The newest Rider Ryan Grice-Mullen was returning punts during Rider practice at Mosaic Stadium in Regina September 15, 2010.
Photograph by: Bryan Schlosser, Leader-Post
REGINA — Ryan Grice-Mullen is not here to talk about the past.
Following Wednesday's practice, the Saskatchewan Roughriders' recently signed import receiver/kick returner neatly side-stepped a question from the media in regards to one of most infamous moments as a CFL player.
During a game in Regina on July 3, 2009, when he was a member of the visiting B.C. Lions, Grice-Mullen found himself alone and behind the Riders' secondary late in a close game. He dropped the pass which, had he caught, would have likely sent him into the end zone for a go-ahead touchdown. Instead, the Riders managed to hang on to a 28-24 victory.
When asked of his memories of playing at Mosaic Stadium, Grice-Mullen had little to say.
"That's a tricky question," he said with a smile. "I don't have no memories (of playing at Mosaic Stadium)."
"That's a tricky question," he said with a smile. "I don't have no memories (of playing at Mosaic Stadium)."
Grice-Mullen's elusiveness is one of his greatest strengths as a player. His speed and quickness will likely be added to the Riders' special teams in the coming weeks, if not in time for Friday's showdown with the visiting Calgary Stampeders.
"He has an explosive burst to him and I think he gives you, as he gets familiar with things, a real threat in a return game," Riders' special teams co-ordinator Jim Daley told the media on Wednesday.
Riders defensive back Lance Frazier is confident in Grice-Mullen's abilities, especially his speed in the return game.
"He makes an impact on special teams, which we really need," Frazier told the media. "He's replacing a guy who was supposed to be the guy (Dominique Dorsey), so I'm sure he has something to prove.
"He's a threat and he can blow the top off the defence."
Following a tryout with the NFL's Miami Dolphins, Grice-Mullen has been inactive for the past couple of weeks. Riders head coach Ken Miller wasn't sure if Grice-Mullen would be ready in time for Friday's game, but said when he is good to go he'll be used in the return game.
Grice-Mullen set a CFL playoff record in the 2009 East final when he returned a punt 106 yards for a touchdown versus the Montreal Alouettes.
Grice-Mullen set a CFL playoff record in the 2009 East final when he returned a punt 106 yards for a touchdown versus the Montreal Alouettes.
Daley is anxious to see what Grice-Mullen can do for the Riders whenever he is given the green light to play.
"He certainly is a guy we're very interested in taking a look at as soon as possible, whether that's a week away or this week," Daley said. "It all depends on certain factors."
Hugh Charles will likely return kickoffs on Friday, with Weston Dressler penciled in as the primary punt returner. Using Dressler on special teams isn't a concern for Miller given the added risk of an injury to one of the team's more reliable offensive weapons.
"We haven't been getting him a lot of touches in our regular offence and (returning punts) is an opportunity for him to make some plays," he said. "It's another opportunity for him to add to the team."
Miller said returning punts is a job Grice-Mullen will pick up in the coming weeks.
Grice-Mullen admitted he battled the injury bug during his tryout stint with the Dolphins, but he said on Wednesday that he was feeling fine.
Grice-Mullen admitted he battled the injury bug during his tryout stint with the Dolphins, but he said on Wednesday that he was feeling fine.
"I felt pretty good today," said the 5-foot-11, 185-pounder. "I had to get out a few of the bugs and a little rust, but it's nothing too bad that I can't handle. I feel good, ready to go."
No comments:
Post a Comment