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Saskatchewan Roughriders rookie camp kicks off with 42 prospects

Jun 1, 2011 | 6:08 PM

The Saskatchewan Roughriders 2011 season began with 42 rookies and three quarterbacks taking to the field at Mosaic Stadium in front of about 100 fans.

For many of the newcomers it was an adjustment from their life in college football. The Roughriders 12th overall pick in the 2011 Draft, Craig Butler, admits the speed of professional football is an eye opener, “The receivers and even the (defensive backs) … I mean I played on that wide field my whole career but that field seems even bigger because the players are so much faster.”

It was also the first day for the Head Coach Greg Marshall running a practice for the first time as the boss. “It was fun. You know it was a little different as I'm not used to watching that much of the offensive practice but I enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to getting that opportunity every day.”

The first day of Rider rookie camp was over shadowed by the news that veteran Chris Szarka was released and receiver Rob Bagg had a set back with his knee injury.