It isn’t fair to compare Melfort’s Logan Ferland to former Saskatchewan-born Riders offensive linemen like Roger Aldag, Gene Makowsky, Brendon LaBatte and Ben Heenan, but he is hoping someday he can be mentioned in the same breath as those guys.

The 24-year-old was doing double duty in 2019 as he would practice with the Riders during the day and the Prairie Football Conference’s Regina Thunder at night.  It is something one of his current teammates, Dan Clark, used to do so he knows it can be done.

“Dan has been a guy that when I first came into the Thunder program, I looked up to him. He showed that you can make that jump and he is still a guy I look up to.” Ferland said. “He is there all the time for any questions I have on anything because he knows this game like the back of his hand so he is a huge help.

Ferland, who says he prefers guard right now even though he can play all positions, received high praise from  LaBatte when the veteran said he wasn’t going to play this season just before training camp. He was flattered by the comments that were made.

“It was great to hear what he had to say and it was an honour coming from a guy like that.” Ferland said. “I try to follow as best as I can the example that he set so hopefully I can live up to his expectations.

It is thought Ferland might have a small fan club at Sunday’s practice as some former teammates and family are expected at Mosaic Stadium.  The football club announced Thursday that fans can attend camp, but capacity is being capped at 500 with certain protocols in place including where you come into the stadium and where you sit once inside.