should have no delusions that he's going to crack the big club this year but he's impressed offensive line coach Bob Wylie enough that I'm hearing he could have a serious shot with this club once he's done with the Rams.- Starters up front? Probably Harris, Johnson, McGrath, Makowsky and O'Day. That's JUST my guess. Maybe Parenteau could sneak in at guard. He works awfully hard, and more than some of the others.

- The top two quarterbacks, hands-down, are Darian Durant and Dalton Bell. They both want to start, so it's going to be a fierce battle in the preseason and I wouldn't be surprised if they each get a half (rather than the each-of-the-four-guys-getting-a-quarter scenario).

- Speaking of, we're on the air from Edmonton next Wednesday. It's the ONLY broadcast you're gonna find since it's not televised. That's exciting for the mighty 620 CKRM.- Speaking of broadcasts, I was impressed with FAN 960 Calgary morning host Mike Richards this morning when I was on with him. He was very respectful towards the Riders and didn't run down Canada's Team one bit. He spoke very highly of Eric Tillman and said he hopes everything turns out all right for all involvedI'd like to work with Mike Richards some day!

- Sportsnet's Roger Millions was right on the money when he said Ken Miller "fits this province like a glove!" People love the old guy.- Six hits to this website today from the Calgary Stampeder Football Club??? Don't you guys have anything BETTER to do??? :)See you all on the 23rd in our place.HAVE A GREAT NIGHT!

JUSTIN BEAVER TURNING HEADS

REGINA -- Saskatchewan Roughriders hopeful Justin Beaver has been the hit of camp.
Since the CFL team opened rookie camp a week ago, the 5-foot-7, 190-pound running back has been on the receiving end of two concussive hits during supposedly non-contact drills — both times by linebacker Sam Olajubutu.

No one else outside of the trenches has been thumped in the same way with the same volume. So why has Beaver been getting cranked?

“I don’t know, but I like it,” the 24-year-old product of Palmyra, Wis., said with a grin following Tuesday’s training-camp workouts at Mosaic Stadium. “It’s a wakeup call every morning.
“Come game time, you’re going to get rocked. Those guys (on defence) have got to go all out. They’re trying to get a spot and trying to make themselves a name. If it’s the other way around, I’m going to do the same thing.”

Beaver said he has had chances to return the favour, but has held back. He’s opting to make his mark in other ways, whether it was the diving one-handed catch during a one-on-one drill or the quick move to the outside on a draw play during a team drill.

The graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is among three import backs in camp, along with Wes Cates and Hugh Charles. With Cates nursing a tender shoulder that could keep him out of the season-opener, Beaver could find himself in the lineup.

“I don’t think that’s any motivation for (Beaver and Charles),” said Kavis Reed, the Roughriders’ running backs coach. “I think the motivation for them is making this team, which is a good thing.
“It’s a positive for us because we want to make it as competitive as possible. Even if Wes was healthy, we wanted to make it a situation where, hey, the best guy was going to come out and be the guy on the field for our first game.”

Beaver suggested his aim entering camp was to help the team in any way he could — whether he makes it or not.
“If this is my camp to help them out and if they do well this year, then I’ve accomplished my goal,” he said. “If I make the practice squad, I’ll help out there. If I make the active squad, I’ll help out there any way I can.”

Some would suggest Beaver is hindered by his size, but that hasn’t been a problem before. As a senior at Wisconsin-Whitewater, he was named the outstanding player in Division III football and he left college as the 11th-leading rusher all time in NCAA football.
“(My size) has always been a thing since high school, into college and then in the pros . . .,” said Beaver, who attended a mini-camp with the NFL’s Green Bay Packers in 2008. “I’m just keeping to my philosophy of trying to outwork everyone else and that’s been working for me so far.”

“I’m a firm believer that you’re never concerned about size,” Reed added. “If that guy can play football, he can play football. I don’t think God made football players a specific size. I think he just made them athletes.”

Beaver said he has been asking as many questions as he can to figure out the Roughriders’ offence and the Canadian game. He’s actually surprised that he’s been getting answers.
“On a lot of teams, guys won’t help you out,” he said. “Here, they come and ask you if you have any questions. Wes is constantly helping us out, coaching us up. It’s a real unique place to be.”

© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post

DONOVAN ALEXANDER TURNING HEADS

To say Donovan Alexander has caught the attention of Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive backs coach Nelson Martin is an understatement.

Photograph by: Bryan Schlosser, Leader-Post

REGINA -- To say Donovan Alexander has caught the attention of Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive backs coach Nelson Martin is an understatement.

