Newly signed offensive lineman Connor Klassen didn’t waste any time getting back to work with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Less than 24 hours after officially signing with the club, the Big River product was already on the field Tuesday at Mosaic Stadium trying to absorb a full training camp playbook while reacquainting himself with familiar faces.
Klassen admitted the whirlwind stretch has been overwhelming at times, but also rewarding as he gets another chance with the team he grew up cheering for.
“It’s a lot,” Klassen said. “It’s awesome to be back on the field, be back in Mosaic Stadium. I know a lot of the guys on this team, a lot of the coaches. But then on the other side, it’s a full playbook I’ve got to pick up.”
The former University of Regina Rams lineman said he spent Monday night trying to get caught up after learning the Riders had interest just a day earlier.
“My agent told me there was a possibility and then they pulled the trigger,” Klassen explained. “It was about 1 p.m. yesterday, so here we are.”
Head coach Corey Mace said bringing in Klassen made plenty of sense for the organization because of both his familiarity with the province and his football background.
“Obviously, providing us with some more depth on the offensive line. A Canadian boy, a local boy — you can never have too many of those,” Mace said. “He’s got some CFL experience as well. Made it really easy that he’s a local guy and we can get him in here and into practice right away.”
Mace acknowledged the learning curve could be steep initially, but believes Klassen will settle in quickly thanks to coaches already familiar with him from his university days.
Klassen believes offensive line terminology is the biggest adjustment, noting most schemes at higher levels are similar enough that he should be able to get comfortable within a few days.
“I think if I hang around the vet guys, ask a lot of questions and keep my head in it, then within a few days I should be up to speed where I can plug in and play different positions,” he said.
The opportunity comes after a difficult stretch that included injuries and uncertainty surrounding his football future. Klassen admitted that only a week ago, he wasn’t sure another CFL opportunity would arrive.
“It’s always surreal to get an opportunity in the CFL, but it’s even more so when it’s your hometown team and the team you grew up cheering for.”
Klassen credited his time with the Rams program for helping him stay mentally engaged as he worked his way back toward pro football.
“Being around the right people has kept me mentally and physically prepared for this opportunity,” he said.
The Saskatchewan product also has a familiar face helping him transition back into the Riders locker room. Veteran offensive lineman Logan Ferland was alongside Klassen during his first stint with the organization in 2022 and remains someone Klassen plans to lean on heavily.
“He’s one of the smartest guys in the playbook,” Klassen said with a laugh. “It might annoy him to ask a lot of questions, but I’m definitely going to pick his ear.”
Tuesday’s practice also featured several defensive highlights, including interceptions by DaMarcus Fields, Marcus Sayles and Antoine Brooks Jr., while Trevor Harris connected with Sam Emilus for a touchdown during the team period.
As temperatures climbed during practice, Klassen said the prairie heat wasn’t anything he hadn’t experienced growing up in Saskatchewan.
“Oh, it’s a lot like helping my dad chop wood or put up hay bales in the summer,” Klassen said. “It’s hot, it’s exhausting, but we’re built for it. It’s not anything new to us.”
The heat and Roughriders’ training camp will continue on Wednesday at Mosaic Stadium.
