Pair of Riders rookies looking to contribute in home opener

A couple of CFL rookies are looking to make an impact for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Frankie Hickson made his presence felt in the Riders’ backfield throughout training camp and into the pre-season, during which he recorded 57 yards on eight carries.

That performance earned him a spot in the team’s backfield with veterans Jamal Morrow and Kienan LaFrance.

“I’m just thankful. It’s been a long road and to put it all together thus far — at least to actually get to the regular season — it has answered prayers and blessings,” Hickson said.

Prior to joining the Riders this season, Hickson hadn’t played in a game since 2019 when he was a member of the Liberty University Flames. While there, Hickson ran the ball 610 times for 2,898 yards and 30 touchdowns.

Now that he’s made the Roughriders, he says the mindset doesn’t change.

“It really doesn’t matter if you’re on the team or not on the team, you have to go out with the same mentality, which is to work your butt off regardless,” Hickson said. “That way, you’re prepared for whenever it is your time.”

Hickson might not have to wait long to make an impact in Saturday’s home opener against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Kickoff for the game is set for 5 p.m. The Green Zone pre-game show is scheduled to start at 3 p.m.

“We’re going to platoon (Morrow and Hickson). They will both get carries and both get returns,” Saskatchewan head coach Craig Dickenson said. “The reality is you’re asking them to do a couple of things. You’re asking them to return, play special teams and be a running back.

“In terms of our system, we have two running backs very similar in skill set so you’ll see a platoon. You’ll see a mixed bag and they will both get some carries.”

Another new face to the CFL is slotback Jakob Prall, who has earned a starting spot with his play during camp and the pre-season. He caught two passes for 17 yards in two exhibition games.

“It’s something I’ve worked towards for as long as I can remember,” Prall said.

Prall, who played 40 games for the Brown University Bears, had his pro day cancelled due to the 2020 pandemic.

“I fell out of the radar. Not that that’s an excuse for not getting an opportunity because I had other teammates that did, but I was able to stay consistent with my workouts and get this opportunity,” Prall said.

Dickenson said there is more of a microscope on the rookies than veterans in the first game of the regular season.

“A veteran guy gets a little more slack in terms of we’ve seen him do it before, so he can have a bad game or two (and) we’re probably still going to go with him,” Dickenson said. “But a young guy that is unproven, he’s got to go out there and show he knows what he’s doing and show that he can contribute or else you start to look at other guys.

“They’ve got enough pressure on them. I’m not going to put any more. I think they are going to play well.”

But while there is pressure on Prall as a part of the starting roster, he’s excited his first regular-season chance comes in front of a home crowd.

“It could not have been hyped up anymore,” Prall said. “I’m expecting a full house and (I’m) ready to get rocking.”