The Saskatchewan Roughriders wrapped up rookie camp on Friday at Griffiths Stadium with a little extra drama and a lot of noise.
After three days of evaluation and teaching, the spotlight shifted to the kicking competition as American kickers Michael Hughes and Jonathan Kim went head-to-head in a pressure-filled showdown to close camp.
For the first time in seven seasons, the Roughriders head into training camp without a veteran kicker on the roster, making the position battle one of the most intriguing storylines moving forward.
Head coach Corey Mace made sure the competition felt as real as possible.
The offence and defence were split up to cheer for opposing kickers, while players shouted and tried to distract the kicker on each attempt. Mace joined in himself, standing over the centre, waving his arms and even calling timeouts in an effort to “ice” the kickers.
“Yeah, I thought it was cool, man,” Mace said afterward. “We try to put the spotlight on some guys throughout camp as good healthy competition, and they went back and forth.”
Each kicker was given seven attempts.
Kim finished 6-for-7, connecting from 32, 37, 40, 44, 47 and 52 yards before missing left from 57 yards.
Hughes went 5-for-7, making kicks from 32, 37, 40, 47 and 52 yards. He missed wide right from 44 yards and came up short from 57.
“It was good competition,” Mace said. “Some guys made some tough kicks. Some guys missed one, then bounced back and hit one from even farther out. It’s going to be one of those positions that’s battled out throughout training camp.”
While the kicking battle stole the spotlight, Friday’s workout also featured extensive special teams instruction and situational teaching as the coaching staff continued emphasizing detail and professionalism to the first-year players.
At the conclusion of camp, Mace praised the rookie group for the way they handled themselves on and off the field.
“They had an excellent camp,” Mace said. “The work in the field was great. The intangibles were being early for things, taking notes, and taking what they learned in meetings to the field; they did all that. It’s a credit to them.”
Mace also reminded the players that rookie camp was only the beginning of the evaluation process.
“The process is really just starting,” he said. “Whenever their number is called, they’ve got to show us they deserve to be here.”
Veteran players have already started arriving in Saskatoon ahead of main training camp, something Mace said has added excitement around the team.
“Everybody’s eager,” Mace said. “Coming back, they understand what this is. Enjoy these couple of meals together, get to know the rookies, and then it’s back to business.”
Main training camp for the Riders opens on Sunday at Griffiths Stadium. The green and white open the preseason in Calgary on Monday, May 18, at McMahon Stadium.
