Regina’s Ryker Frank excelling nationwide with U of S Huskies

Ryker Frank is ripping up the turf in Canada West and U Sports.

The fourth-year University of Saskatchewan Huskies running back is on pace for yet another career season.

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Frank has rushed for 720 yards and eight touchdowns in just six games this season for the Huskies. His total yards rushing is ranked second in the country, and he’s tied for first nationally in rushing touchdowns, averaging 120 yards per game on the ground.

Frank attributed his success to the guys up front who are providing the blocks.

“The o-line, they’ve been balling out,” Frank said.

“They’ve just gotten better every single game, so huge shout out to those guys. They’re basically the reason that we’re putting up those rushing yards.”

While Frank has had a stellar career with the Huskies, it hasn’t been all linear.

In 2023, the Huskies running back rushed for just 634 yards and five touchdowns, his lowest total outside of his rookie season in 2021.

Frank suggested the drop in production was largely due to the competition he faced in 2023 on his own roster. This year, heading into camp, he said he wanted to come in with a very competitive attitude.

“Every year there is competition among the team and running backs, and it’s no different this year. Kayden Miller, he’s a heck of a player, and it’s just that competition that keeps us sharp,” he explained.

“Iron sharpens iron. There’s never a time when you can’t be at your best. You’ve always got to be at your best, and this year I just wanted to come in with a chip on my shoulder.”

Frank’s journey to the Huskies started in Grade 7 when he first started playing football.

He initially signed up in Regina and was slotted as a defensive back, but his coach later told Frank that switching positions might be a good idea.

“My very first year I played defensive back. Then I was at a track meet and my peewee coach saw me get first in a race and he said, ‘Well, I think that guy might be a good running back,’” Frank explained.

Since that day, Frank has been exceptional on the gridiron and that success led to him earning a spot on the Huskies football team.

Frank said he doesn’t know where he gets his speed.

“Honestly, I think I’m the first-generation fast runner,” he laughed. “I’m a first-generation football player as well.”

He may have all the speedy genetics in his family, but he nonetheless attributes his success to parents and the hardworking mindset they instilled in him growing up.

With his fourth season winding down, Frank said he’s focused on doing the best he can to help the Huskies win games.

Not knowing what will come next, he said he’s trying to make the most of it.

“It’s still kind of up in the air. This is my (CFL) draft year, but I’ve still got to finish school and have one more year of eligibility left,” he explained.

Frank isn’t putting extra pressure on himself, despite this being his draft year.

“For me, I think it’s really no pressure because I’m more focused on just getting wins with the team here and focusing on finishing off the season,” he said. “I can deal with all the CFL stuff when the time comes.”

Frank and the Huskies will be looking to clinch a playoff spot when they host the Regina Rams on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Griffiths Stadium.