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.