WINNIPEG — Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ receiver Ryan Smith is ready to make an impact with his new team.
Smith, 24, joined the Bombers as a free agent in the off-season and he lives by the old adage ‘practice like you play’.
“He practices extremely hard,” said head coach Mike O’Shea. “He practices like he plays the game. There’s one speed with him. I believe that’s the way you play football.”
“That’s just the way I was taught,” Smith said. “You can only get better when you try harder. And when you try harder you can outwork your opponent. Going to make them more tired than you’re tired. So that’s what I’ve always done. When people are tired they make mistakes.”
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Smith currently sits atop the Bombers depth chart at slotback. He played his first two seasons in the CFL with the Riders. Smith appeared in just eight games in his rookie season where he made a minimal impact with only 13 catches for 159 yards. But Smith had a breakout season in 2015 where he exploded for 991 yards receiving with seven touchdowns.
“I’m going to work hard and outwork my opponent,” said Smith. “I’m going to play fast and play relentless. That’s what I’ve always been taught my whole life and that’s what I’m gonna keep on trying to do throughout the season.”
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Training Camp Day 2 Notes – Running back Andrew Harris missed practice on Monday for what O’Shea called a personal situation but he’s expected to be back on the practice field on Tuesday. New receiver Lestar Jean did not practice on Monday while defensive lineman Cameron Henderson has been moved to the retired list.
WATCH: Mike O’Shea media briefing – Monday
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