Riders head to Florida to scout future talent
Here is what Murray McCormick will be following at the mini-camp in Bradenton::
1. ZACH ATTACK
Zach Collaros makes his on-field debut with the Riders after being acquired from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Jan. 3 for a secondround pick (10th overall) in the 2018 CFL draft.
The mini-camp will provide an opportunity to see how Collaros adapts to a new offensive scheme while interacting with offensive co-ordinator Stephen McAdoo and newly appointed quarterbacks coach Steve Walsh.
It will be interesting to see how Collaros handles the huddle while getting a largely inexperienced group of prospects in position to catch passes.
2. WALSH WATCH
Steve Walsh’s only CFL experience was as a special assistant with the Toronto Argonauts in 2017. Before that, he was the director of football at the IMG Academy for two years. He will therefore be familiar with the facility in Bradenton. However, he isn’t as familiar with the Riders quarterbacks.
According to riderville.com, the offensive coaches and quarterbacks gathered in March for meetings in Jones’ hometown of South Pittsburg, Tenn. The meetings were intended to lay groundwork for mini-camp and beyond.
Walsh played 11 seasons in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, St. Louis Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts. Whether that experience transfers to the CFL is unclear.
3. LOOKING FOR LINEBACKERS
The Riders could still be in the market for a middle linebacker after Henoc Muamba was released for financial reasons on Feb. 15. Sam Hurl was signed and could fill the hole created by Muamba’s release.
Hurl dressed for 18 games in 2017 with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He struggled at times on a lacklustre Blue Bombers defence, so the Riders would be wise to seek other alternatives.
4. DEPTH FINDER
Two calendar years make quite a difference for the Riders’ minicamps.
In 2016, 110 prospects were at the team’s first mini-camp under Jones. The Riders were coming off a 3-15 season and Jones was leaving no stone unturned in search of players.
In 2017, approximately 80 prospects took part in mini-camp. The smaller mini-camp was an indication that Jones’ rebuild was starting to take shape.
After going 5-13 in 2016, the Riders were 10-8 in 2017 and lost in the East Division final.
This year, 35 to 45 prospects are expected at the mini-camp. The Riders are loaded with veterans in most positions, so there isn’t the same urgency to fill holes.
5. FUTURE STARS
Mini-camps have provided the Riders with players who have gone on to crack the roster.
In 2014, receiver Ryan Smith landed a roster spot after shining at mini-camp.
Defensive back Justin Cox was among the best players at the 2016 mini-camp and would go on to be the team’s nominee for rookie-of-the-year.
Last year, defensive end Tobi Antigha, linebacker Alexandre Gagne and receiver Antwane Grant had strong showings at mini-camp and all stayed with the Riders for most of the season.