Riders’ 2020 first rounder Mattland Riley keeping busy during extended offseason

The Saskatchewan Roughriders put pen to paper this week with their 2020 first round selection Mattland Riley.

The Melfort product and former U of S Huskies offensive lineman has been doing what he can throughout the pandemic to keep in shape, prepare for the transition to pro football and keep up with his job as an engineer.

Riley was on the SportsCage Tuesday, and said with himself signing and then five other draft picks the following day, it gives everyone confidence that a 2021 season will happen.

“Yeah for sure, it’s just good to see that the organization is going out and picking up guys and preparing for the 2021 season,” Riley said. “So that’s always encouraging, obviously there is lots of things that need to fall into place first before we can for sure say there is going to be a season, but I think all the signs are positive right now,” Riley added.

Riley said he has spent that last months putting on mass and preparing for a faster game than what he’s seen at the university level, adding since finishing school, it’s been tough to get field time.

“I’ve just been working out and keeping at the gym regularly, doing drills and stuff like that, really though I haven’t been on the field at all, it’s been hard because I finished university, so basically I’m doing what I can on my own,” Riley said.

As it stands right now the Riders are scheduled to open the regular season June 12th in Edmonton.

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