The Saskatchewan Roughriders are back in Regina for the final stretch of training camp. While roster decisions are looming this weekend, one player is doing everything he can to make those conversations difficult for the coaching staff.
Receiver Abdul Janneh Jr. continued his strong camp on Monday at Mosaic Stadium after turning heads in Saskatchewan’s 31-27 preseason win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Saturday in Saskatoon.
Janneh Jr. followed up a three-catch, 44-yard performance in the preseason opener in Calgary with six receptions for 107 yards against Winnipeg, including several highlight-reel plays that had fans buzzing.
But despite the gaudy numbers and growing hype surrounding the American receiver, Janneh Jr. made it clear after practice that he knows nothing is guaranteed with final cuts approaching.
“Camp’s not over. We’ve still got a week left,” Janneh Jr. said. “As soon as you start falling off, someone’s there to jump you. Everyone’s here to compete. Everyone’s here to earn a job.”
That mindset may be part of why Janneh Jr. has become one of the biggest stories of camp. The former Georgia Tech and Duquesne receiver arrived in Saskatchewan late during training camp last season before eventually signing a futures contract in October. This year, he has looked far more comfortable in the offence and noticeably more confident in his opportunities.
“Everything’s slowed down now,” Janneh Jr. explained. “I feel great, I feel way more comfortable.”
The Riders resumed practice Monday after spending the last three weeks in Saskatoon. The club will continue workouts through Friday before making roster decisions over the weekend. Practice featured several offensive highlights, including a deep completion from quarterback Trevor Harris to receiver James Letcher Jr. and a touchdown strike from Tommy Stevens to Dhel Duncan-Busby.
Meanwhile, kickers Alex Hale and Johnathan Kim both handled the swirling Mosaic Stadium wind well during field goal drills, appearing comfortable despite the difficult conditions.
Still, much of the attention remained on Janneh Jr., whose athletic background helps explain some of the spectacular plays he has made throughout camp. Before football became his focus, basketball was actually his primary sport growing up.
“Basketball was always my main sport,” Janneh Jr. said. “That’s what I thought I was going to continue to do.”
That basketball background is hard to miss on the football field. Whether it’s high-point catches, body control near the sideline or explosive movement after the catch, Janneh Jr. has brought an entertaining flair to practice and games alike. He even admitted he enjoys putting on a show.
“It was definitely nice to go out there and put on a show,” Janneh Jr. said when reflecting on Saturday’s performance.
The 6-foot-1 receiver credits film study, coaching and the veteran quarterbacks for helping elevate his game during camp.
“Trevor’s been really, really helpful,” Janneh Jr. said. “Just understanding windows and zones and being able to slow the game down a lot for me.”
Janneh Jr. also praised rookie quarterback Brayden Shager after the passer engineered the game-winning drive against Winnipeg.
“Shager’s that guy,” Janneh Jr. said with a smile. “The way he handles himself is amazing.”
Even with the momentum building around him, Janneh Jr. understands strong preseason numbers alone will not secure a roster spot. The Riders’ receiving room remains competitive, and with no more preseason games, every rep at practice is magnified.
“I feel good with what I’ve done so far in camp. But everything’s still an evaluation here.”
That may be the biggest takeaway from Monday’s practice. Janneh Jr. is no longer just an intriguing athlete with upside or a former basketball player trying football full-time. He has firmly inserted himself into the roster conversation.
But with final cuts looming, the spectacular catches and preseason production have only ensured one thing: the coaching staff now faces a much tougher decision.
