ROUGHRIDERS GET READY
Saskatchewan’s team gears up for training camp
Chris Jones has taken three weekends off since the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ 2017 season ended on Nov. 19 — Christmas, New Year’s and Easter.
“Other than that, we’ve been on the road every weekend (looking) for players,” Jones, the CFL team’s head coach and general manager, said recently. “We’ve got a great roster put together. I can’t wait to get it started.”
The wait is almost over, because the Riders will gather in Saskatoon on Sunday at the University of Saskatchewan’s Griffiths Stadium for the first day of main training camp.
With that in mind, the LeaderPost’s Murray McCormick takes a look at five storylines heading into training camp.
CARTER WATCH
Jones has said that Duron Carter will see action at wide receiver and cornerback during the 2018 season.
Carter is among the CFL’s leading receivers and has also shown that he can handle the responsibilities as the boundary corner on defence. He did that during one start on defence in 2017 without the benefit of having played cornerback during training camp.
This year, he’ll have the opportunity to work on those skills during without the pressure of a regular-season game looming. The additional coaching on defence can only help him develop as a defensive back.
PIVOTAL POSITION
For the second consecutive season, the Riders will have a new starting quarterback.
In 2017, it was Kevin Glenn, who combined with Brandon Bridge to complete a leaguehigh 35 touchdown passes. This season, veteran Zach Collaros has been added to a mix that also includes returnees Bridge, Marquise Williams and David Watford, and the recently signed B.J. Daniels.
Jones has stated there will be an open competition at quarterback, regardless of how much the Riders gave up for Collaros’ rights (a second-round draft choice, traded to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats), or how much money he reportedly earns ($430,000).
Training camp will provide an opportunity to assess each of the quarterbacks.
TALKING ABOUT PROTECTION
The Riders have a huge hole at the crucial left tackle position.
Saskatchewan’s current options are Terrence Vaughn, Takoby Cofield, Jarvis Harrison and, possibly, Josiah St. John — the first overall pick in the 2016 CFL draft.
Vaughn may have a leg up on the job because he was on the Riders’ practice roster in 2017.
St. John is heading into his third season with the Riders and it’s an opportunity for him to step up.
The Riders’ defensive ends will test the left tackles during oneon-one drills. If one of the left tackles can consistently block Willie Jefferson, Tobi Antigha or Charleston Hughes, many of the questions will be answered.
RUNNING WITH THE BACKS
Jerome Messam returns to the Riders and his Canadian passport creates options for the Riders with their international/ national ratio.
He’s also the only experienced Canadian running back on the roster, so there are concerns about the lack of a backup.
Saskatchewan’s international options may be limited due to the uncertain status of Marcus Thigpen and Trent Richardson.
Thigpen will be at camp, but is suspended for the first two regular-season games after testing positive for a banned substance late in the 2017 season.
Richardson isn’t expected to be at camp while dealing with personal issues. It’s not known if he’ll be with the Riders when the regular season begins.
Cameron Marshall and Christion Jones may be the Riders’ best options at international running back to open the regular season.
GOOD HANDS PEOPLE
Rob Bagg is heading into his 10th CFL season with the Riders. Sooner or later, the Riders will need to find a replacement for the 33-year-old receiver.
It won’t be easy, considering what Bagg brings to the table. He’s among the hardest-working veterans on the roster, he’s a leader, and he still contributes despite playing the wide side — a position that isn’t typically the quarterback’s first read due to the length of the throw.
The Riders have options among their national receivers, namely Devon Bailey, Jake Harty, Mitchell Picton, Denzel Radford and Joshua Stanford. Each of them offers different levels of CFL experience and skill sets.
Training camp should help to determine who’s next in line. Two sure things are that Bagg will assist each of the prospects in their development and he won’t surrender his position without a fight.