RIDERS BACK TO WORK
So goes the life of Duron Carter.
One week after being fined by the CFL for a pregame altercation in Week 5 in Calgary, the flamboyant Saskatchewan receiver was named a CFL Player of the Week on Tuesday for a 9-reception, 131-yard, 2-touchdown performance in Week 6 versus Toronto.
The first of his two touchdowns is being called the Catch of the Year and has been replayed endlessly on highlight shows in both the Canada and the U.S.
“Yeahhhh when I’m involved it tends to do stuff like that,” Carter smiled after Tuesday’s practice. “I don’t know why. I’m just glad it’s getting a lot of attention, a lot of attention for the league, and hopefully everybody’s watching the next game.”
That next game is Saturday when the Riders visit the B.C. Lions (5:00 pm Sask Time, TSN, 620 CKRM Rider Radio Network).
Carter’s father is Pro Football Hall of Famer Cris Carter, who Duron says was watching Saturday’s game with interest.
“He kind of just expects it,” the younger Carter shrugged. “He said ‘Finally!’ That was his first text to me.”
As the Riders show signs of life as the season progresses, Carter is emerging as one of the biggest stars on Canada’s most popular football team. The Fort Lauderdale, FL product says Saskatchewan is starting to feel like home.
“Definitely. It’s very homey,” Carter grinned. “I feel like my charisma and the Rider Nation accepting me is sort of like a perfect match. I hope I can be here for awhile.”
Meanwhile Roughriders Head Coach & GM Chris Jones seemed unimpressed by Carter’s boast to the media that he hopes to top The Catch with a behind-the-back touchdown reception in the weeks ahead.
“Well let’s just catch the football,” Jones scorned. “When the ball is thrown, let’s just catch the ball. If they happen to be great catches, then that’s great. I don’t think you ever say ‘I’m gonna do this’ or ‘I’m gonna do that’. Let’s just make the routine play.”
As far as Carter’s volatility goes – both positive and negative – Jones says that’s just the way he is.
“He’s a very excitable young man,” Jones continued. “He’s got a good heart. He really does. He means well. You just have to keep reminding him what the situations are and that type thing. We’re just going day-by-day and week-by-week with him.”
NOTES: Jones revealed that veteran kicker Tyler Crapigna will miss Saturday’s game at BC with “a pull”. He’ll be replaced by sophomore Quinn Van Gylswyk – a Vancouver product … Star returner Chad Owens has come off the 6-game Injured List and practiced on Tuesday but will not play against the Lions.
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