'Year 2 is when they get it': Riders' Dickenson has high expectations for former rookies
The Saskatchewan Roughriders will have their first test of the season this weekend and the stakes are high for everyone but head coach, Craig Dickenson, hopes to see a big jump in skillset from last year’s rookie class.
“You always bring in so many players so year two is when they get it. Usually year two is a good year for the second year players because the first year, it’s a little big and it’s new. But if you can get them to year two, they usually make huge improvements,” Dickenson explained.
A year two player that fans expect to see a lot of action is running back, Frankie Hickson. Hickson was the Riders’ nominee for CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie Award in 2022.
He made four starts in 13 games last season and finished the year sixth in rushing yards amongst the league.
“The team is requiring a little bit more of me this year and what comes with that is more responsibility. But it’s great, more ability, more chances to make plays for my teammates,” Hickson said.
“My route running and catching has gotten better but I would say my biggest jump [from last year to this year] is just confidence. Trusting myself a little bit more to do what God has given me the ability to do,” he added.
However, Hickson is not the only player Dickenson will have his eye on from the 2022 rookie class.
“[Samuel] Emilus has been good. A.J. Allen, it’s year three for him but kind of year two because he went back. Amari Henderson is another example they usually get it. Jayden Dalke, another good name. [Dalke] was good for us last year but now you can see he’s taking the next step on defence,” listed Dickenson.
The expectation with a year under their belt is not lost on the newly deemed veterans.
“Grateful for more opportunity, more responsibility because I want to be accountable and I want to be reliable to my coaches and teammates,” Dalke said.
“I’m way more comfortable and I’m making plays [now]. I would say the second year really made me do what I’m supposed to do and be ready for what’s coming,” Emilus said.
The second year players will get their first chance to make a statement as CFL veterans this weekend when they head to Edmonton to take on the Elks.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.