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!