As CFL training camps open, former Saskatchewan Roughriders running back Wes Cates offered a grounded, player-first perspective on what it really takes to stand out and survive in one of the most competitive stretches of the football calendar.
On Monday’s edition of the SportsCage, Cates peeled back the curtain on the reality facing rookies trying to crack a Canadian Football League roster, emphasizing that physical talent alone won’t be enough.
“The biggest thing is mental,” Cates said. “It’s not as much about physical prowess as it is being locked in, not making mental errors, being where you’re supposed to be and doing what you’re supposed to do.”
That message looms large as rookie camps open, where players often have just a few practices to make an impression before roster cuts begin. According to Cates, young players can separate themselves quickly, but not always in the way fans might expect.
“You’ve got to pay attention, find your way into drills, and not be scared,” he said. “Coaches are watching everything. The little things, your approach, your focus, that’s what gets you noticed.”
Cates noted that one of the biggest shocks for newcomers is the lack of hand-holding compared to college football.
“Nobody’s really going to walk you through it,” he said. “You’ve got to figure it out on your own. That’s probably the biggest adjustment.”
He also pointed to confidence and how it can work both for and against players. Those who hesitate or drift to the back of the line risk being overlooked, while overconfident players who aren’t fully engaged can quickly fall behind.
“You’ll see guys who look the part physically, maybe the most athletic on the field, but mentally they’re not there,” Cates said. “And that shows up fast.”
The former running back also highlighted how quickly expectations can shift once game action begins. He recalled players who dominated practice but struggled under the lights of preseason games, unable to replicate their performance when the pressure increased.
On the flip side, injuries remain an ever-present reality during camp. Cates pointed to players with promising physical tools who never got a real opportunity due to setbacks, reinforcing the harsh truth of pro football.
“You can’t make the club in the tub,” he said.
For veterans, the mindset entering camp is different but equally important. Cates stressed the need for honesty in evaluating offseason preparation and staying mentally sharp to avoid being overtaken by younger players.
“You come in asking yourself, ‘Am I really in shape?’” he said. “And you’ve got to stay locked in, because there’s always a young guy trying to take your spot.”
That balance between preparation, performance and awareness becomes even more critical with the CFL’s condensed training camp schedule, where evaluation windows are short, and competition is fierce.
As teams like the Saskatchewan Roughriders gear up for camp, Cates’ insights serve as a reminder: making a roster isn’t just about talent, it’s about consistency, awareness and handling pressure when it matters most.
“Just remember,” he said, “it’s still football. You’ve been playing it your whole life. You’ve just got to adjust and compete.”
