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Mitchell Picton grew up watching many Saskatchewan Roughriders players run out of the tunnel ahead of games at Mosaic Stadium.
For the first time in his career, the receiver will run out onto the field as a starter when the Roughriders suit up against the Montreal Alouettes on Saturday. Kickoff for the CFL game is set for 5 p.m.
“I feel like I’ve been working hard for a long time and just grinding and waiting for this moment,” said Picton, a 24-year-old product of Regina.
Picton was a standout receiver with the University of Regina Rams. He finished his U Sports career as the school’s all-time leader in receiving touchdowns (24) and was third in receiving yards (2,431) and fourth in receptions (169).
Picton was selected by Saskatchewan in the fifth round (37th overall) of the 2017 CFL draft. He has spent two seasons on the practice roster trying to earn a spot on game day.
“You definitely have tough weeks where you’re questioning things but you just have to grind it out and keep working,” Picton said. “You have to trust that your chance is going to come.”
Picton was a backup in the Roughriders’ game against the B.C. Lions on July 27, but he didn’t record a catch in the game. He said it’s pretty special to get a chance to have his debut in Regina.
“I grew up as a big Rider fan, my family is going to be here and all of my friends are in Regina,” Picton said. “It’s going to be a pretty cool experience.”
Head coach Craig Dickenson said Picton approached him two weeks ago when slotback Cory Watson went down with a knee injury about how he could find a way onto the game-day roster.
“I gave him a few things that he could work on and I said, ‘Just keep plugging away. It’s not a matter of if it’s going to happen, it’s when,’ ” Dickenson said.
“(Picton has) been steady and he puts the work in. He’s a good football player. You can only dress 45 and I was hopeful he would get a chance to play and I’m happy he’s getting his opportunity.”
Dickenson said Picton will receive a majority of the snaps but another rookie, Brayden Lenius, will also rotate at the spot.
The two are getting the opportunity because rookie Justin McInnis suffering a shoulder injury.
Picton will join a receiving corps that will be trying to find ways to get into the end zone. The Roughriders have scored only three touchdowns through the air over their past six games.
Picton might have a little extra pressure to perform this week, too.
The Roughriders are honouring the 1989 Grey Cup-winning team during the game and Picton wears No. 81 — a jersey number that is often associated with Roughriders great Ray Elgaard. The Hall of Fame slotback is to be at Mosaic Stadium on Saturday.
“It’s pretty special. You hear about all those Riders who have done incredible things here,” Picton said. “It’s an honour to wear this number and I’m just looking forward to going out there and having some fun.”
Notes: Defensive end Charleston Hughes (undisclosed) has been added to the one-game injured list. Earl Okine will get the start … The Green Zone pre-game show is to begin Saturday at 3 p.m.
