Allen signing addresses depth at tailback
RB gives Riders experience, says Murray McCormick.
Murray McCormick’s SASKATOON musings from Day 6 of the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ training camp at the Saskatoon Minor Football Field:
With only four healthy ■ tailbacks on the roster, the Riders needed another running back. It worked out that Anthony Allen was relaxing at his Miami home while hoping for a call from a CFL team. Allen, 28, dressed for 28 games for the Riders over the 2014 and 2015 seasons before being released and subsequently signing with the B.C. Lions. He provides the Riders with experience and an awareness of what is required to be a member of the Green and White.
Five players to watch ■ during Saturday’s mock game (4 p.m.) at SMFF:
Vince Young: Young ’s comeback has had its ups and downs. The 34-yearold quarterback bears watching as he continues to adjust to the CFL game.
Duron Carter: Carter is fast, athletic and able to make the tough catches look easy. The personable receiver also likes to play to the crowd, which is fun.
Derek Dennis: The greenhaired Dennis plays with a nastiness that has not been associated with the Riders’ offensive linemen in recent years.
Kevin Francis: The onetime receiver and safety seems best suited to outside linebacker.
Mark Roberts: He’s another project, having played receiver in college before moving to defensive back with the Riders. His receiving skills have come through because he has four interceptions in training camp.
Rookie defensive back ■ Warren Gatewood earned Murray’s Monster after an athletic interception on Friday. Gatewood made the pick after reacting to a ball that bounced off the hands of a receiver.