Marshall’s versatility makes him an intriguing prospect for Roughriders

Murray’s musings, mutterings and monster from Day 3 of the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ training camp at the University of Saskatchewan’s Griffiths Stadium:

MARSHALL RULES: International Nick Marshall is showcasing his versatility at training camp. Marshall is listed as a defensive back, but he has also taken repetitions at quarterback, returned punts and run routes as a receiver.

Marshall was a quarterback in college, starting for Auburn University in 2013 and 2014. He wasn’t drafted by the NFL after declaring he wanted to be a defensive back. After a stint in the Indoor Football League, he signed with the Riders.

Marshall was a standout at the Riders’ Florida mini-camp. He has also stood out here defensively and while running a wildcat offence at quarterback. It’s too early to tell if he will make the team, but his versatility has to give the coaches something to consider.

CALGARY CONNECTION: One of the hardest tackles at training camp Tuesday occurred when defensive end Charleston Hughes slammed into running back Jerome Messam. Hughes had scraped down the line to meet Messam in a hole.

Hughes and Messam were Calgary Stampeders teammates for two-plus seasons, so they know each other. Neither player was any worse for wear after the collision.

MURRAY’S MONSTER: There are few opportunities for receivers to crack Saskatchewan’s starting lineup due to the team’s depth. Caleb Holley was impressive during portions of the 2017 season, but still battled for playing time.

At training camp, he’s technically behind Duron Carter on the wide receiver depth chart so Holley’s playing time has been limited to when Carter is on defence as a cornerback.

On Tuesday, Carter was strictly a defensive back. Holley took advantage of the opportunity with two smooth sideline grabs, even beating Carter for a reception. That type of opportunistic effort is enough to earn any player Murray’s Monster. WATFORD WATCH: Quarterback David Watford enjoyed one of his best practices since signing with the Riders late in the 2017 season. He didn’t have many opportunities to showcase his abilities last year because the Riders were in playoff mode, but has looked more comfortable at training camp while receiving more chances.

Watford perfectly placed two sideline passes to Jordan Williams-Lambert, then dropped a deep over-the-shoulder pass to Shaq Evans. Watford, Marquise Williams and B.J. Daniels are all expected to see playing time when the Riders visit the Edmonton Eskimos for Sunday’s pre-season game.

MAKING MOVES: The Riders released defensive back John Ojo and defensive tackle Nick James Tuesday, and also announced the retirement of national offensive lineman Jeremy Zver.

Ojo was a CFL all-star with the Eskimos in 2015, but never showed that form in training camp. He had also been out of football for two years due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. James was with the Riders in 2017 and looked promising until being sidelined by an injury.

Riders head coach and GM Chris Jones said Ojo and James were not physically ready to play.