The final full workout of Saskatchewan Roughriders training camp was held under sunny skies at Mosaic Stadium on Wednesday.
The Riders primarily focused on playbook assignments during the workout.
There were some plays of note. Trevor Harris fired a completion over one defender and in front of another to receiver Samuel Emilus, who went up the ladder to make the catch.
Later in the team period, Phalen Sanford stepped in front of a receiver and intercepted a pass from Harris, returning it the length of the field for a touchdown.
There were noticeably fewer offside calls through the practice and not nearly as much kicking as the day before.
The Canadian receivers continued to show their grasp of the playbook and athleticism. D’Sean Mimbs has become a favourite target of Harris as he is getting more reps in place of Kian Schaffer-Baker, who sat out practice.
Mitchell Picton showed his speed and vertical jump with a series of catches.
Samuel Emilus has shown off his speed and ability to find the soft spot throughout camp.
Schaffer-Baker, albeit slowed by a small nick, has been fast and consistent in making contested catches.
Dhel Duncan-Busby appears to be very comfortable with the playbook. He is showing a lot of confidence and hunger after getting a taste of game action late in the season last year.
Brayden Misseri, who signed as an undrafted free agent with the Riders, has noticeably been getting increased reps in team periods.
Tommy Nield has made the most of every play that comes his way.
While receiver Daniel Wiebe has been making the most of his frequent opportunities. The Riders’ eighth-round draft pick is staying focused on what he needs to do, especially with roster decisions looming.
“I am not worrying about the outcome. I am focusing on staying where my feet are. Not worrying about the last play but thinking about the next play.”
The Rosetown, Saskatchewan native grew up playing on a team that travelled 121 kilometres to Saskatoon to play games every week.
And Wiebe is expecting a contingent of family and friends at the Riders’ final preseason game at Mosaic Stadium on Friday. However, don’t expect him to notice as he will be concentrating on the job and his shot to earn a roster spot on the team he grew up cheering for.
“I may see them in the warm-up and after the game, but that’s it. I am going to be locked in on what I need to do.”
The Roughriders have a walk-through at Mosaic Stadium before hosting the Blue Bombers on Friday. That game you can hear on 620 CKRM, the Co-operators Rider Broadcast Network.
