Jamie Nye's blog

Hugh Charles couldn’t replace Wes Cates, Marcus Thigpen couldn’t and Brandon West couldn’t either. But in 2012 there is no Cates to fight for his job so it’s wide open on who will be the starting running back this season in Riderville.

In: Demetrius Crawford, Kory Sheets, DeShawn Wynn, Nathan Riva, Louis Rankin
Out: Stu Foord, Wes Cates
Returning: Brandon West, Yvenson Bernard, Neal Hughes, Graeme Bell

This is a position that is so up in the air. You could see a complete overhaul, a change or two or no change at all with the talent brought in to compete with the six regulars from last year.

In: Paul Woldu, Talmadge Jackson, Graig Newman, Macho Harris, TJ Rushing, Dominic Noel, Jalil Johnson
Out: Tamon George, John Eubanks, Jamal Fudge, Leron Mitchell
Returning: Tyron Brackenridge, Lance Frazier, Nick Graham, Tristan Jackson, Craig Butler, James Patrick, Eddie Russ, Chris McKenzie

On the defensive side of the ball there is no bigger battle than the one at linebacker as all three starers are gone from 2011.

In: Daren Stone, Jamar Williams, Daniel Sheffield, Sam Hurl, Kevin Regimbald-Gagne, Abraham Kromah
Out: Jerrell Freeman, Barrin Simpson, Sean Lucas, Kye Stewart
Staying: Mike McCullough, Chris Francis, Shomari Williams, Chris Graham, Cory Huclack

The Saskatchewan Roughriders really have one battle on the offensive line and it’s a key one. Left Tackle.

In: Dominic Picard, Ben Heenan, Brendon LaBatte, Johan Asiata, Xavier Fulton
Out: Gene Makowsky, Marc Parenteau, Alexandre Gauthier
Returning: Dan Goodspeed, Chris Best, Alex Krausnick-Groh, Patrick Neufeld, Dan Clark, Nick Hutchins, Nerraw McCormack

Camp Battle Grade: B - The reason for the B grade with one spot open is due to the fact it is left tackle.

I know it's early, but I couldn't help myself, thus begins a series of training camp previews to lead you to the start of main camp on Sunday, June 3rd.

First off the defensive line.

In: Boo Robinson, David Veikune, Odell Willis, Chris Ellis, Mick Williams, Curtis Gatewood
Out: Dario Romero, Remond Willis, RJ Roberts
Returning: Brent Hawkins, Tearrius George, Keith Shologan, Mathieu Boulay, Kenny Rowe

Welcome to 2012 Saskatchewan Roughriders season.

The coach is hired, the players signed, the schedule out, the renovations being completed... it's hear.

Mosaic Stadium was bustling yesterday for mini-camp and here are some of my thoughts from Day 1.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders may not be able to get the 'best man for the job' to replace the retiring Ken Miller.

They may end up with the best man available.

The Roughriders are weeks ahead of the competition on the search for the head coach and finding that coach and hiring that coach before other teams figure out their future may be for the best.

Lets go through the candidates from west to east.

After going 1-1 last week, I'll try to maintain my mediocrity this week.

West Final: Edmonton @ B.C.

The hottest team in the CFL going into the playoffs has home field advantage, while the Eskimos are coming off a big win against Calgary but will be without running back Jerome Messam.

Usually in this space you'll find the Power Rankings. Well, a change for the playoffs as I'll put my neck out there and make my predictions.

West Semi-Final - Calgary @ Edmonton

The Battle of Alberta is once again a part of the playoffs. The last time these two teams went toe to toe in the playoffs was in 2009 when the Stampeders edged out Edmonton 24-21. But this time the game is being played at Commonwealth Stadium and the Eskimos should have the edge, although running back Jerome Messam's availability is in question.

Five teams are tied for top spot overall in the league. But I did this to myself.

I decided to provide my power rankings on a weekly basis, so I guess I'll grit my teeth and try to decide who's all powerful and who's just pretending in terms of these rankings. Thank goodness, the bottom isn't as tough to decide as the top.