Young not guaranteed to win Riders job
Vince Young has created a major buzz leading up to the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ minicamp.
The comeback attempt by the 33-year-old former NFL quarterback is expected to attract media attention from across North America when the Riders kick off their three-day mini-camp on Tuesday in Vero Beach, Fla.
Chris Jones, the Riders’ head coach and general manager, doesn’t expect Young will struggle under the spotlight. After all, Young has made headlines since starring in college with the University of Texas Longhorns and then through eight seasons in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans, Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns. He was also on the practice squad for the Buffalo Bills in 2012.
“As the third pick overall in the 2006 draft and a Heisman Trophy candidate, I think he’s used to the media,’’ Jones said, adding he was recently interviewed by Sports Illustrated about Young ’s comeback.
There may be high expectations from outside the organization due to Young ’s experience. He was the NFL’s offensive rookie of the year in 2006 and a Pro Bowler in 2006 and 2009, but hasn’t appeared in a regular season game since 2011.
But Jones said the team won’t put any extra pressure on the QB.
“I told him just to be Vince and don’t try to be Superman,’’ Jones said. “I told him to be a good person, be a good leader and do the things that the quarterbacks do. That’s what we’re looking for Vince to do.’’
Young will still have to prove to the Riders that he can handle the CFL game to earn an invitation to the main training camp, which opens May 28 in Saskatoon.
“He better not come in and look bad,’’ Jones said. “He had better show that he knows what he’s doing because we don’t have years to wait for him. It’s come in and do it or not, because he’s 33 years old. If he looks great, he’ll stay. If not, he’ll go home like everyone else.’’
Jones said 80-plus players are expected to take part in the minicamp. The Riders are limited by the facilities, which can comfortably accommodate 85 prospects at the mini-camp. Still, 20 prospects from tryout camps that were conducted on the weekend may also earn invitations to the mini-camp.