ridersoct12

He's in his 15th season in the CFL and it's only preseason, but tonight is a big game for Saskatchewan Roughriders slotback Geroy Simon as it will be his first in Green and White.

The all-time leading receiver came over to the Riders in a trade with BC during the offseason.  He sat out last week in Edmonton, but will be going full speed tonight when the Riders take on the Calgary Stampeders at Mosaic Stadium.

“It's not quite like being a rookie, this is all new to me, but I feel comfortable, I feel prepared and ready to start this thing off,” Simon said to the media on Wednesday after the team's walk through.

“It's going to be something, I'm going to take it all in and just deal with the emotions as they come, but I'm really looking forward to it though.”

It will be a different experience for Simon tonight as he won't be playing the role of villain at Mosaic Stadium, where he's made a habit of coming up with a big play at the worst possible time for Rider fans.

“I've had so many not so warm receptions coming here as an opponent, but now I'm a member of the Riders and I know the way they cheer for their team, so I'm really excited to be here and to be a part of this team,” said Simon.  “Coming in here as an opponent, they've always booed me, but off the field, it's always been great.”

Simon spent 12 seasons in BC and cemented himself as one of the greatest receivers in CFL history, collecting 989 receptions for 15,787 yards (a CFL record) and 100 touchdowns.  He says now it's about proving that he can still compete at a high level as a 37-year-old receiver.

“I want to go out and play well, that's my expectations, that's what I prepare for in the offseason and in training camp, I prepare to come out and play at a high level,” said Simon.  “If I don't play at a high level, there's no point in me being here... I think if I'm just going out and doing my job, I'll be showing that I'm still at a high level.”

Part of what will help Simon reach that level will be the connection he develops with starting quarterback Darian Durant.  This preseason game will allow them to build on the work they've done throughout training camp.

“This is our first time getting into a live game situation, so this will tell us a lot about where we are and what we need to work on, but I'm looking forward to it,” said Durant.  “We've been talking through plays a lot, so I'm anxious to get out there in live speed and see what we can do together.”

“It's a process, but we're really working on it,” added Simon.  “It's been good so far, but this is going to be a long process and it's only going to get better each and every week, but we're on the right track.”

Chamblin isn't buying into the need for chemistry to built between Simon and Durant.  “That's just you guys have all the hype there,” he said.  “I just want to make that as a group we play well, there has to be more chemistry than just Durant and Simon.  I just want to see Darian play a good level and see those receivers make big plays.”

Rider fans will get their first look at the new connection tonight as they host the Calgary Stampeders at Mosaic Place.  Kick off is at 8:00pm.

Chamblin Has His Eye On The Bubble

The Saskatchewan Roughriders' meeting with the Calgary Stampeders will be the last chance for the veterans to work out the kinks before the games count, but it's also the last opportunity for many players to make an impression on the coaching staff.

The Riders' starting roster is pretty much set heading into the game, meaning the interesting battles will be for the back-up roles.

“There's certain guys that I want to see take that next step to see if they're going to be bubble type guy and a back-up, or are they going to be one of those back-ups that we can depend on to be a starter if someone gets hurt,” said head coach Corey Chamblin.  “I'll be looking at the tail end of the roster.  I really want to see our depth, I really want to see what we have behind us and if they can play at a high level if we need them to.”

The kicking battle will be one to watch, but so too will be the fight for the starting right tackle spot.  Patrick Neufeld went down early in training camp and that's created an opening on the right side of the line.  Ben Heenan is seen as the front runner due to his non-import status, but import Jose Valdez could boost his stock with a strong game against Calgary.

“I don't know how that's going to shape up, but it will change the ratio if we go one way or the other,” said Chamblin.  “Ben is doing a good job and (Valdez and Kyle Hill) are holding their own also.”

The starters are expected to play for the entire first half against the Stampeders and then they will turn it over to the players battling for roster spots.

The Riders will make their final cuts on Friday and then the focus will shift to the start of the regular season on June 29th in Edmonton.