RIDERS READY TO PACK UP

The Saskatchewan Roughriders held their second-last training camp workout in Saskatoon on Tuesday.  Here are some notes:

Jim Hopson and Kevin Glenn

– It took until about Day 18 but former Roughrider President Jim Hopson was finally able to make it up to Saskatoon to watch his beloved team in training camp.  He was actually on his way to North Battleford – with travelling partner Chuck Toth – for a Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association function in North Battleford.

Everyone’s mood brightened when “Hoppy” showed up early in the workout.  He spent time visiting with several staff members but perhaps spent the most time with GM Brendan Taman.

He then wandered down to the south endzone to see offensive line coach Dan Dorazio putting his troop through their paces.  As a former Rider lineman (1973-76), he wanted to see how the hoggies were coming along.

– Hopson’s obviously bound for the Plaza of Honor.  It would’ve been a worthy gesture to waive the mandatory three-year waiting period to include him in the 2015 induction class, but perhaps that wasn’t thought of in time.

– I maintain that this franchise wouldn’t have its last two Grey Cups nor a new stadium being constructed if it wasn’t for Hopson’s heroic efforts during his tenure from 2005-2014.  That may not be a popular opinion for some, but this is my blog and that’s how I feel!  There’s no benefit to me kissing his butt now.  I’m just speaking the truth.

– As for the workout, veterans Ryan Smith and Tyron Brackenridge continued to watch from the sidelines.  The severity of Smith’s injury – suffered Saturday against the Eskimos – hasn’t been disclosed however Brackenridge said he’s “getting close”.

– Slotback Weston Dressler participated full bore in the workout and says he’s fit to play in Friday’s preseason game against the Calgary Stampeders at Mosaic Stadium.  He missed the Edmonton game with what he termed a mild strain.

– We hosted Tuesday’s SportsCage from our Regina studios and co-host Mike Abou-Mechrek noted that his game star from Saturday’s 31-24 preseason loss to Edmonton was rookie Canadian nose tackle Rory Connop.  We’ll hear from Connop on Wednesday’s show.

– SaskTel launched a Twitter contest (@SaskTEL) on Tuesday asking fans to name their favourite Roughrider.  The winner of the contest will be randomly drawn and will be awarded two tickets to Friday’s home preseason game.  We held a poll on Tuesday’s show and the most popular Roughrider player amongst our listeners was Darian Durant.

NOTES FROM COREY CHAMBLIN’S POST-PRACTICE MEDIA SESSION:

– Weston Dressler will be ahead of the game this year having participated in training camp.  Last year he missed training camp while working out for the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs and Chamblin said this year he won’t be “behind the eight ball” like he was last year when he returned in time for the Labour Day Classic.

– Tailback Anthony Allen has dropped some weight and Chamblin said he’s displaying more “shiftiness”.  Last year he had more of a fullback build but is a straight tailback now.

– Chamblin said they drafted players at a variety of positions this spring in order to provide more flexibility with the ratio.  However he’s told his coaches he wants the best players starting at all positions, and they’ll sort the ratio out afterwards.

– Chamblin has “two or three” scenarios regarding the ratio, and how that relates to the kicking game.  He said Friday’s preseason game will determine who wins out in that area.  He’s looking for points, deep kickoffs and good punts.  Mostly, he feels consistency is what he’s looking for.  He still thinks 32-yard converts should be automatic.

– He wasn’t willing to offer an assessment of who’s ahead in the kicking game right now.  The three kickers on the roster are Chris Milo, Hugh O’Neil and Ray Early.

– Chamblin said the fact Ryan Smith was present at Tuesday’s workout shows that his injury is progressing.

– Tyron Brackenridge participated in individual drills but will need to show more in practice next week to prove he’s ready to play in Week 1.

– Veteran fullback Spencer Moore brings a different skillset than the retired Neal Hughes.  Chamblin feels he’s versatile, in a different way than Hughes.

– It’s a possiblity they’ll keep two linebackers for the weakside linebacker spot.  Chamblin mentioned Telvion Clark, Jeff Knox Jr. and Jake Doughty as the three in the competition.

– Nic Demski has done some things in camp and the preseason to impress Chamblin but also got on his bad side by fumbling a punt Saturday night.  They discussed it, but Demski fumbled again in Tuesday’s practice.  Chamblin said no matter how fast Demski is, he’d better learn ball security.

– The players are getting better and are more conscious of the new rules.  They coaches will continue to lean on the players in this regard in practice, and hope the results transfer into the game.

– Veteran middle linebacker Shea Emry displayed some leadership by scolding rookie teammate Marrio Norman for his play.  Chamblin said he has no problem with that.

** The Riders will hold their final workout in Saskatoon Wednesday morning before breaking camp and heading back to Regina that afternoon.  Friday they host the Calgary Stampeders in the preseason finale at 7:30 pm at Mosaic Stadium (TSN, CKRM Rider Radio Network).