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Players see up and downside to new CFL training camp rules

Jun 3, 2013 | 4:32 PM

It only took a couple of days … but rules changes in the CFL are already being noticed.

Starting this year, teams can only have one padded, contact practice per day. Because of that Riders head coach Corey Chamblin decided that the the morning practice on every second day would in-fact be a walk through and not a full on practice.

Not surprisingly the players tend to like it, but they can definitely see a bit of a downside to it as well.

“You can never say work hurts you, it should always make you better,” said defensive lineman Tearrius George. “But at the same time, I think we'll definitely come in a little more fresh, and mentally prepared.”

Foley says he's feeling pretty good with a little less work….

“Going into that first week of the season, you want to be fresh and you want to be fast,” said defensive end Ricky Foley. “But at the same time, you kind of got to get that toughness.”

Last season head coach Corey Chamblin definitely pushed the players, but he appears to be taking a different approach this year. George thinks that Chamblin is working more on the mental aspect of the game than the physical.

“We want them to play fast, and they can't play fast when they're thinking,” said Chamblin. “It's a privilege to have it, but they have to keep it up mentally to keep this type of practice going.”

Keeping players mentally and physically fresh is also a reason why there's more time inbetween the morning and afternoon sessions this year, compared to last year.

Training Camp notes:

– Craig Butler and Tyron Brackenridge continue to switch spots on the field, Chamblin hinted that we could see some creative things they will be doing with that later in the week.

– Limas Sweed was suspended by the team on Sunday, he showed up and apparently left. Chamblin didn't have much to add to the situation.

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