Wray Morrison: Messam’s return

Off-season excitement hit its peak with members of the Rider Nation following news Charleston Hughes was joining the fold.

While he will no doubt help Saskatchewan have a formidable front on defence, I believe Jerome Messam’s return is just as noteworthy.

With the acquisition of Messam, the Riders have an undisputed feature running back for the first time since Chris Jones arrived in Saskatchewan.

When Jones overhauled the Saskatchewan roster, the team was known for taller receivers and an offence that would be putting the ball in the air a lot.

Jones made it clear if you weren’t a blocking back, you weren’t likely to fit in.

With the exception of the late Joe McKnight, the Riders haven’t been known for a game-breaking running back.

Now they have one. Messam, who is a nine-year veteran, is coming off of back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons. He can also block.

To date, the off-season Messam signing is the one that may have the most big play impact on this team.