Mitchell Blair
It may only be a three game tryout, but Tyler Crapigna is hoping to become not only the kicker for the present-day Saskatchewan Roughriders, but beyond. The 23 year old became the starting kicker earlier this week when the Riders de-activated Paul MacCallum in a move surprising not just Rider fans, but Crapigna himself.
“I didn’t see this coming, but I am excited to be here. This is an opportunity for me to take and run. It’s my job to lose now. There’s always pressure, but this is exciting for me and I’m doing what I want to do,” Crapigna told reporters after Tuesday’s practice. “It is the opportunity and situation I have wanted to be in from day one. There is no secure spot, but I think this is a great position for me to be in.”
The McMaster Marauder was drafted by the Calgary Stampeders in the 5th round of the 2014 CFL draft, but he returned to school. Crapigna returned to Calgary’s training camp this season but was unable to supplant Rene Paredes as kicker. The Stampeders decided not to release him, but keep him on the practice roster until swinging a trade with the Riders in a deal which saw running back Jerome Messam go the other way. Crapigna says it was almost a relief to get out of Calgary because of the situation he was facing.
“I can start here,” Crapigna said. “I can kick in a game time situation and you can’t beat that. I’ve been practicing in Calgary, but to get a chance to finally play is something I am looking forward to.”
Riders GM Jeremy O’Day is looking forward to see how Crapigna reacts to being in a game situation.
“The objective now is to look at guys to see what they can do in the final three games and Tyler is itching to play. We had a conversation with Paul (MacCallum) and he handled it like a pro because he understands what we are trying to do for the future,” O’Day said. “You would think a guy coming to a team out of the playoffs from a Grey Cup contender would be a little hesitant, but he has been fantastic with the knowledge he has been given a tremendous opportunity to do the job with us now and hopefully in the future.
O’Day is also impressed by the attitude he has seen from Crapigna in his first few days as a Rider.
“He’s a fiery guy,” O’Day told 620 CKRM’s Sportscage. “He is excited to have this opportunity. He knows we are trying to solidify the position moving forward and I think he can be the guy who takes us into next year and beyond.”
Success is familiar to Crapigna, his 87-percent field goal efficiency helped him kick a C.I.S. record 84 field goals. This is a great foundation that the Riders hope he will continue in his professional career.
Crapigna will get his first opportunity to do that against the Eskimos in a 5 o’clock start Saturday afternoon.
