For a player who isn't even on the Saskatchewan Roughriders active roster, Eatonia's John Stevens is making himself known on the team's defensive line.
The junior football standout with the Saskatoon Hilltops is still practicing with the Roughriders as a territorial junior following the team's final cuts over the weekend, and while getting reps with the big team during Monday's practice, Stevens stood out with an interception on a screen pass that the West Central native returned for a touchdown.
The pick six caught the attention of Roughriders head coach Corey Mace who (as a former d-lineman himself) was asked about the play after practice.
"It was fun to see. Everyone was happy," shared Mace with a big grin on his face. "He was celebrating, had to get back, and the reps move quickly after that." added the coach, following it up with a big laugh and an inside quip for his player to "follow the card" and stay focused after a big play.
The offense never likes a turnover, but Stevens highlight on Monday was just another example of the group rallying together to support the CJFL stud.
"That kid is amazing, man. He is probably one of the team favourites."
From taking on veteran Micah Johnson in the trenches to start camp, singing his heart out to end it, to "bringing the team out" (pictured above) at Mosaic Stadium last Friday; the early season CFL experience has been nothing short of extraordinary for Stevens.
The young player is doing his best to soak up the moment every day he can before a return to junior, doing his best to follow in the footsteps of current teammate Logan Ferland who emerged from the CJFL ranks as well.