Wilson hopes Redblacks consider him a good catch
Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Ottawa Redblacks, former Regina Rams pass-catcher Riley Wilson hopes the powers-that-be think he’s ready to play in the CFL.
“I think I can play CFL football,” said the 6-foot-3, 22-year-old Wilson, who made three catches for 16 yards a week ago in a pre-season win over Hamilton.
“I got a taste of the game. Practice is one thing, but going into a game and having some success is a different thing. Based on the last game and how I felt out there, I think I can hang with these guys.”
The Redblacks have some tough decisions ahead. Thursday night’s pre-season game in Montreal could provide some answers.
“A lot of rookies and first-year guys are starting and playing the whole game. It’ll have a bit of a different feel, the playbook won’t be as intense,” Wilson said. “I think they’re basically just letting us go out there and show our stuff without the heavier mental aspect.” Wilson has performed well. “It’s been a grind, for sure, mentally and physically,” he said. “But this is what I came for ... I was physically ready — I wasn’t really ever gassed. I knew the mental aspect would be a step up from the CIS. One thing I really did as an adjustment every day after practice was to make sure I was looking over my plays from that day and from the next day to make sure I was on top of things.”
As for what happens when the Redblacks try to sort out the logjam of players at receiver, Wilson said: “It’s tough to say (what’s going to happen). The cards will play out however. I’m just going to go out and work as hard as I can.”