By MURRAY McCORMICK, Leader-Post August 28, 2010
EDMONTON — Prechae Rodriguez isn't being underutilized by the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
He has fallen into that hole that seems to exist in the CFL team's vaunted passing attack. Much has been made of the Riders' aerial pursuits and justifiably so. With quarterback Darian Durant pulling the trigger, the Riders boast a formidable passing game.
He has fallen into that hole that seems to exist in the CFL team's vaunted passing attack. Much has been made of the Riders' aerial pursuits and justifiably so. With quarterback Darian Durant pulling the trigger, the Riders boast a formidable passing game.
The depth and talents of the team's slotbacks means the contributions of the short-side wide receiver can be overlooked. Rodriguez — whom the Roughriders acquired from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in a trade on Feb. 24 for non-import receiver Adam Nicolson, a third-round pick in the 2011 Canadian college draft and the rights to a player on the negotiation-list — is fifth among the Riders' receivers with 17 receptions for 259 yards and two touchdowns.
"It just takes time,'' Durant said before Saturday's game (5 p.m., TSN, CKRM) against the Edmonton Eskimos. "With the guys and weapons we have ... when you have the opportunity to get them the ball, we have to. The more I'm able to work with Prechae, the more comfortable I am with him.''
Saskatchewan quarterbacks have been searching for some familiarity with that position since veteran Matt Dominguez was sidelined with knee injuries during the the 2008 season. A number of players have filled the spot, including Adarius Bowman in 2008, and Gerran Walker, Johnny Quinn and Chris Jones in 2009. Those players have scored a combined six touchdowns. In 2008, Bowman had 23 receptions for 358 yards and three touchdowns.
In 2009, Walker, Quinn and Jones combined for 57 receptions for 675 yards and three touchdowns. Walker emerged as the eventual starter and concluded the regular season with 36 receptions for 401 yards and two touchdowns.
"I have no clue about what happened last year but we're not trying to do any particular thing,'' said Doug Berry, the Riders' first-year offensive co-ordinator. "The last game Weston Dressler played, he didn't have a reception. That's the way it goes and this week Weston could catch 13. Prechae could catch six or two the next week. I don't keep track of that. We want to throw the ball and take advantage of wherever the routes take us.''
Riders head coach Ken Miller said he would like to see Rodriguez be more involved in the offence. Rodriguez was pleased to hear that.
"(Miller) wants the ball to come my way more than it was,'' Rodriguez said. "Basically they me want to contribute more to the system.''
That is asking a great deal of Rodriguez, who spent two seasons with the Tiger-Cats. Rodriguez is the only starter among the Riders' receivers who hasn't been with the club for a number of seasons.
"There isn't one person who can learn this offence in one season,'' Durant said. "I'm going on my fourth year and there are still things that I learn every day. The other receivers have been in the system so it's going to take him time to learn it.''
Rodriguez is doing his part. He spends extra time with Durant working on ball-catching drills. Durant remained in Regina during the bye week, as did Rodriguez. The two spent time together working on pass routes.
"The one-on-one time during the bye week was very helpful for us to develop extra chemistry,'' Durant said. "I wanted to throw some balls to him and get on the same page when everyone else isn't there. It's hard to do that when all five guys are out here.''
Rodriguez hopes the extra time turns into more receptions.
Rodriguez hopes the extra time turns into more receptions.
"As a competitor, I always want more,'' said Rodriguez. "I feel that I can contribute and I can use a lot more of my abilities than I have.''
Rodriguez has shown those talents. In 2008, he dressed for 14 games and had 70 receptions for 1,099 yards and seven touchdowns. Rodriguez was the runner-up to the league's most-outstanding-rookie award to Dressler. In 2009, Rodriguez battled injuries and was limited to 12 games. He was also held to 45 receptions for 495 yards and three touchdowns. Durant feels that 2008 was more reflective of Rodriguez's abilities than 2009.
"The more I can work with Prechae, the more I can get him balls that I normally wouldn't be able to because he can do it all,'' Durant said.
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