New Riders making an impression B2
CFL training camps are about making an impression and several hopefuls with the Saskatchewan Roughriders have done just that. Leader-post football writer Murray Mccormick takes a closer look at five rookies or first-year Cflers who have been especially im
1. TERRAN VAUGHN
The Riders created a hole when they elected to not re-sign free agent left offensive tackle Bruce Campbell. Vaughn has emerged from a three-way competition that also includes Takoby Cofield and Jarvis Harrison and is the frontrunner to replace Campbell.
Chris Jones, the Riders’ head coach and general manager, said Vaughn was the best player at the Riders’ mini-camp in Bradenton, Fla. It is rare for an offensive lineman to stand out in such an environment, considering that the prospects are in shorts and Tshirts.
That momentum has carried over to main camp, at which Vaughn has shown the athleticism needed to handle the speedy defensive ends and protect the quarterback’s blind side.
A carry-over into the regular season would be beneficial, considering the difficulties the Roughriders encountered while trying to protect the passer in 2017.
2. ZAC STACY
The former NFL tailback, who rushed for 973 yards in 14 games with the 2013 St. Louis Rams, exhibited his speed during his first practice with the Roughriders and hasn’t slowed down.
The 5-foot-9, 224-pounder has also shown power, albeit in several situations where contact has been limited.
Marcus Thigpen has been the most consistent international running back, having picked up from where he left off late in the 2017 season. However, he is facing a two-game suspension to kick off the season — the consequence of violating the CFL’S drug policy.
Thigpen’s early-season absence could create an extended opportunity for Stacy to showcase his talents. Stacy has earned that based on his showing.
3. NICK MARSHALL
The rookie defensive back has eased some concerns about who will replace Kacy Rodgers II, who started at boundary cornerback for the past two seasons before signing with the NFL’S New York Jets.
Marshall stood out at the Riders’ spring mini-camp, earning an invitation to the main camp. He quickly joined the starters and hasn’t looked out of place.
He has shown strong instincts for the ball while regularly making interceptions. It’s not very often his man is open, either.
Marshall also brings versatility in his bid to make the Riders’ roster. He played quarterback in college at Auburn and switched to defensive back after graduation in a bid to make the NFL.
He has taken repetitions at quarterback, primarily in the Wildcat formation, during training camp.
Marshall, who has also worked out as a returner, does so many things well that the Riders will have to find a position for him.
4. KYRAN MOORE
Saskatchewan’s deepest positions are receiver and returner, which means Moore is in tough to crack the roster. He hasn’t let that the wealth of accompanying talent deter him.
Moore has stood out on offence while also performing well as a returner. But Christion Jones is entrenched as the primary returner.
Moore (5-foot-10, 165 pounds) lacks the size that the Riders covet in their wide receivers. Regardless, his blazing speed was evident during the mini-camp and has continued to turn heads.
He’s also elusive when he gets the ball, which helped him stand out on offence and special teams. He broke free on a 50-yard missed field goal return during a 35-12 pre-season loss to the host Edmonton Eskimos on May 27.
It will be a challenge for Moore to make it past the pre-season, but his athleticism and speed may make it difficult for the Riders to release him.
5. BRETT LAUTHER
Lauther isn’t a rookie or firstyear player, per se, but he has been impressive in his first training camp with the Riders, so he makes the list.
He handled placements and kickoffs during the first week of training camp while Tyler Crapigna was sidelined with an undisclosed injury.
Lauther then connected on all four field-goal attempts, including a 55-yarder, in the loss to the Eskimos.
Crapigna’s job isn’t in doubt, but the Riders have to be confident in Lauther as a backup after.