Rod Pedersen
CFL.ca
Here are some notes from what was an interesting week at Saskatchewan Roughriders 2009 training camp in Regina.
Bye Bye Joe
Prized free agent signing Joe McGrath caught everyone off-guard when he requested a trade back to the Edmonton Eskimos early in the week. The veteran offensive lineman from Moose Jaw had spent his entire CFL career with the Esks, but had what Rider coach Ken Miller called a case of “buyer’s remorse” after signing with the Riders in February. The Riders granted his wish, and acquired a first round pick in the 2010 Draft in return. However it drew the ire of Rider defensive lineman Scott Schultz, who shares the same hometown.
“Man, I’m gonna start saying I’m from Grand Forks because he’s giving Moose Jaw a bad name!” Schultz snorted to CBC.
“I don’t know, whatever. He’s got his own druthers and I wish him the best. We definitely don’t want any miserable players around here. If he was miserable or really unhappy then I’m glad that he got his way and he’s outta here because we don’t want that on our team.”
With McGrath’s departure, that leaves the projected starters on the offensive line as Belton Johnson, Bobby Harris, Gene Makowsky, Marc Parenteau and Jeremy O’Day.
No-go Cates
The Roughriders are nervous star tailback Wes Cates won’t be ready for the team’s July 3 home-opener against the B.C. Lions. Cates has not recovered sufficiently from off-season shoulder surgery and has been kept out of contact drills at training camp.
Lancaster returns
It was an emotional return to Mosaic Stadium/Taylor Field for Bob Lancaster. The youngest son of Rider legend Ron Lancaster is serving as a guest coach at this year’s training camp, taking a break from his duties at Catawba College where he is the school’s defensive coordinator.
Lancaster said he was in awe of the 60-foot tall banner of his father that adorns the west side of the stadium and when he saw the name “#23 Ron Lancaster” on the team’s Wall of Honour inside Taylor Field, he was overcome by emotion and had to take a few moments to collect himself during a workout.
Riders donate money for amateur football
The Riders held their annual Saskatoon workout at Griffiths Stadium before a packed house of roughly 2,500 fans. The team staged a controlled practice, and Jim Hopson announced to the crowd that the Riders are donating $25,000 to each of the U of S Huskies, Saskatoon Hilltops, Regina Thunder and Football Saskatchewan.
QB battle heats up
The battle to be the Riders’ starting quarterback is turning out to be red-hot. Through the opening 10 days or so of camp, incumbents Darian Durant and Dalton Bell are neck-and-neck for the top spot on the depth chart. Coach Ken Miller says they’ll use the preseason to sort it out.
(Chocolate) Milk… It does a body good
Rider fans, and dairy producers, will be interested to know the Riders are using chocolate milk as their primary post-workout drink each day of training camp. Head therapist Ivan Gutfriend revealed studies show that chocolate milk has proven to be the #1 beverage to repair working muscles!
Defence revamped
The revamped Roughrider defense under new coordinator Gary Etcheverry will be noticeable to the naked eye once the team takes to the field for game action. Etcheverry announced the team plans to deploy seven defensive backs in most of their coverages, leaving five players to control the run and pressure quarterbacks.
Etcheverry feels it’s the best scheme to combat pass-happy CFL offenses, and that Calgary and Montreal used this method with much success last year. You’ll recall the Stampeders and Alouettes were the last two teams standing at the conclusion of the 2008 CFL campaign.
Pre Season Kickoff
The Roughriders’ first preseason test is Wednesday in Edmonton against the Richie Hall-led Edmonton Eskimos (7:00pm on the 620 CKRM Roughrider Radio Network).
Rod Pedersen is the Voice of the Roughriders. For daily Roughrider news, check out Rod’s daily blog at www.rodpedersen.com
