SASKATOON — When the intern got his turn, he made the most of an unexpected opportunity.
Near the end of Thursday’s workout at Coors Light Training Camp, University of Alberta Golden Bears quarterback Eli Hetlinger was asked to operate the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ offence. The invitation was extended during the final minutes of his internship with the CFL team.
On short notice, Hetlinger created what will be a long-lasting memory by finding Mario Alford for a crisp completion that incited a robust reaction.
“It was a good moment for the kid,” Head Coach Corey Mace said after the 2024 Roughriders’ final full practice at Griffiths Stadium. “He has been dialed in the whole time.
“His number was called and I know he didn’t expect it. He walked in there and he rifled one. It was elation for the offence and it put a smile on my face, so I was happy for him.”
Hetlinger couldn’t stop smiling, either.
“It was a surprise,” he said. “All the quarterbacks told me, ‘Just make sure you’re taking those mental reps every day, because you never know when your number’s going to get called.’
“That’s how a lot of these guys started their careers, like how Trevor (Harris) started in Toronto. I just took mental reps, stayed ready, and was grateful to get one.”
Shortly thereafter, Hetlinger was asked by Mace to break down the team to conclude Thursday’s on-field session.
“This team is awesome,” Hetlinger said. “They’re full of energy and they’re a great group of men.
“Every practice has been fun and this was a great way to end the internship.
“I’m excited to see how they do this season, so to break it down and be a part of that energy was awesome.”
Beginning on May 8, with the commencement of rookie camp, Hetlinger had been embedded with Harris, Mason Fine, Shea Patterson, Antonio Pipkin and Jack Coan as part of the CFL QB Internship Program.
Since 2010, U Sports or CJFL quarterbacks been invited to attend camp with CFL teams, learn from the pros, and take that knowledge back to their club teams.
Some of the wisdom has been imparted by Offensive Co-ordinator Marc Mueller, who also has U Sports ties. He is a former University of Regina Rams starting quarterback.
“If I was to summarize (everything that has been learned), it was about how to be a pro — how to take care of your body, how to prepare for a game mentally in the playbook with your teammates, and how to make sure they know what they’re doing,” Hetlinger said.
“There has been so much knowledge that all the quarterbacks and Coach Mueller and Coach Mace have given me.”
For good measure, Hetlinger was given a nickname.
“For some reason, his nickname is Jimmy,” Mace said. “When he completed the dig (route) to Mario, everybody said, ‘Jimmy!!!’ ”
So, what’s the story?
“(Harris) gave me 10 seconds to come up with a nickname and Jimmy was the first thing that popped into my mind,” Hetlinger said with a chuckle. “It was either that or Craphead for the rest of camp. I’m glad I thought of Jimmy.”
Why Jimmy?
“I ask myself that every day,” Hetlinger continued. “I could have thought of something cool, like Savage, but Jimmy? I couldn’t tell you why.”
An assumed name might have been beneficial for Hetlinger considering the integral role he played in a playoff blowout of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies in 2023.
On Nov. 4, he threw four first-half touchdown passes — including three in the second quarter — to help Alberta assume a 34-10 halftime lead over the visiting Huskies. The Golden Bears ended up winning a Canada West semi-final, 40-17.
With that in mind, Hetlinger was asked whether the people of Saskatoon have forgiven him for lacerating the Huskies’ defence.
“I don’t know for sure if they have,” he responded. “Actually, I was going for lunch and there was a puddle and a car drove by me and I got splashed.
“Everyone here has been amazing. It’s a great town, great team, great city. I’ve been grateful to spend the last three weeks here.”
