May 30, 2006
FANTUZ SHOWING HANDS-ON ABILITIES
By Murray McCormick
The Regina Leader-Post
REGINA - Andy Fantuz showed flashes of potential and reminders that he is a rookie during the Saskatchewan Roughriders intrasquad scrimmage at the University of Regina on Sunday.
Fantuz, Saskatchewan's first selection (third overall) in the 2006 CFL draft, has exhibited amazing catching ability during training camp. He continued to show those skills with some veteran-like receptions during the 90-minute scrimmage.
Coach Danny Barrett singled out those catches and some of Fantuz's rookie moments during a media scrum after the scrimmage.
\"He committed a procedure on a second-and-10 situation and was late on a block that caused a sack,\" Barrett said.
\"Other than that, he's going to be fine. He's working his way up the ladder and come opening day (June 16 in Vancouver against the B.C. Lions) he'll be a part of what we're doing.\"
Fantuz has drawn the bulk of the attention for his ability to catch. He showed that during his four seasons with the University of Western Ontario Mustangs, where he finished as the most prolific receiver in CIS history with records for receptions (189), yards (4,123) and touchdowns (41). Fantuz was also selected the 2005 Hec Crighton Trophy winner as the top player in the CIS.
\"He has great hands and you have to give him credit for that,\" said Riders QB Kerry Joseph. \"It's always good to see receivers snagging throws when we might miss a pass somewhere.\"
Fantuz is humble enough to know that despite his receiving ability, he still has a great deal to learn about playing slotback at the CFL level.
\"These guys are top-level quarterbacks,\" said Fantuz. \"It's great to be able to work with them. I'm excited about developing the timing and a good relationship with them.\"
This article originally appeared in Monday, May 29 edition of the Regina Leader-Post. Reprinted with permission of the Regina Leader-Post.
The Regina Leader-Post
REGINA - Andy Fantuz showed flashes of potential and reminders that he is a rookie during the Saskatchewan Roughriders intrasquad scrimmage at the University of Regina on Sunday.
Fantuz, Saskatchewan's first selection (third overall) in the 2006 CFL draft, has exhibited amazing catching ability during training camp. He continued to show those skills with some veteran-like receptions during the 90-minute scrimmage.
Coach Danny Barrett singled out those catches and some of Fantuz's rookie moments during a media scrum after the scrimmage.
\"He committed a procedure on a second-and-10 situation and was late on a block that caused a sack,\" Barrett said.
\"Other than that, he's going to be fine. He's working his way up the ladder and come opening day (June 16 in Vancouver against the B.C. Lions) he'll be a part of what we're doing.\"
Fantuz has drawn the bulk of the attention for his ability to catch. He showed that during his four seasons with the University of Western Ontario Mustangs, where he finished as the most prolific receiver in CIS history with records for receptions (189), yards (4,123) and touchdowns (41). Fantuz was also selected the 2005 Hec Crighton Trophy winner as the top player in the CIS.
\"He has great hands and you have to give him credit for that,\" said Riders QB Kerry Joseph. \"It's always good to see receivers snagging throws when we might miss a pass somewhere.\"
Fantuz is humble enough to know that despite his receiving ability, he still has a great deal to learn about playing slotback at the CFL level.
\"These guys are top-level quarterbacks,\" said Fantuz. \"It's great to be able to work with them. I'm excited about developing the timing and a good relationship with them.\"
This article originally appeared in Monday, May 29 edition of the Regina Leader-Post. Reprinted with permission of the Regina Leader-Post.
