The Saskatchewan Roughriders wrapped up Day 10 of training camp with what head coach Corey Mace described as one of the club’s sharper practices of the week, highlighted by competitive intensity, explosive offensive plays and another standout showing from returner-receiver James Letcher Jr. Offensive lineman Jacob Brammer and defensive lineman Benoit Marion were among those not practicing.
Following a short turnaround after Monday’s preseason game, Mace said the coaching staff challenged the team to clean up details identified during film review and liked the response he saw.
“There were some things that we identified in yesterday’s practice that we wanted to get better at today, and we did,” Mace said. “Still room for improvement, but the compete periods, it was exactly what we wanted.”
One of the more entertaining moments of the day came during a showcase-style competitive period that allowed players to settle ongoing camp battles in front of teammates and coaches.
“It was good,” Mace said. “We used that to break up practice to put the spotlight on some guys and settle some scores. It’s training camp, there’s a couple guys who go back and forth, so let’s put the spotlight on them, see how they can do it and handle themselves as pros. But it was awesome to see.”
The team period featured several big plays from veteran quarterback Trevor Harris and the Roughriders offence.
Harris opened the period with a 38-yard touchdown strike to Jaylen Johnson before the defence answered immediately when Nelson Lokombo intercepted a pass and returned it past midfield. Harris later connected on another 38-yard touchdown, this time to Johnny Johnson, while quarterback Brayden Schager added a first-down completion to Johnson during the session.
Another highlight came when Harris found Letcher Jr. downfield for a 25-yard gain on a leaping catch that continued an impressive camp for the five-foot-seven playmaker.
While Letcher Jr. was signed primarily to strengthen Saskatchewan’s return game, he has quickly shown he can contribute offensively as well. Mace praised the newcomer’s versatility and explosiveness after practice.
“He made some really nice plays for us at the receiver position today too, so obviously he’ll get his opportunities, and we expect him to be, as he’s always been, special.”
When asked what the club values most in a return specialist, Mace pointed directly to Letcher Jr.’s fearless style.
“What we ask those guys to do is run through the smoke with everybody running a thousand miles at you. He’s fearless, he’s got elite speed, and he can cut on a dime. He’ll get his opportunities. We expect him to be, as he has always been, special.”
Letcher Jr. arrived in Saskatchewan during the offseason after four years in the CFL with the Montreal Alouettes, where he established himself as one of the league’s premier returners. In 2024, he led the league in combined return yards while earning Montreal’s nomination for Most Outstanding Special Teams Player. But despite his reputation as an elite returner, Letcher Jr. made it clear he does not view himself as only a specialist.
“Whatever you need, whatever you want me to do, I’ll do,” Letcher Jr. said during a one-on-one interview with the SportsCage.
The former Washburn University standout said he has embraced playing both receiver and returner throughout his football career.
“I’ve been doing receiving stuff and special teams all my life, so it’s no difference to me,” he said. “You say one, you say the other. As long as you say them both, we’re good.”
Letcher Jr. said Saskatchewan’s reputation around the league played a major role in his decision to sign with the Roughriders during free agency.
“I know what kind of brotherhood they have here, similar to Montreal,” he said. “The team, they’re known to win, they like to win, and they work hard so they can win. That’s what I want.”
The 26-year-old added that he has already noticed the close-knit atmosphere within the organization during the opening weeks of camp.
“I’m just blessed to be here and blessed to be a part of a team that knows how to win and wants to win and works,” he said.
Letcher Jr.’s athletic background may also help explain why he has looked so comfortable tracking kicks during camp. The Kansas City native said years of playing baseball helped shape his instincts as a returner.
“I played baseball back in the day, so I was used to catching the smaller ball in the outfield and having to keep my eye on it,” he said. “It’s kind of been natural to me.”
He also believes the CFL game is built for his skill set.
“The field is bigger, and I’m smaller, and I can run sideline to sideline if I need to,” Letcher Jr. said. “I love it.”
As camp continues, Letcher Jr. is making a strong case to become one of the Roughriders’ most dangerous all-purpose weapons entering the regular season.
The Riders will hold one more practice before wrapping up the preseason on Saturday at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Follow the game on the Rider Broadcast Network, starting at 2 p.m., with kickoff following at 5 p.m.
