With training camp now underway, Darian Durant can see the familiar realities of a CFL spring taking shape. For the Saskatchewan Roughriders, it’s a critical stretch where first impressions quickly turn into lasting evaluations.
Speaking on the SportsCage, the Riders’ Plaza of Honour quarterback offered a grounded look at what this time of year really demands, especially for rookies now fully immersed in their first professional camp. Durant remembers just how jarring those first days can be on the Prairies.
“It was hail, rain, just inclement weather the entire camp,” he said. “Being from the South, you don’t expect that in May… I thought I’d have a hard time making the team because, as a quarterback, you need to throw.”
That kind of unpredictability is already part of the equation as players hit the field this week, a reminder that adapting quickly is just as important as raw talent.
Now that camp is in full swing, Durant says the separation between players often starts with preparation, not performance. Playbooks have been in players’ hands for months, but this is where that knowledge is tested in real time.
“If you don’t know what you’re doing, then you can’t play fast,” Durant said. “Make sure you’re in that playbook each and every day, so when it’s time to get out there, you can just play free.”
With installs coming quickly and reps at a premium, especially for rookies, mental sharpness is already proving to be a key differentiator. As drills intensify and evaluation ramps up, Durant sees a common mistake every year: players trying to stand out instead of simply executing.
“A lot of guys are going to come in and try to make the home run play,” he said. “But it’s about fundamentals, showing you can make the play you’re supposed to make first.”
In these opening days of camp, consistency often carries more weight with coaches than highlight-reel flashes. While rookies are fighting for roster spots, veterans are navigating a different challenge as camp unfolds, getting game-ready without overextending.
For players like Trevor Harris, the focus is on timing, rhythm, and re-adjusting to contact after months away.
“You haven’t been tackled in six months,” Durant said. “You’ve got to get out there, feel those hits, get your body ready, but at the same time, you don’t want to put yourself at risk.”
That balance becomes even more important with the CFL’s compressed preseason schedule already looming.
One of the biggest adjustments now that camp is live is the pace, something that can’t be replicated in offseason workouts.
“You can’t emulate four or five blitzers coming at you in the offseason,” Durant said. “You’ve got to get back used to the speed of the game.”
For quarterbacks and skill players alike, these early practices are about recalibrating timing, footwork, and decision-making under real pressure.
As camp unfolds, Durant is watching closely to see how certain position groups take shape, particularly along the defensive line. Following the departures of Micah Johnson and Malik Carney, the Riders are looking to re-establish their pass rush.
“I want to see the D-line. You’re losing a lot of production,” Durant said. “I’m eager to see the pressure they can generate.”
On the offensive side, continuity should help the group get up to speed quickly, with familiar faces and a proven ground attack featuring A.J. Ouellette.
Even in the first few days, Durant believes camp sets the tone for the entire season, especially for young players trying to stick. The message is simple: be prepared, stay disciplined, and earn trust. Because now that camp is underway, every rep matters and every mistake is noticed.
For the Roughriders, the work has officially begun.
