Experience pays for Peters, Riley
Brian Peters and Eron Riley are putting a year’s experience to good use with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Peters and Riley have emerged as two of the most impressive players at their respective positions during the team’s training camp at the University of Saskatchewan’s Griffiths Stadium.
Peters has been promoted from his roles on special teams and as a backup linebacker to a starter at weakside linebacker. Riley has moved up from being used sparingly in 2013, to being one of the five starting receivers at slotback.
The second-year CFLers credit the experience they gained in 2013 as a reason for the improvements so far in 2014. Peters used his experience to come up with an off-season program that focused on preparing for the Canadian game.
“It was my first true offseason of being able to focus on football, my body and my diet,” Peters said after Saturday’s morning session. “I also had the resources as well. It’s nice to see the results of an awesome offseason.”
Riley dressed for four regular-season games in 2013, recording five receptions for 37 yards and a touchdown. He missed nine regular-season games with an ankle injury. He returned to the active roster for the playoffs, recording three catches for 19 yards in three games.
“Having one year under my belt makes me a lot more comfortable,” said Riley, a product of Duke University. “I’ve learned from these guys and I feel more comfortable with the playbook. This year I’m able to play without thinking about what I have to do. I’m able to show what I can do.”
Riley dealt with more than adjusting to the Canadian game. Riley and teammates Dwight Anderson and Taj Smith were charged in September with aggravated assault after an alleged incident at a Regina nightclub in August.
On Thursday, Riley received a written stay of proceedings by the Crown and no longer faces the charge for aggravated assault. Anderson and Smith are still scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Wednesday. Riley has continued to perform at training camp despite the off-field distractions of the labour situation and the pending court case.
“I’m really good about doing what I have to do,” Riley said. “When I’m at work, I’m at work. If at home, I’m at home. Right now my mind is on football. It’s really just me being more comfortable with the offence and knowing what I’m doing. I’m not thinking about what I’m doing. I’m thinking about how I’m doing.”
The off- season departures of linebacker Craig Butler and slotback Weston Dressler have created opportunities for Peters and Riley. Butler signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats after a stellar season at weak side linebacker. Dressler signed with the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs.
Peters, who was a safety at Northwestern University, seems suited to filling Butler’s old role. Peters can cover like a defensive back and rush the passer like a defensive lineman and is also a sure tackler. He showed his tackling ability in 2013 while recording 16 special-teams tackles.
Peters was also aware of an opportunity at linebacker with Butler moving on from the Riders.
“It’s a great position because you get to make plays in the run and pass game,” said Peters. “I like working sideline to sideline and through to the end zone. There are tremendous opportunities to make plays (at weakside linebacker).”