By Ian Hamilton, Leader-PostOctober 29,
REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ crop of rookies in 2009 has been a bountiful one for the CFL team.
“We haven’t been disappointed with anybody who’s had the opportunity to play because, when called upon, we expect them to do well,” head coach Ken Miller said after Wednesday’s practice inside the Credit Union Eventplex.
“The (veteran) players themselves expect the young players to play well and (the veterans) do whatever they can to help them, tutor them, prepare them, and support them during the games. It’s not a surprise to me that we get really good performances when we put young players or non-starters into a game.”
Entering Saturday’s game against the host Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Saskatchewan will have three first-year CFLers (Joel Bell at right tackle, Johnny Quinn at wide receiver and Chris McKenzie at defensive back) in its starting lineup.
Entering Saturday’s game against the host Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Saskatchewan will have three first-year CFLers (Joel Bell at right tackle, Johnny Quinn at wide receiver and Chris McKenzie at defensive back) in its starting lineup.
Two other starters — defensive tackle Keith Shologan (who played one game with Saskatchewan in 2008) and cornerback Donovan Alexander (four with the Montreal Alouettes) — are in their first full CFL season.
As well, the Roughriders have employed 12 other rookies at various times this season: Defensive backs Carlos Armour, Daniel Francis, Tamon George and Joel Lipinski; offensive linemen Bobby Harris and Nick Hutchins; linebackers Jerrell Freeman and Kye Stewart; defensive linemen Kevin Scott and Mike Stadnyk; quarterback Dalton Bell; and, receiver/returner Eric Morris.
As well, the Roughriders have employed 12 other rookies at various times this season: Defensive backs Carlos Armour, Daniel Francis, Tamon George and Joel Lipinski; offensive linemen Bobby Harris and Nick Hutchins; linebackers Jerrell Freeman and Kye Stewart; defensive linemen Kevin Scott and Mike Stadnyk; quarterback Dalton Bell; and, receiver/returner Eric Morris.
“Our rookies for the most part have been big contributors . . .,” said Joe Womack, the Roughriders’ director of player personnel. “You don’t always expect them to be that productive. We’ve been fortunate that way.”
Womack and general manager Eric Tillman have assembled a group of rookies who could fill in when needed. That includes Freeman, who started one game at middle linebacker and rotated into that spot with Mike McCullough when Rey Williams was injured.
Womack and general manager Eric Tillman have assembled a group of rookies who could fill in when needed. That includes Freeman, who started one game at middle linebacker and rotated into that spot with Mike McCullough when Rey Williams was injured.
Freeman also has been a force on special teams, recording a team-high 23 tackles — a total that ties him for fourth in the CFL.
“When I first came in, I just wanted to make the team,” said Freeman, who also has 14 defensive tackles and a pass knockdown over the 15 games he has played this season. “Now I’m just out here doing what I can.
“I’m glad I can show what I’ve got in practice, get the trust of the coaches and the other players, and if something happens in the game, hopefully they won’t think twice about putting me in.”
“I’m glad I can show what I’ve got in practice, get the trust of the coaches and the other players, and if something happens in the game, hopefully they won’t think twice about putting me in.”
That’s the same attitude George has. After sitting out Saskatchewan’s first 10 games, the Regina-born DB has dressed in each of the past six contests — a reflection of the progress he made with the help of the coaches and veterans.
“I think they trust me,” said George, a University of Regina Rams product who has two tackles this season. “I’ve had to prove in practice every single day that they can put me out there in the live bullets and feel comfortable with me.
“I wouldn’t say I’m surprised at (the playing time he has received). I’d just say I was working to build that trust with the coaches and have them understand I can be a good player in this league.”
Many CFL rookies have to adjust to the length of the schedule — “Man, this is a verrrry long season,” said Freeman, who played an average of 13 games over his four campaigns with the Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders — but it comes with the territory.
Many CFL rookies have to adjust to the length of the schedule — “Man, this is a verrrry long season,” said Freeman, who played an average of 13 games over his four campaigns with the Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders — but it comes with the territory.
“It gets a little bit long, but at the same time, you have a goal in mind and you have to go through all of these steps to get to that ultimate goal,” George said. “All of us rookies have stuck together and we’ve made it so far.”
“(A long season) is fun,” Freeman added. “It’d be different if we weren’t winning and weren’t having fun. But this team is an easy team to get along with. Everybody’s happy go lucky and the coaching staff is good, so I’m good.”
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