Cloudy and cooler conditions around 10 degrees Celsius greeted the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ players as they took the field for day five of training camp in Saskatoon.
The Riders put their pads on for a full-contact workout for a second time in three days.
Saskatchewan started the session with special teams play and instruction. That portion of the practice was followed by the offence and defence squaring off.
Early on, defensive back Antoine Brooks Jr. made a solid play, undercutting a receiver’s route and then jumping up, fully extending and bringing the ball in for an interception.
The offence then took the ball on the 45-yard line with Jack Coan at quarterback. After taking the snap, Coan was afforded time by his offensive line to wait for the play to develop in front of him. As he scanned the backside of the play, he spotted receiver Dhonte Meyers breaking free and Coan hit him in stride, allowing the second-year Roughriders’ pass catcher to step into the end zone.
Coan remained at quarterback after a call for substitutions to enter the field. On first down, Coan handed the ball off to Mario Anderson, who would get a few yards. On second down, the defence brought some pressure through the middle. Coan read it, looked up and spotted Daniel Wiebe streaking towards the end zone. Coan would lay one up for the rookie receiver who caught it with his fingertips and then stepped into the end zone to complete the 40-yard touchdown play.
Following the team period, the Roughriders took part in a showcase drill similar to what they ran on Tuesday. Players lined up against one another, looking to gain the upper hand by blocking or pressuring a quarterback.
During this portion of the practice, head coach Corey Mace called veteran Micah Johnson early, he would win his battle and get to the quarterback. Mace wasn’t done with the veteran, he called Johnson out a second time to take a rep as an offensive lineman. Johnson faced Saskatoon Hilltops’ Johnathon Stevens one-on-one, with the decision going to the veteran, much to the delight of his teammates.
Throughout the practice, a lot of time was spent watching the Roughriders’ running backs. A.J. Ouellette had his fair share of carries with Trent Pennix and Mario Anderson getting equal reps behind him.
“They’ve all got enough speed to get past the second level. The big thing for us is, can you protect the quarterback? They’ve been progressively getting better through camp and they had a hell of a day in the showcase with their blitz pick-up.”
Pennix has been away from football since his release from the Indianapolis Colts on October 21, 2024.
“I feel great, getting my feet back in the dirt, pads on, ball in my hands. I’m moving around positions and showing these coaches how versatile I am, how they can use me as a fullback, running back — anywhere they want me to play.”
Pennix credits his versatility to his time at North Carolina State, where his coaches challenged him to play wherever the team needed him. He hopes to exploit this mindset in Saskatchewan.
“You got to show these coaches that you can earn their trust and that they can put you anywhere that they need you,” Pennix said.
The 25-year-old admits he is still learning the nuances of the Canadian game.
“The field is definitely longer and there are only three downs. You’re still putting your face in somebody’s pads, trying to take another man’s will and trying to win the game for your brothers.”
The Roughriders practice on Friday at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon then move to Saskatoon Minor Football Field for the Roughriders’ annual Green and White Day with a scrimmage and activities for the entire family throughout the afternoon.