Newman, Hurl excel in special roles with Riders
REGINA — Graig Newman and Sam Hurl comprise the mane event on the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ special teams.
The rookies have already made contributions to CFL’s team 2-0 start through their performances on special teams. They have also garnered recognition for the shoulder-length blond hair that flows out from beneath their helmets.
“Sam and I are right beside each other when we’re on the punts,’’ Newman said after Tuesday’s practice at Mosaic Stadium in preparation for Saturday’s game against the visiting B.C. Lions. “We have guys beaking us (about our hair) and then we do our thing. They can’t really say anything because we’re kicking their butts. It’s kind of an image that we have grown to love and it’s what we are.’’
The long hair fits in with their image.
“It’s ‘Long hair, don’t care and let’s do our thing,’ and that’s what you have to do on special teams,’’ Newman said. “You can’t be intimidat- ed by anybody out there and the long hair shows that I’m not scared of anyone across from me. I’m going to do what I do best and that’s playing football.’’
The play of the rookies and their long hair has attracted the attention of the Roughriders. “We tease them a lot about their hair,’’ said Riders quarterback Darian Durant. “We joke about how we’ll cut their hair off during meetings. It’s something the ladies like and it’s good to have them on the team. It’s fun to watch the hair flying around out there. Whenever you have guys playing without fear and sacrificing their body to inflict punishment on someone else, it’s fun to watch.’’ Hurl, a backup linebacker, and Newman, a backup safety, took different routes to their spots on special teams. The Riders selected Hurl in the second round (12th overall) in the 2012 CFL draft out of the University of Calgary. Newman spent a portion of the 2011 season on the Riders’ practice roster before returning to the PFC’s Saskatoon Hilltops for a fifth season. He signed during the off-season after helping the Hilltops claim their third Canadian junior title since 2007. Both moves were made by the Riders with an eye toward bolstering their special teams. “I have really been impressed,’’ said Craig Dickenson, the Riders’ special-teams co-ordinator.
“They play fast and they have shown when they get there that they can tackle. Those two have done a great job and we expect them to continue to improve.’’
The Riders traded up in the draft to acquire Hurl. The Roughriders acquired the 12th and 35th picks in the 2012 draft from the Calgary Stampeders for the 15th pick and a second-round selection in the 2013 draft. He has shown the transaction’s worth because he leads the CFL with six special-teams tackles. “It’s totally an emotional position,’’ said Hurl, who led the Riders with three special-teams tackles in Sunday’s 17-1 win over the visiting Edmonton Eskimos. “You’re just flying down the field and you’re trying to give it every ounce of energy that you have on every special-teams play. Sunday was an amazing experience and I’m looking forward to keeping it going.’’ Newman had one special-teams tackle on the opening punt return by Edmonton’s Yamon Figurs. Newman slammed Figurs to the turf after a seven-yard return.
“That was exhilarating,’’ said Newman, a 23-year-old product of Saskatoon. “It was a surreal feeling to be out here in front of friends and families. I got a whole bunch of text messages from my friends back home congratulating me on making that tackle. I’m happy to be out there representing Saskatoon, the Hilltops and being a good player.’’
Hurl and Newman both aspire to be more than special-teams players. They also understand the best way to move up the depth at their respective positions is by contributing on special teams.
“I came in here expecting to play on special teams,’’ said Hurl, a 22-year-old product of Calgary. “I’m happy to be out there. I’m putting all of my energy into special teams and I’m contributing. No matter where you are on the field, you can give it your all and help the team win.’’
The Riders face another special-teams challenge on Saturday when they play the Lions, who feature Tim Brown at returner. Brown had seven kickoff returns for 139 yards and returned six punts for 157 yards and a touchdown in B.C.’s 39-36 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Friday.
“They are the defending champions and I’m really looking forward to playing them,’’ Hurl said. “I’m also looking forward to taking my game to another level.’’
The Riders are to return to practice today.