There are only two receivers on Saskatchewan’s roster who played a significant role in the Roughriders offence last year – Rob Bagg and Naaman Roosevelt.
Riders fans already know what to expect out of Bagg, the 31-year-old Canadian veteran, but what about Roosevelt? He’s only played half a season in the CFL, but if the first week of 2016 training camp is any indication of things to come, look out for No. 82.
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The 28-year-old receiver has been a human highlight reel in his second CFL training camp. Roosevelt is making a habit out of reeling in jaw dropping catches against high end defenders.
It looks like all of Roosevelt’s off-season training with Riders quarterback Darian Durant is paying off.
“I just went down there to get some routes in with him and get an understanding of where he wants me to be,” Roosevelt said.
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“He’s a CFL legend so to learn from him is just awesome.”
Roosevelt is making up for lost time. Last season, the Buffalo, N.Y. product spent the first half of his rookie campaign on Saskatchewan’s practice roster.
“I just kept my mind focused on learning and when it was my time to get the opportunity, just make the best of it,” he said.
He did. Roosevelt only got to play in 10 games last season, but still managed to rack up 488 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
Now Roosevelt is poised to become a starter in his second year in the CFL. He’s been practising with the Riders first team offence and has treated the crowd at Griffiths Stadium to more than a few sensational catches through the first four days of training camp.
Riders receivers coach Markus Howell admits that he’s been impressed with Roosevelt’s performance thus far.
“Some guys start fast and taper off, some guys start slow and finish big, so we want to see if Naaman can keep it up,” Howell said.
“Practice is one thing, but once you put the lights on for those pre-season games sometimes people are different. I’m very pleased with what I see with Naaman right now, I just hope it continues.”
Naaman Roosevelt and the rest of the Riders will host the B.C. Lions in Saskatchewan’s first pre-season game on Saturday, June 11.
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