Kelly Jeffrey’s vision of the Saskatchewan Roughriders offence is to provide plenty of fireworks this season.
The former running backs coach takes over from Jason Maas as a part of the changes to the Roughriders offensive coaches.
On Monday, Jeffrey joined Michael Ball on the SportsCage.
The new Saskatchewan offensive coordinator plans on having an aggressive approach.
“We’re going to be an explosive, high-tempo scoring machine,” said Jeffrey.
He added, “We’re going to score touchdowns, we’re not going to walk away with field goals, however we got to get across that goal line, we’re going to do it.”
One thing the Roughriders coaching staff will have to determine before the start of the season, is where Jeffrey will be situated during the games. He would like to be on the sidelines, but is open to the idea of being positioned upstairs.
“I feel there is a benefit for myself in particular to look those guys in the eyes on the sidelines, make sure I understand kind of where they’re going, have that immediate contact and feedback, have the opportunity to drive tempo when I want to drive it and back off when I want to back off.”
Jeffrey said he has experience calling games in the booth and says there can be a delayed response when you want to talk to the players on the sideline.
“Having that ability to look that guy in the eye and have a specific conservation and see how he feels about something I think matters, and being on the field matter and in the flow of the game matters.”
QB Trevor Harris
Trevor Harris will be the key to the Saskatchewan offence this season. The 36-year-old signed with the Roughriders last month. Jeffrey thinks having a quarterback in Harris, is like having an extra coach on the field.
“He’s (Harris) brings so much information and experience to it, when you combine it with the rest of the quarterbacks in the room and coaching staff, he’s got some great perspective to it.”
Saskatchewan will be the fifth team for Harris in the CFL after stops in Toronto, Ottawa, Edmonton and Montreal.
Running Backs
Jeffrey feels the green and white have a dynamic duo at running back in Jamal Morrow and Frankie Hickson. He said Morrow is a versatile player that could play at receiver if needed.
Hickson made an impression on the team’s coaching staff at last year’s rookie and training camps, said Jeffrey.
“He literally got better every day. He did something every day that kind of made you say wow, he’s got something there.”
Along with playing on offence, the running back’s willingness to play special teams was another reason why the 26-year-old was able to make the team.
“He became a special teams beast for us. He played four different special teams for us. He was great on coverage teams, he blocked a punt for us, he just really willed himself to be on that team.”
Albert Awachie should receive more snaps at fullback after splitting time with James Tuck last year.
Tuck signed with the Montreal in February.
Jeffrey wants to see how the Toronto product can perform with a full-time role.
“He’s tough, he’s physical, he’s exceptionally smart. ”
Mario Alford
A weapon that Jeffrey is hoping the Riders can use on offence this season is Mario Alford. The returner was a success for Saskatchewan on special teams after the team acquired him in a trade with Montreal last July.
Jeffrey described Alford as a “Ferrari” type player.
“He’s not the guy you take to grocery store every day and put on all the city miles.” Jeffrey added, ” I think he’s someone you don’t want to wear down or over utilize when he’s so very valuable on specials.”
The former Mount Allison head coach says Alford possesses unique playmaking abilities.
“He’s got something special and something that not everybody does and it’s hard to describe.”