“Donovan Alexander has been the most impressive DB in camp so far. Not rookies — DBs, period,” Martin said after Monday’s training-camp workouts at Mosaic Stadium.
“He’s doing everything I ask him to. He’s making very few if any mistakes, he’s a professional, his work ethic is outstanding, and I’ve got him with the vets from last year and he’s fitting right in. He’s been very impressive and he’s getting better with every practice.”
But that doesn’t mean anything at this point. Alexander, a 24-year-old product of Winnipeg, still has to hold on to that spot — despite injuries to potential competitors Leron Mitchell (leg) and Konrad Wasiela (hamstring).

“The coach came up to me right away and said, ‘You’re only as good as your last practice,’ ” Alexander said. “That was very important. I’m with the No. 1 group for today and my goal every day is to be with the No. 1 group tomorrow. (Martin) just said pretty bluntly that, ‘You have to work pretty hard or we can find somebody else.’ They can make arrangements. They can put an American out there and I could be gone.”

The Roughriders’ plan to use a non-import on the corner flies in the face of conventional CFL wisdom. Only the Montreal Alouettes — with Davis Sanchez — employ a non-import on the corner while other teams usually put a Canadian at safety.

Alexander, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound graduate of the University of North Dakota, said it was “very humbling” that the Roughriders want a Canadian on the corner. With that, however, comes pressure — but Martin wants his young charge to ignore it.

“Being a professional football player, you feel pressure, whether you’re a backup playing special teams or you’re starting on the corner, at half or at safety,” Martin said. “Everybody’s feeling it. He’s feeling it because of the novelty of having a Canadian on the corner. It wouldn’t be any easier for him if he was playing safety.

“(Being a Canadian corner) is unique, but he’s fast and he can cover. His birth certificate doesn’t say, ‘I’m a Canadian, so therefore I’m a safety.’ He’s a football player — a very good football player.”

Martin said Alexander does everything well, which the coach believes is a result of the coaching Alexander received at North Dakota, with the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks (with whom he attended training camp in 2008) and with the Als (with whom he played four games last season).
The Roughriders acquired Alexander in February, sending their second-round picks in 2009 and ’10 to the Als.

“As a football player, it’s always nice to be wanted — and I definitely feel like I was wanted here,” Alexander said. “It’s very humbling, but at the same time it’s a lot of pressure. I don’t want to disappoint. I want to do the best that I can and hopefully I live up to the expectations that they have for me.”

To help himself do that, Alexander is hitting up his mates in the secondary. He’s constantly asking questions of veterans Eddie Davis, Lance Frazier and Omarr Morgan in the hopes of finding out their secrets — which in turn will help him prove he belongs.

“It’s a little tough, but if I work hard, they’ll understand that I’m trying,” Alexander said. “If I sprint to the football whenever I get a chance, they’ll know I’m working hard. I’m just trying to get better every day.”

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DAY 2 OF CAMP

If you live or work anywhere near Regina, you only had to look out the window and realize that it rained throughout Day 2 of the Riders main camp.Actually, there was about 20 minutes where it looked like the sun was going to come up. Then it started to rain again.

I wish it would go away because we’ve had enough and my lawn really needs cutting.But the show goes on and here some early observations from Day 2:

— LB Sam Olajubutu made quite an impact with two loud hits on RB Justin Beaver. The pops sure woke up the folks shivering on the sidelines but they were really only noisy. No damage was caused.—

The call to Ryan Dinwiddie's agent grew some legs on Monday. Riders head coach Ken Miller and all three QBs were asked about the Riders’ supposed interest in the former Blue Bombers quarterback. Miller said “There wasn’t any interest at this time”, which was surprising. The QBs all felt it was part of the business and all they can do is compete. For more, check online later or in the paper on Tuesday.— The Dinwiddie questions followed shortly after Miller praised his pivots for a solid performance in main camp.— Mind you, Juan Joseph didn’t look that great. He had problems with the snap and got tripped up by an offensive lineman. Actually, he looked like a rookie out there.

— DB Chris McKenzie had a pretty sweet interception deep in the Riders’ zone.

— LB Sean Lucas looks he’s in regular-season form. He made a one-handed interception on Dalton Bell and later knocked down a Bell pass attempt.

— Nuvraj Bassi was back with the offensive lineman after spending the opening day with the defensive linemen. Here’s versatile but it’s has to be tough to make an impression playing different positions.

