The compete level at Saskatchewan Roughriders training continues to rise in Saskatoon.
The second day of workouts saw the Riders continue to install the offensive, defensive and special teams playbooks.
A pair of veterans made the two biggest plays of the day. During an offence versus defence period, the Roughriders' offence was moving the ball slowly down the field using short passes over the middle. After three completions, Trevor Harris looked like he would once again throw the ball to the middle of the field. However, Harris would hold on to the ball, instead finding a wide-open receiver in Dhonte Meyers in the far flat. Harris would connect with Myers as the second-year receiver broke his route to the outside. Myers would haul in the catch on the far flat and scamper 45 yards for a touchdown.
Marcus Sayles made the defensive play of the day. Later in the workout, the All-CFL defensive back was locked in man-to-man coverage with the outside receiver. However, protection broke down for the quarterback, forcing him to roll out of the pocket. Sayles read the play, took two steps back from his coverage and vaulted into the air, eventually laying out for the interception.
One of the players involved in the quarterback pressure was defensive lineman Shane Ray. The former first-round NFL Draft pick has been noticeably flying around the field and making plays on the first two days of training camp. The Riders signed the 32-year-old Ray as a free agent and he did his homework before deciding to join the team.
“I did a lot of research and I think that the team is really balanced. We have everything we need to win at every level and I am happy to be a part of that and try to contribute," Ray said.
Other notable plays on day two of training camp:
Receiver Brayden Misseri goes up to catch a pass from Jake Maier over the middle between a pair of defenders. His vertical allowed him to get up and haul in a 20-yard pass, much to the delight of Rider Nation in the stands.
Additionally, defensive back Eddie Heckard showed what he has learned in film study. With Jack Coan at quarterback, Saskatchewan's offence called a receiver screen pass to the far side of the field. Heckard read the play, shed a receiver who was attempting to block him and beat the pass through to the intended target, intercepting the ball. Heckert then had an escort into the end zone with his defensive teammates.
Also of note from camp:
- Not on the field:
- Shawn Bane Jr. – REC No. 15
- Seth Hundeby – LB No. 50
- Dalton Urban - DB No. 75
- Albert Awachie – FB No. 41
- Mark Webb – DB No. 30
Coach Mace doesn’t feel that any of the injuries were significant.
Training camp will continue on Tuesday at the University of Saskatchewan. Mace said that the workout will be the first padded practice of camp.
“We want to hear what that sounds like, but we’re going to do it smart.”
