The competition between the Saskatchewan Huskies and the Regina Rams is intense if a bit one-sided historically.  The Huskies have been a national power during the Brian Towriss era and have won 19 Can-West championships along with three Vanier Cups.  The Rams started playing in the CIS in 1999 (after winning 15 Canadian Bowl Junior Football Championships) and have made just one Vanier Cup appearance in that time.  While the Huskies have the historical edge, they just fell short recruiting Addison Richards.

“I was pretty certain for the longest time I was going to be a Husky,” Richards told TSN recently.  “The idea of being able to stay at home and continuing my education and to go out and play in front of my family and friends was very attractive.  So four years later I'm very happy with my decision.”

Richards, a Regina native, starting playing touch football at around the age of 10.  His coaches encouraged him to get into contact football and he started playing the game at 12.   Like many top CIS prospects, he was soon noticed based on his size (6’5”, 200 pounds) and ability.  Then, after high school he made the choice to go to Regina.

“Ever since I started playing contact football I've dreamed of trying to get to the professional ranks,” Richards said.  “It's a pretty cool thing that, that chance is right here.”

Yet his first season was eye-opening for Richards.  He realized the jump from high school to CIS was much bigger than he expected.  He knew that if he was to realize his dream of playing professional football he would have to do more.   

“I bought in to our off-season training because if you don't put in the work in the off-season you're not going to be very successful when the lights are on during the season,” Richards explained.  “After that season I really started getting in the gym and putting an extra hour if I could and it's starting to pay off”

He also received guidance from teammate Jared Jannotta.  The veteran slot back was a year ahead of Richards and further along in his development.  He became a mentor to the young receiver on and off the field.  

“When I came in as a green rookie he definitely took me under his wing and kind of showed me how to train, how to watch film, how to make sure to keep your body fresh after long practices,” Richards remembers.  “All four of my years we kind of played on the same side.  I was the wide receiver, he was the slotback.  We'd always be talking on the field.  It was a very competitive relationship.  We'd always be trying to one-up each other in a very friendly way which made it kind of fun but it's a friendship that's going to last a lifetime for sure.”

After missing a lot of 2012 due to injury, Richards would play regularly in 2013 and his work off the field parlayed into production on the field.  He made 44 catches (compared to seven the previous two seasons) that year with 614 yards and one touchdown.  Richards was named a Canada West All-Star and 2nd team CIS All-Canadian that season.  He managed to better that in 2014 making 55 catches for a CIS leading 914 yards and six touchdowns.  He was once again named a Canada West All-Star and this time he was a 1st team All-Canadian.

“It was definitely my best season that I put forward,” Addison stated.  “I was just happy I was a reliable target for our quarterback, the guy that could make the big play when we needed it.  I think it set me up well going forward.”

The strength of his 2014 season got him invited to the NCAA Shrine Game.  The game was a learning experience for Richards, forcing him to adjust to the higher speed that comes with NCAA competition.  The experience against some of the NCAA’s best provided a good idea of what it will be like to step into the pros.

 “I didn't feel out of place.  I feel I competed all week and I had a lot of fun so that's the main thing,” Richards explained.  “A lot of these guys are certainly guys that can play at the next level so to get to go out there and fly around with them, it was probably a good indication of what it's going to be like at the next level of football.”

At the CFL Combine next month, Richards is not concerned about the testing portion of the event.  He feels his combine will be decided in the 1-on-1 drills. As for the team interviews he thinks he won’t say anything that will shock people.

“I'll probably be the most socially awkward guy in the room so I'll probably say something stupid that they'll laugh at,” Richards said.  “Hey that's fine, that's just me being myself and really I don't expect it's going to be anything that's going to rile me up or whatever, I'm pretty laid back.”

If Richards is drafted in May he would be happy playing for any team in the CFL.  Not surprisingly though for someone born and raised in Saskatchewan, the thought of being picked by the Roughriders is exciting.

“That would be a hell of a thrill for me, my family for everybody within the Regina area and in the province.  It would be a pretty cool thing,” Richards explained.  “Obviously I grew up being a Rider fan.  Whoever gives me the chance I would be thrilled but if it's Green it would be icing on the cake.”

Our next draft profile will be on #11 ranked CFL prospect Nick Shortill, linebacker from the McMaster Marauders.