— Regina DE Mike Stadnyk and OT Joe McGrath had a nice battle in the one-on-ones. Stadnyk nearly flipped McGrath on his back.

— DE Stevie Baggs and OT Andrae Townsell are really going at it. I don’t think there is a lot of love lost there. It’s fun watching those two in one-on-ones.

— RB Wes Cates confirmed that he could miss the regular season-opener because he’s still recovering from surgery on his right shoulder. Big loss but the Riders have performed without him. Check out online later for more details or buy a paper on Tuesday to find out.

— Rider Beat makes its debut on Tuesday, so it would be a good day to invest in the L-P.

— WR Dave McKoy, the Riders first pick in the 2007 CFL (ninth overall) still hasn’t recovered from a knee injury suffered in his first season with the Riders. He was in sweats and Miller said it would be a while before he was ready to go.

— And finally, C Jon St-Pierre missed Day 2 of camp with an infected toe (yuk).

DALTON BELL

VANSTONE: Riders' Dalton Bell an all-round nice guy


By Rob Vanstone, The Leader-PostJune 8,

On Day 1 of (t)raining camp, Dalton Bell proved to be the rare quarterback who does not insist upon protection.

Bell was offered coverage, in the form of an umbrella, in the early stages of an interview after the Saskatchewan Roughriders concluded practice Sunday on Taylor Field.
"No, we're good,'' Bell said, cordially.

Then the skies opened up. In good conscience, I could not allow an interviewee to be saturated -- and my column to be washed away in the process. So I pulled out the umbrella and attempted to keep both of us dry.
The downpour was momentary, so I gracefully dropped the umbrella, along with my notes. As I fumbled around, Bell was thoughtful enough to pick up my roster.
So why am I telling you this? It is, after all, a trivial detail. But little things often reveal the most about a person.

He is, I discovered, as advertised.

Since Bell's arrival in Regina last fall, members of the Roughriders organization have been raving about Bell's off-field comportment. General manager Eric Tillman bordered on giddiness while appraising Bell as a person. The quarterback's absorption with film study also earned plaudits, while eliciting comparisons to somebody named Kent Austin.

"I've never met Kent Austin,'' Bell said of the legendary Roughriders quarterback and head coach, "but I guess that's a compliment.''
You might say.

Roger Eberts doesn't watch as much film as Austin. Bell is similarly inclined. Even while on the practice roster in 2008, Bell routinely remained in the Riders' office well into the evening.

"That's something I've always done throughout my whole career, and even my college career,'' Bell said. "I want to give myself the best chance to succeed so I've tried to do the off-the-field stuff, such as watching film and drawing up plays and going through different scenarios.''

Bell's passion for watching film was nurtured at West Texas A&M under quarterbacks coach was Wes Phillips -- whose father is Dallas Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips.
In two seasons as the starting quarterback at West Texas A&M, Bell posted a 20-4 record. He threw for 3,998 yards and 32 touchdowns as a senior after amassing totals of 3,799 yards and 30 TDs the previous year.

NFL stints with the Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks ensued. Bell was placed on the Roughriders' negotiation list on the recommendation of director of player personnel Joe Womack.

After a nomadic couple of years, Bell is anxious to make an imprint in the CFL, to the extent that the Canyon, Tex., product arrived in Regina in mid-May.
"I came up early because I wanted to give myself the best shot to play,'' the 6-foot-3, 210-pounder said. "I am taking it seriously. It's a job. I've been in places before and I've been cut a few times. It's not fun to get cut and it's hard for the family to survive when you're not having a job so, yeah, I am taking it seriously.''
Bell travelled to Regina with his wife, Abbie, and their son, Boston (who turns three in July).

"He came out to practice the other day and he thinks this is pretty cool,'' Bell said. "He's at that age where seeing Dad play football is cool. He wants me to tackle somebody, but I don't want to be tackling anybody.''
Bell would rather tackle a playbook.

"He is such a student of the game and he prepares so well,'' said Riders head coach Ken Miller, who figures that Bell has the makings of a "special'' player.
"He has the respect of everybody on the team -- not that the other quarterbacks don't. He has just demonstrated those things beyond what you would expect somebody of his experience to do.''

Bell is part of an inexperienced quarterbacking corps. Darian Durant, who is first on the depth chart, has started four games as a CFLer. Steven Jyles, who is immediately behind Durant on the pecking order, is No. 2. Bell and recently acquired Juan Joseph round out the quarterbacking equation.

At 26, Bell would love to move up the ladder and find a home in the pro ranks.
"Finding a team that has a plan for you is huge,'' he said. "Hopefully I have found that here.''

© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post

CLERMONT'S FIRST DAY AS A RIDER

Jason Clermont made his debut with the Green and White on Sunday as the Roughriders opened the 2009 training camp.

Photograph by: Troy Fleece, Leader-Post

Jason Clermont isn't getting caught up in the hype surrounding his first official appearance at Mosaic Stadium as a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The Regina-born slotback, who signed with the Riders after being released by the B.C. Lions, is simply trying to settle in with his new team.

"I'm not thinking about any of that stuff,'' Clermont said Sunday after the opening day of main camp at Mosaic Stadium. "I'm just going to bring my hard hat and go to work. (Riders receiver) Adam Nicholson asked me what it was like playing on the old turf from my high school days ... it's not even the same turf.''

Clermont spent seven seasons with the Lions, who picked him in the first round (fourth overall) in the 2002 CFL draft. In 2002, he was named the league's rookie-of-the-year and was twice selected the CFL's most outstanding Canadian. He shared in the 2006 Grey Cup championship with the Lions and was also named the game's most outstanding Canadian.

Clermont, 30, was released by the Lions on Dec. 2 and quickly garnered interest from his home-town team. The sides came together on Dec. 12 and after a long wait, Clermont made his first on-field appearance with the Roughriders on Sunday. It was hardly a spectacular debut, at least according to Clermont.

"(Defensive back Lance Frazier) was eating my lunch (Sunday) morning,'' said Clermont, who was a standout athlete at Robert Usher Collegiate before enjoying a stellar career with the University of Regina Rams. "He was jumping on everything that I was doing. I would have cut myself in the morning but I was happier with the second practice.''

Ken Miller, the Riders head coach, seemed satisfied with Clermont's first day as a member of the Green and White.
"He's really cool, calm and collected,'' said Miller. "He demonstrates leadership and when he had an opportunity to catch, he caught. We were very pleased with him.''
Miller added that he would like Clermont to be more demonstrative on the field.

"He's a little quiet and we have to draw that out of him,'' said Miller. "He will be a great role model.''

Clermont didn't experience any different feelings when he put on a Riders' jersey for the first time.

"No matter what team you go to, the offence always wears a white jersey,'' said Clermont. "I can't think about those things because I'm learning the playbook. I'm trying to get some chemistry going with the receivers, the quarterbacks and to get my legs underneath me for training camp. I can't be thinking about it being weird. I'm here to help my team, get ready and hopefully make the roster.''

That will be a formality for Clermont, who joins a talented group of slotbacks and is being counted on to help lead the crew.

He also adds to the number of Saskatchewan-born players on the Riders' roster. There are 12 on the roster -- including Regina products Clermont, Tamon George, Nick Hutchins, Joel Lipinski, Neal Hughes, Stu Foord, Chris Getzlaf and Michael Stadnyk.

"The more Saskatchewan guys, the better,'' said veteran guard Gene Makowsky, a native of Saskatoon. "I know that those guys are going to play hard. Clermont is the epitome of a typical Saskatchewan guy. He's humble, he plays hard and kicks butt. It's great to have him here.''

The Riders main camp continues today at Mosaic Stadium.

© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post

Roughriders' Wes Cates

Photograph by: Mark Taylor, Leader-Post files

The Saskatchewan Roughriders may be without import running back Wes Cates when their 2009 CFL season opens at Mosaic Stadium on July 3.
Riders head coach Ken Miller said after the first day of main camp that Cates, a CFL all-star in 2008 and one of the team's top offensive threats, is questionable for the regular-season opener against the B.C. Lions.

"He's coming off a shoulder procedure, so we will have to evaluate and see how that is by Game 1,'' Miller said Sunday.

Cates underwent offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. A full recovery is expected, but currently Cates's range of motion is somewhat limited. The Riders are reluctant to play Cates until he is completely healthy.
Cates, who was on the field Sunday, is heading into his third season with the Riders. In 2008, he led the Riders with 1,229 rushing yards and scored 12 touchdowns. He missed three games with an ankle injury but was still the team's nominee for most outstanding player.

"We were in a situation last year because of injuries to our receivers that we had to hand the ball to him,'' said Miller. "We really rode on his and (rookie receiver) Weston Dressler's back for a long time.''

