By Justin Blackwell

Junior players getting a quick lesson on professional football with the Saskatchewan Roughriders

Jun 2, 2011 | 2:42 PM

It's been quite the eye opening experience for a couple of junior players taking part in the Saskatchewan Roughriders rookie camp.

Saskatoon Hilltops safety Graig Newman and Regina Thunder receiver Kolton Solomon had an idea of what to expect, but were still blown away by the numerous differences along with trying to kick those early nerves.

“I felt pretty sick to my stomach the first day,” said Newman. “At the same time it's just football. You're just out here doing what you've been doing for the past few years. I'm just out here having a blast, having fun, and then the nerves go away and you're just playing football.”

Newman isn't taking this opportunity for granted and can't say enough good things about what defensive coordinator Richie Hall has taught him in two days.

“It's very inspirational,” said Newman. “He knows so much. To be with a great coach like that it's going to progress my game so much and I'm so grateful for that.”

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Solomon had been on the radar for a while. After some workouts during the winter, he just got the call Tuesday to come out to camp.

Before that, he had been spending a few days catching passes from Darian Durant which provided the youngster with a true indication of how different the pro game is.

“He nearly dislocated my finger,” Soloman laughed. “I'm used to catching the ball from (Regina Thunder quarterback) Reid Quest who throws it pretty hard, but not as hard as Durant does. The first throw he almost took my head off. The second time my (left) thumb hit the back of my hand. It was pretty painful.”

Despite the pains, he wouldn't trade the experience for anything.

“I'm excited for the opportunity,” said Solomon. “Not many people get to do what I'm doing right now. For a junior player practicing with CFL players, I'm just trying to absorb as much as I can and get better.”

Rookie camp wraps up tomorrow with their final workout starting at 9:30am at Mosaic Stadium.

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