Griffiths Stadium turf `perfect' on Day 1 of camp
Murray's musings, mutterings and Monster from Day 1 of the Saskatchewan Roughriders' rookie camp at the University of Saskatchewan's Griffiths Stadium:
WELCOME BACK
The opening of rookie camp marked the first time since 2019 that the Riders have been at the U of S for rookie camp and training camp.
Training camp was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, training camp was held in Regina in advance of a 14-game regular season.
There have been some overdue changes to Griffiths Stadium since the Riders were last here.
Approximately $3.14 million in upgrades have been completed since 2019.
The turf, which had been in use since 2006 and was therefore worn out, has been replaced.
The track outside of the field has been filled in with asphalt. The grass mounding in front of the grandstand has been filled in with gravel. The lighting has also been upgraded.
“The guys are thrilled to be here,” said Riders head coach Craig Dickenson. “The turf is perfect and the weather was perfect. You couldn't ask for anything more.”
BOBBLE-BALL
There seemed to be more dropped and bobbled footballs than receptions as the rookies took to the field for the first time.
The drops could be a result of the prospects adapting to the new quarterbacks throwing the passes. They could also be a result of the receivers warming up after a long off-season.
It's expected that the drops and bobbles will reduce as the players return to Griffiths Stadium on Thursday for Day 2 of rookie camp.
MURRAY'S MONSTER
University of Regina Rams receiver Riley Boersma didn't look like an eighth-round draft pick on Wednesday.
Boersma, who was selected 72nd overall by the Roughriders on May 3, exhibited his speed — he covered the 40-yard dash in a brisk 4.49 seconds during the CFL combine — on crossing patterns, capping them with receptions.
He also won two tightly contested battles for balls versus the defensive backs.
The native of Cambridge, Ont., also dropped a couple of passes that he should have caught. But he still showed enough overall to earn recognition as Murray's Monster.
HASHING IT OUT
Wednesday provided the first opportunity to see a football field laid out with the narrower hash marks that have been added to the CFL this season.
The hash marks have been moved closer to the centre of the field. Each hash mark will be 28 yards from the nearest sideline, as opposed to the previous distance of 24. That means the hash marks are nine yards apart instead of 17.
Basically, the hash marks line up with the two uprights. Since all plays begin with the ball placed on or between the hash marks, the change will theoretically make more of the field available to the offence. We'll have to see if that actually happens.
CHRISTMAS IS HERE
The Riders announced the signings on Wednesday of two Americans: defensive lineman Demarcus Christmas and American running back Troymaine Pope
Christmas was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the sixth round (209th overall) of the 2019 NFL draft. He went on to spend time with the Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Pope was signed by the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent following the 2016 NFL draft. He played the last six years in the NFL, dressing for a combined 24 regular-season games with the Seahawks and Los Angeles Chargers.
The 28-year-old Pope rushed 37 times for 140 yards while recording 11 catches for 51 yards and a touchdown.