In an off season full of change for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, none may be more noticeable than the changes at running back.
As the second day of training camp kicked off Monday morning, the Roughriders have only one returning running back from last season.
"Darian (Durant) was telling me I look like a vet now," said Brandon West. "Last year was just running through my head, like oh man where do I go. I'm just used to it now."
West picked up over 230 yards on the ground last year, adding 55 more yards in the air, but he says he spent the off season working on catching the ball.
"It's a passing game here," said West. "Sat there and was catching bad balls and things like that to get my hands better."
Even though West comes to camp as the favourite, the question of who ends up winning the starting jump is up in the air.
"Obviously Brandon (West) is the incumbent," said Offensive Coordinator Bob Dyce. "Really looking at it as an open competition though."
Before camp starting Dyce said that he wanted to see a lot more of out the running backs this year. Not only to improve their yardage, but also keep defenses honest when it comes to cheating a little bit to cover the passing game.
Demetrius Crawford didn't make his way to the CFL the normal way, getting the teams attention with some YouTube videos.
"It's a fast pace, it's a real fast pace," said Crawford of the Canadian game. "The field being wider than the American field makes it a lot more open for someone like me."
Crawford was making some fashion noise through rookie camp, and the opening of main camp with his bright green shoes.
However, he was spotted today in the usual black.
"It's time to grind now," said Crawford. "Time to have on the real football shoes."
Kory Sheets came to camp having last played in the NFL.
He understands that he will have to be able to run, catch and block to make it.
"Very comfortable," said Sheets. "In college I had to do all of those same things."
Notes: Play of the Day: Many receivers made tough catches in tight coverage in both one on ones and team drills. Those receivers include Efrem Hill, Sinorice Moss, Justin Harper and Jason Chery.
OL Chris Best and DL Mick Williams left practice feeling the effects of the heat. Receivers Dallas Baker, Patrick Brown and Dwayne Jarrett didn't participate in the first session.
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