Former NFL running back Trent Pennix wants to showcase his well-rounded skills to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
"It's a great feeling. Coming up here after a while of not playing ball, getting my feet back in the dirt and getting pads on, getting the ball in my hands, pretty much picking off from where I left off," Pennix explained to the voice of the Riders, Dave Thomas.
"Moving around positions, showing these coaches how versatile I really am and how they can use me on four phases of special teams, fullback, running back, anywhere you want me to play, you got it. I try to be a very key aspect and really a key contributor to add points to that scoreboard."
The six-foot-two, 234-pound Pennix credits North Carolina State University head coach Dave Doeren for helping make him a versatile player.
"Doing whatever he needs," Pennix recalled. "Anything happens on a roster, next man up, got to be prepared for when your name is called. You could be plugged in anywhere and got to show these coaches that you can earn their trust, that they can put you anywhere they need you."
Pennix spent his NCAA career at North Carolina State from 2018 through 2023. He showcased his versatility by playing running back and tight end with the Wolfpack. He accumulated 55 receptions for 712 receiving yards with 11 touchdowns while rushing 41 times for 240 yards and one TD in 54 games.
The 25-year-old Pennix ran a 4.59-second 40-yard time as his pro day in March 2024. He trains his body to be ready for professional football opportunities, including after his release from the Indianapolis Colts last October.
"When I went back home to Raleigh, I constantly trained at NC State, keeping my body fresh. Constantly going to chiropractor, trying to get massages, pretty much keeping my body because you never know during that time when you're a free agent, you never know when you're going to get that call," Pennix explained.
"You always have to be ready because it happens quickly and then the next thing you know, coming up here, there's a very big difference knowing that it's a lot cooler up here. It's very different from Raleigh, North Carolina, compared to Canada. Getting my feet warm and now getting acclimated to everything that's going on, the new game, new rules and all."
Pennix knows the difference between a CFL playbook versus an NFL one.
"Honestly, compared to the NFL, it's much simpler," Pennix said. "I already had a professional insight, it makes this a little easier to break down and know the concepts. Speaking of running backs, knowing why we're running our track the way we're running it and everything's coming back to a full circle."
When Pennix signed his contract with the Riders, he knew how much Saskatchewan people care about football.
"I knew the Roughriders were the real deal; they were the ones that really run this whole league," Pennix said. "They have the best fan base in the whole country, I'm ready to see what that fan base looks like and see that stadium in Green and White."
