Schaffer-Baker emerging as Riders’ top receiving threat

Kian Schaffer-Baker has had to become an unlikely veteran presence for the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ receivers.

Despite being only 24 years old, Schaffer-Baker has been the most experienced member of the Riders’ receiving corps during practice this week as the CFL team prepares for a game against the Toronto Argonauts.

Kickoff for Sunday’s game is set for 5 p.m. The Green Zone pre-game show begins at 3 p.m.

“It’s funny to think that I’m the youngest guy in the huddle but also the most experienced, especially out of the receiver group,” Schaffer-Baker said Thursday.

“I carry that chip on my shoulder and I’m going to go out there and lead the group and everyone out there and work my ass off.”

Schaffer-Baker, who has 18 CFL games under his belt, was the only member of the Riders’ receiving corps during practice this week who appeared in a game prior to this season.

Slotback Duke Williams has been suspended for the week, slotback Justin McInnis is out with an illness and wide receiver Mitch Picton is still dealing with an ankle injury. Veterans Shaq Evans (ankle) and Kyran Moore (ACL) both remain out as well.

Tevin Jones, Dieuly Aristilde Jr., Sam Emilus and Jakob Prall were the other receivers at practice this week for the Riders. All are in their first CFL seasons, with a combined 14 CFL games played between them.

So what has the message been to the other receivers this week?

“Nothing changes. Every day we’re blessed with the opportunity to come out here and do what we love so you’ve got to take advantage of that opportunity,” Schaffer-Baker said. “Other guys are going to have to step up in big moments and it’s going to come down to that and just playing our hearts out.”

The second-year receiver, who broke out with 563 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games during his rookie season, already has 370 yards and three touchdowns in just six games in 2022.

One of the former University of Guelph Gryphons star’s strength has been his ability to get yards after the catch. He leads the CFL in that category this season with 201 yards.

“Every time I touch that ball, I’m just trying to get into the end zone — every single time,” Schaffer-Baker said. “My one coach in college always emphasized make the first guy miss so I’ll never let the first guy get me.”

His current coach, Craig Dickenson, has seen growth from the receiver but says there’s still some ways to go.

“He’s doing better. He seems to embrace his opportunities when he gets them; that’s the one thing he does. Sometimes in practice, I wish he would be a little bit more tuned in,” Dickenson said.

“I really am proud of Kian Schaffer-Baker. He has gotten better on the field and his preparation is getting better. He’s the second-to-last guy (on the bus) this year. He’s getting better.”