Training camp is well underway in Saskatoon for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Two members from the Tar Heel State, defensive backs Amari Henderson and Devin Jones, are trying to make their mark with the team as a pair of ballhawks.
Both players are entering their second campaigns with the Roughriders and both will try to use the experience from their first season to establish themselves in bigger roles in the team’s secondary.
Henderson made his debut last season in July for Saskatchewan. He would go on to play 11 games and recorded 31 tackles during that time.
After the first practice on Sunday, Head Coach Craig Dickenson singled out the efforts Henderson. The Charlotte product felt it was important for him to get a strong start.
“I just wanted to prove something to myself, coming off last year being my first year so I wanted to prove something to myself this year come in and play a high intensity, high level and come out here and have fun. ”
Jones joined the Roughriders in September after spending time with the Carolina Panthers during the National Football League’s preseason. After spending time on the practice roster in 2022, the Mooresville native is looking to make the Roughriders lineup out of training camp.
Even though he is listed as 5’10, Jones feels his height is not a disadvantage when he lines up as a defensive back.
“Being shorter you just have to more dog in you. ”
Jones continued, “You got to have that attack first mentality, where has if you’re taller, you can slack off a little bit and jump for the ball late or something like that because you’re long or something like that while I have to be on the hip of somebody.”
There will be a heavy veteran presence in Saskatchewan’s secondary. This past winter Nick Marshall, Rolan Milligan and Jeremy Clark all agreed to terms on new contracts with the Roughriders. Henderson was happy to see the trio return to the green and white allowing the secondary to build some continuity.
“Playing DB you got to have chemistry especially on this level you got the waggle, you got the slide motions and everything like that, communication is key.”
Along with playing cornerback, Jones was a prolific returner at UNC Pembroke. During his four years as a Brave, Jones racked up nearly 2,000 yards returning kickoffs. He also had an additional 439 punt return yards. With his blazing speed, the 24-year-old believes he can be patient in coverage.
“I’m not scared of getting beat deep because I can catch up.”
Henderson spent his rookie season playing halfback after spending time at Wake Forest as a cornerback. The former Demon Deacon has taken snaps at cornerback with the Roughriders during the first couple of days at camp. Henderson feels confident about either position.
“For me I know that I can cover guys so as long as feel comfortable covering guys it doesn’t really matter where they put me at in the secondary. ”
The pair of ballhawks from North Carolina are long way from the nest, but Henderson and Jones are trying to settle into a new home in the Roughriders secondary.
