Saskatchewan Roughriders’ quarterback Jake Maier is ready in case starter Trevor Harris won’t be able to play on Saturday against the B.C. Lions.
"I'm prepared. I got another day to get right and focus on some red zone stuff, some situational stuff," Maier said. "After that, I'll feel really good."
For Riders fans who are wondering, Maier explained what the Green and White faithful can expect from him if he starts at QB.
"I'm still Jake Maier and I think I'm trying to be a better version of Jake Maier than it's been in the past. I think everybody would say that," Maier said.
"I know for damn sure that everybody in this organization I've come across, including Trevor, has made me a better individual myself. If I get the opportunity then you'll get a Jake Maier that has improved and hopefully puts his best foot forward for his team."
When it comes to preparing and watching film, Maier appreciates having Harris in meetings with him.
"You learn a lot from Trevor, that's for damn sure. Like the way he approaches it, the way he prepares, his reasoning for things and the decision-making aspect of the game," Maier said.
"Then, when you get out on the practice field, you try to apply whatever you've learned. I would say all four of the quarterbacks, we’re here all morning, all night, talking the same language, talking about the same things. We're all on the same page in terms of what we're trying to do with the offence. That’s been good."
Maier went to the Riders in the off-season when Saskatchewan traded for his rights with the Calgary Stampeders and later signed a one-year contract. Last year, Maier played in 18 games for the Stamps, he completed 72 percent of his passes for 3,841 yards with 22 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
Now that Maier is with the Riders, he cannot express his gratitude to the Green and White organization and how it has helped his career.
"It's helped with my preparation, I've had positive influences from coaches, from teammates," Maier detailed.
"When you go from one place to the next and you start over a little bit, as you come across more gratitude, just thankful to be a part of the league still and be a part of an organization that believes in you. There’s definitely a level of growth that comes with that."
Maier can appreciate the amount of talented receivers he has on the Riders offence.
"It's amazing; there's a lot of guys here that can be top-level guys on any team in this league," Maier explained.
"We're fortunate enough that they're here with us and they all complement each other with all the different skill sets. It's really, really awesome to be a part of."
The Riders take on the Lions at home on Saturday. Listen to the pre-game show with Teagan Witko, Justin Dunk and Wes Cates at 2 p.m. Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder have the game call at 5 p.m. You can hear everything on the 620 CKRM Co-operators Rider Broadcast Network.
