The Saskatchewan Roughriders opened their preseason in Calgary on the weekend. It was a chance for players to show what they’ve got to coaches who are evaluating the roster.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders opened their preseason in Calgary on the weekend. It was a chance for players to show what they’ve got to coaches who are evaluating the roster.
It was also a chance to live out a dream for former University of Regina Rams defensive back Carson Sombach.
“To be able to wear the rider jersey and the rider helmet in front of a bunch of fans is exciting. It’s something like since I was little, I’ve always wanted to do.”
The Regina native has battled throughout camp, hoping to turn being undrafted into a roster spot with the Riders.
“I just want to be myself, play the football that I can play, and learn as much as I can and be able to apply that every day. Take what we talk about in the meetings and apply it in the field so they can see that I’m coachable. Play special teams like I know I can play special teams and be physical and show that I can be useful in more areas than just one.”
Sombach admits there is elevated pressure at this point in camp.
“There’s always pressure to do good, know the playbook, you don’t want to have any missed assignments or anything like that, but at the end of the day, it’s football. I have the chance to go out and play football, and football is a fun sport, so I want to go out there every day and have fun.”
Making the preseason game more fun was a chance to face his older brother Jackson, who plays for the Stampeders.
“My brother and I haven’t played against each other since the RMF Spring League in high school, so it’ll be pretty cool to go up against him, and my parents aren’t wearing red or green; they’re gonna be wearing the University of Regina Rams stuff to stay neutral.”
The Riders will continue training camp in Saskatoon this week before wrapping up the preseason on Saturday against Winnipeg at Griffiths Stadium.
AND that’s between the lines for Sheppard Realty in Regina. Specializing in farm and ranch real estate in Saskatchewan. Call Harry, Justin or Devan at 352-1866.