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Three newcomers making an impact at Riders training camp

Jun 7, 2013 | 5:30 PM

The 2013 Saskatchewan Roughriders certainly don't lack in big name talent.

We all know the names, but there are definitely some other names you should be keeping an eye on as we head towards the team's first pre-season game on June 14.

Three players who came into the camp under the radar, but have definitely been making an impact so far are receiver Kierrie Johnson, running back Stephfon Green and defensive back Ramzee Robinson.

For Johnson and Green, the formula for being noticed has been fairly simple so far. Speed, and lots of it.

“I get that everywhere I go,” said Green. “But I can only do so much.”

Green's speed is definitely one of the first things you'll notice when he's on the field. On Thursday afternoon, Durant pitched him the ball and he turned on the jets and blew past everyone along the way for a decent run. One of the guys he was able to get by was linebacker Abraham Kromah.

“I want people to understand that I'm more than a speedy guy,” said Green. “I can run between the tackles, I can block and I can catch out of the backfield.”

Green is definitely willing to do returns if it gets him a job on the team.

Someone else who is willing to returns is Johnson, saying he's been returning kicks since he was in middle school.

“I love doing returns, any time my name is called for returns, I'm ready to go,” said Johnson.

Johnson's speed has easily been on display as well, earlier in the camp he took a pass in mid-stride and managed to break free for a long touchdown catch and run.

Johnson actually joined the Riders late last year, but didn't come to the team until the start of camp this year, so needless to say he's been chomping at the bit to get going. Especially when he learned the team had traded for his former teammate Geroy Simon.

“I might have been the most excited person ever, he's my mentor,” said Johnson. “We pretty much play the same style, so having him is a blessing.”

While both of them are very fast, head coach Corey Chamblin says that's great, but with that speed comes having to learn how to think as fast as they're practicing.

“Your speed is only effective when you know how to use it,” said Chamblin.

As for Robinson, he's making himself noticed on and off the field. On the field he's intercepted a few passes and seems to be around the ball more often then not.

But for Robinson it all starts with his work off the field.

“Working very hard, particularly in the classroom, and it's showing up on the field as well,” he said.

Robinson has been eager to learn just about everything he can, be it from his various coaches, or even the veterans on the team. Robinson specifically gave credit to teammates like Dwight Anderson, Carlos Thomas and Weldon Brown for teaching him how to work with the larger field.

Another thing Robinson has been happy to learn in the CFL is other positions. In the NFL he was a nickel back, and wasn't really taught anything else.

“Getting here and being challenged to learn the entire defense, it just makes you that much more intelligent,” noted Robinson.

Of course, knowing what we know about Chamblin, learning the entire defense is something he wants out of all of his players.

Chamblin has fairly pleased with Robinson to date.

“You want the guys that want to learn, he's showed up a couple of days,” said Chamblin. “He's showed some upside.”

If he continues to learn, the NFL's Mr. Irrelevant in 2007 could soon become Mr. Relevant in Saskatchewan.

As always, when it comes to players like this in camp, it all comes down to the pre-season games. Either these players will confirm what we think, or it could all be for not.

Training Camp Notes

– Darian Durant was absent from the morning walk through. Chamblin said he could be back in the afternoon session. Durant is dealing with this same sickness that many on the team have been dealing with. Chamblin doesn't appear to be willing to confirm it's a virus, though speculation is definitely suggesting so.

– Geroy Simon was back and doing somethings in walk through, Dressler was out there but was just watching.

– Ben Heenan is still dealing with that same issue many on the team are.

– Some weather forecasts suggest there could be some rain this afternoon, that would be the first of training camp. Last year the team got a taste of every kind of weather other than snow.

– This afternoon's practice will feature pads, tomorrow is fanfest.

– Kierre Johnson was wearing a toque apparently he thought it was chilly this morning. Wonder what he will wear in October and November.

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