MORE ON QB JENNINGS

BRADENTON, FLORIDA — An unexpected phone call led to an equally unexpected opportunity for SVSU quarterback Jon Jennings this week.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League extended an invitation to Jennings to participate in the team’s annual free agent camp at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

“It was a random number, so I almost didn’t answer,” Jennings said, laughing. “It was a surprise, but I guess they saw me at the College All Star game. I view it as another great opportunity.”

Jennings spent Friday in meetings with Saskatchewan’s coaching staff going over the playbook for a pair of practices Saturday and one Sunday.

“We installed a lot of plays, but I think we also do a lot of individual drills and one-on-ones,” Jennings said. “The coaches are looking to see what we have to offer, and get to know us.”

He estimated there are 40 to 50 players participating in the camp.

The group includes a mixture of rookie free agents, recently signed players and a few veterans.

One of those veterans is former Pittsburgh quarterback Tino Sunseri, who is one of Jennings’ roommates for the weekend. Last season, Sunseri was the Roughriders’ third string quarterback.

Sunseri was part of the 2013 Saskatchewan squad that won the franchise’s fourth Grey Cup in November.

The Grey Cup is the name of the CFL’s championship game and trophy awarded to the winner.

“I’ve been getting his perspective on things,” Jennings said. “He’s been through this process. It’s valuable to hear how he was able to get here, and what’s it like playing in the CFL.”

If the NFL doesn’t come calling, Jennings views the CFL as a viable option for continuing his playoff career in the fall. He would join fellow SVSU alum Matt Black, who was drafted back in 2008 by the Toronto Argonauts.

In March, Jennings increased his profile with a solid performance at University of Michigan’s Pro Day. The 6-foot-0, 196-pounder’s unofficial time in the 40-yard dash was 4.53.

Jennings is coming off a senior season where he threw for 3,284 yards with 30 touchdowns and earned Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference “Player of the Year” honors.


Michael Niziolek covers local sports for MLive/Bay City Times.