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– Riders Rookies Rate Reactions

May 29, 2015 | 9:02 AM

Day two of rookie camp saw more signings and ways to impress coaches and fans.

Let’s get the signings out of the way.

Linebacker Jake Doughty, defensive back Tyree Hollins and defensive lineman Lee Pegues were signed, bringing 43 offensive players on the roster and 42 defensive players. This number is important because the number has to be brought down to 75 by Saturday/Sunday, which means the first round of cuts will come from the rookies who took to the field for the last two days and ended a long and brutally boring winter and spring.

Again just the two quarterbacks Brett Smith and Noah Picton, and while Smith had no problem with taking the ball down and running if he saw nothing, Picton the Canadian showed an effective arm that made passes although you almost expected him to fall apart since he doesn’t look an American quarterback.

While the quarterbacks were duelling it out for third or fourth, a lot of the plays they were running were rolling the pocket out and buying more time. There were again a lot of sets and resets in the offensive formation, which makes it difficult to focus on anyone in particular.

If Nic Demski was receiver of the day Wednesday, Devlin Wilson too the title on Thursday with smooth cuts and most important of all – sure hands. Namaan Roosevelt who was somewhat highly touted heading in did not show good hands and it will be interesting if he sticks around for main camp.

On the defensive side, Mario Norman stepped forward with some great hits and coverage and Philip Steward and Eltoro Freeman look like they own the middle linebacker position. Again, it is probably too early to say but some of these players are impressive with their peers. Telvion Clark is another player to keep an eye for as camp develops.

Greg Hardin, the North Dakota flash, showed a lot of flashes of speed, but not enough catches, but he could be a case of waiting until Durant and Glenn start, then make use of his land speed then.  Hardin could catch onto the practice roster until he develops chemistry, allowing him to pick up a paycheque and keep learning his trade.

Turkington, the 6’5” junior out of Saskatoon, also impressed people with his size and caused a number of people to pencil him in for later on, if he has to be returned to the Saskatoon HJilltops. His familiarity with the CFL rules also helped him keep a step ahead of the defensive backs.

The players ability to deal with their spacing in this offense is going to be crucial for their and the Riders professional hopes. This offense is nothing but constant movement and you really have to watch the ball to see where things are going. Now if you have a quarterback that plays a bit of basketball and can handle the ball well, then you have a quarterback salivating at the chance to run this offense.

So now the coaches will review and will then make their cuts before taking the road show up to Saskatoon on Sunday.

Just a reminder to PA Rider fans, the team will be in June 4 and Former CKBI play by play guy Rod Pedersen will be doing his provincial sports talk show from the Boston Pizza location from 4-6 or 7 p.m.