The ankle injury in 2008 created an opportunity for Neal Hughes and Stu Foord to see playing time at tailback. Hughes started three games while Cates was sidelined. Hugh Charles also filled in during Cates's absence. All three tailbacks are in the Riders' camp.
Weather was the other story on the opening day of camp. The drills were conducted under a steady drizzle and, at times, a heavy rainfall.
"We can't control the weather but the main thing we can control is our effort,'' Miller said. "We did a nice job of that. A big part of playing football in Canada is playing in any kind of environment. I would rather have 100-degree temperatures for a few days, but we will take what we can get.''

The Roughriders completed some transactions on Saturday to reach the league-mandated 68-player limit. Current draft picks, two designated rookies and three junior players are not included on that list.
The Riders released linebacker Carlos Armour, defensive end A.J. Raebel and wide receiver Toby Zeigler. Canadian defensive back Leron Mitchell, who suffered a broken right ankle two games into the 2008 season, was placed on the nine-game injured list. Mitchell recently had another surgery on the injured ankle and is expected to make a full recovery.

"It's disappointing to have athletes of the calibre we have having to go on the nine-game injured list right away,'' said Miller. "It's something that's lingering from the injuries we suffered a year ago.''

© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post

JUAN JOSEPH

REGINA — Juan Joseph has already started adjusting to the Canadian football game.

The fourth quarterback on the Saskatchewan Roughriders depth chart asked reporters after Wednesday's opening day of rookie camp at Mosaic Stadium where to stand before the cameras, microphones and recorders. Then the rookie, who is only 21, answered every inquiry from the media in the scrum. Only in Saskatchewan would the fourth-string QB draw this much attention.

"I've just come here to compete and whatever might happen I leave in God's hands,'' said Joseph. "Wherever they put me in is fine.''

Where that may be will be determined by how quickly Joseph can adjust to the differences between Canadian and American football.

"The biggest thing is getting used to the ball,'' Joseph said. "It's quite a bit larger than the one I was used to. The field is also a lot different than I'm used to.''

Joseph also has to adjust to being fourth on the depth chart, which is different from his spot in college.

He was 26-7 as the starter with the Millsaps College Majors, an NCAA Division III program located in Jackson, Miss.

In 2008, he guided the Majors to the best record in school history at 11-0 and the team was ranked third nationally by D3football.com. He threw for 3,363 yards and broke his own school records for touchdown passes (32), completions (301) and attempts (445). He was intercepted just six times while rushing for a team-high 412 yards and four touchdowns.

Joseph signed with the Edmonton Eskimos during the offseason but was traded to the Roughriders on May 15 for popular defensive end Kitwana Jones.

"I feel a little bit of pressure because I heard that Kitwana was a good player and it's too bad that he's not here,'' said Joseph. "I'm real smart, so once I figure out how the offence works, then I will be able to contribute a lot to the team.''

Joseph is still adjusting to a game that is different from the one that he grew up playing in Jefferson, La., before moving to Jackson.

"Hopefully, it won't take that long,'' said Joseph, who is 6-foot-2 and 188 pounds. "I already had a better grip on the ball (Wednesday) and now I just have to get a better understanding of the field.''

Ken Miller, the Riders' head coach, said Joseph looked nervous Wednesday and it showed with his early pass attempts. Joseph improved as the session progressed.

"He has to overcome those things before a lot of time goes by,'' Miller said when asked about Joseph's adjustments. "We'll just have to use good judgment in determining that.''

Darian Durant, Steven Jyles and Dalton Bell, are first, second and third, respectively, on the depth chart. Joseph finds himself in a competition to move up. He's also doing that with three other quarterbacks who appeared to have a good rapport on the field Wednesday.

"That's just part of football,'' Joseph said when asked about getting along with his new teammates. "A lot of these guys are really old and they are talking about their NFL experience. I'm just 21 and I feel like a youngster.''

NOTES: Former Roughriders quarterback Drew Tate signed with the Calgary Stampeders on Wednesday. Tate spent the 2007 and 2008 seasons in Saskatchewan, mostly on the Riders' practice roster. The Stampeders also announced the signing of offensive lineman John Hashem. Hashem, a University of Regina Rams product, was the Stamps' third-round pick (24th overall) in this year's CFL draft . . . Rookie camp continues today and Friday at 9:30 a.m. . . . Veterans report Saturday and main camp opens Sunday at Mosaic Stadium . . . Former Riders quarterback Marcus Crandell made his first appearance Wednesday as a guest coach. Crandell was released last August after four seasons with the Riders and is helping coach the quarterbacks . . . A total of 40 players — four quarterbacks, 24 Americans, nine Canadians and three from junior programs in Regina and Saskatoon — are taking part in rookie camp.

mmccormick@leaderpost.canwest.com

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