Day six of Saskatchewan Roughriders training camp focused on being assignment-sound and preparing for the team’s scrimmage in front of Rider Nation on Saturday.
Friday’s Riders workout was a walkthrough, ensuring players were in the right places on offence, defence, and special teams. Additionally, it was an opportunity to confirm the playbook film work the team has done thus far in camp.
Head coach Corey Mace is happy with where the team is through the first week of training camp.
“To this point, extremely pleased with the guys that are still here and how they've been conducting their business. We look at everything, the on-field stuff and in the meeting rooms. You let the tape speak to what your eyes saw on the field. We’re watching how they conduct themselves everywhere, on campus, how they're treating the staff, support staff and I'm really pleased at this point.”
Quarterback Trevor Harris also is happy with his personal development through camp to date.
“I have a pretty extensive checklist of things mentally, physically, emotionally, that I try to make sure I'm feeling good about. So I feel like we're getting there.”
Harris also feels the offence is on track regarding the second year in Marc Mueller’s offence.
“We're getting there. It’s the first time I've been able to play in the same system back-to-back years. I think I'm able to take it to another level. Playing with the same guys and coach Mueller coaching us up the way he does has been beneficial.”
On Saturday, the Roughriders will hold their annual ‘Green and White Day’ at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The day is an opportunity for fans to come out and hear from president and CEO Craig Reynolds, vice president of football operations and general manager Jeremy O’Day and Mace in the team’s annual State of the Nation address.
Following the question-and-answer period, the players will take to the field for a scrimmage, during which Mace hopes to gain some answers.
“We'll put ourselves in different situations that allow us to be prepared for what teams are trying to accomplish against us. It’s us polishing up some things we want to look at before heading into preseason. They’re going to have to execute, they’re going to have to communicate and these are all things we preach daily.”
The second-year head coach admits they are balancing evaluating the roster players and preparing for the season with their playbook.
“For us as coaches, after practice, we'll go and evaluate the film, we're looking at the evaluation of the players from that standpoint. Then we transition right into the installation and it's full go on that as well. Part of the evaluation is the install to see how much the guys can retain and also execute when bullets are flying. The mental game that is important to us and you will get tired of me saying it, but I'm pleased with everybody here.”
The gates at Saskatoon Minor Football Field open at 1 p.m. for Green and White Day. The annual State of the Nation address starts at 1:45 p.m. and the scrimmage follows at 3 p.m.
From my workout notebook:
- Sean McEwen wasn’t on the field today but underwent some medical imaging that the team hopes will help diagnose his leg injury.
- Seth Hundeby and Shawn Bane Jr. worked on the sidelines with strength and conditioning coach Dan Farthing throughout the workout.
- Mario Alford, Dhonte Meyers and Drae McCray took multiple reps fielding high kicks.
- Bailey Flint punted numerous footballs into the cross-breeze, placing the ball within a 10-yard radius with each kick.
After Saturday’s Green and White Day, the Riders will return to the field at Griffiths Stadium on Monday morning.