To fully realize how dialed in VP of Football Operations, General Manager and Head Coach Chris Jones and his staff are, just watch how they work during Training Camp this June in Saskatoon. Too see them coach and literally work their way through the over 100 players at minicamp 2016 is something to watch.
Nothing goes unseen anywhere in practice; if a player is struggling they will get coached up, if a player is thriving he will get more reps and finally, if a player is lagging and going though the motions…look out!!
The defensive side of the football began to close the gap with the offence in day two as they begin to fully comprehend the Canadian style of defence in dealing with the waggle and the seemingly endless combinations of receiver packages. The defensive backs panic less seeing a receiver in the slot coming at them at full speed at the snap of the ball and the communication between them is now more efficient.
Offensively, a few more linemen came to camp to expand the numbers to nine. The receivers and running backs are starting to find a rhythm with the first few pages of the Rider playbook and all of the quarterbacks in camp have strong arms and can sling it all over the park.
It’s not all Americans in camp, it is a little unique to have this many first year Rider Canadians in camp and at all positions but quarterback.
Receiver: Defensive Back:
Bill Nyantakyi (Bishop’s) Jordan Reeves (Brandon)
Ryan Roseway (St. Francis Xavier) Tevaughn Campbell (Regina)
Melvin Abankwah (St. Mary’s) Kwame Adjei (Mt. Allison)
Kyle Kawamoto (Simon Fraser) Djonatan Buissereth (Montreal)
Running Back: Troy Adams (Northeastern)
Brandon Deschamps (UBC) Defensive Line:
Offensive Line: Trey Henderson (USC)
Aaron Picton (Regina) Linebacker:
Kickers: Marvin Golding (St. Mary’s)
Steve Shott (Okanagan Jr.) Dillon Grondin (Windsor Jr.)
Alex Sy (Montreal)
Johnny Mark (Calgary)
There is one more chance for these players to learn from what they did today on the field, in the film room tonight then put it all on the line Tuesday morning for the final session of minicamp. After that, it’s all on film and in the coaches hands to make the final decisions that will form the roster for training camp.
Schedule tomorrow:
Practice 8:30am – 10:30a.m. (EST)
Livestream show – 11:00a.m. (EST) 9:00a.m. (Sask time) with Dan Plaster and Luc Mullinder
The Sportscage live from Vero Beach – 4:00p.m. to 6:30p.m. (Sask time)
