Mitchell Blair
Nic Demski has had a couple of warm-up games to get him game ready, but when he steps on the Mosaic Stadium turf Saturday night when the Saskatchewan Roughriders play the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 2015 season opener, his dream of being a professional football player will be realized.
He can’t wait!
“It’s going to be good to get into full game action.” Demski said on Tuesday as the Riders held their first official practice of the new season. “The exhibition games are one thing, but the regular season is here and it is time to go to work.”
Demski was the 6th overall pick in this year’s CFL draft after a stellar career at the University of Manitoba. As is the case with first round draft picks in other pro leagues, they are expected to make and immediate impact, but it isn’t always that way in the CFL. The 21 year old doesn’t look at it that way though as he wants to make a contribution immediately.
“The expectations are there.” Demski stated. “I think there are a lot of expectations on me from the coaching staff right down to the fans and I think I can be an impact player if I am given the chance. There’s a good coaching staff here and a good group of guys here and if they feel it is right to use me they will. I can’t expect the ball on every play, but when they call my name, I know I have to be ready and I know I will be.
Demski carries an aura of confidence with him, but it is one he needs to have as he gets ready to embark on a career that will hopefully have him as a favourite in the Rider Nation. He has made one fan in his short time as a Rider and that is offensive coordinator Jacques Chapdelaine.
“It is exceptional to see how far he has progressed in such a short time, “Chapdelaine said. “Young men coming to this league from the CIS or the NCAA have to work through some things which is normal, but Nic has adapted very well. I have seen nothing but constant growth from him and that growth might be accelerated because of some of the guys around him who can mentor him.”
As for what role he is going to play, Chapdelaine says there are many.
“He can do excellent things with the ball in his hand,” Chapdelaine divulged. “When we looked at him in the draft, we saw he could be diverse and creative as a receiver or a returner and that is what we are trying to exploit. We had a choice in some very good receivers, but we felt with Nic we could use him in different ways and I think he is a perfect fit to what we are trying to do.”
Demski doesn’t know how much of a chance he will get to be on the field or what exactly he will be doing, but he is excited to see just what type of opportunities will be thrown his way starting Saturday.
“When they drafted me they said they had different plans for me which gets me pumped.” Demski said.” It’s been so far, so good as far as I’m concerned and now I’m just waiting for Saturday to get this thing going.”
Being a Winnipeg boy, Demski admits to cheering for his hometown team growing up, but he says it will hold no special significance playing against the Bombers when he makes his pro debut Saturday night.
“Friends and family are coming down and it doesn’t matter who are playing.” Demski admitted. “It might be a little different if this game was being played in Winnipeg, but its not. I am just concerned in making the most of my chances and helping this team to a win.
Demski and the rest of the Riders look to get the 2015 season started on the right note when the Bombers come into town in what will be the first of three games between the Western Division rivals this season. Game time is 6 PM.
