Rob Vanstone, Leader-Post
Published: Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Ryan Ackerman was partial toward the Saskatchewan Roughriders long before he signed with the CFL team.

"It always has been my dream, growing up here and watching them play -- Ray Elgaard, Don Narcisse, Roger Aldag, Bob Poley ... all those guys,'' said the University of Regina Rams product, who is contractually obligated to the Roughriders for two years plus an option.

"The most I've played in front of is a couple of thousand people. To play at Mosaic Stadium now is a great honour. I'm really looking forward to it and I'd really like to crack the roster this year and contribute to the team.''

Ackerman, who turns 22 on Aug. 9, is likely to be among the youngest players who reports for rookie camp on Monday. Although he has two seasons of CIS eligibility remaining, he will do his utmost to make an immediate imprint in Riderville.

"It comes down to how I perform in camp,'' the former Thom Trojans lineman said. "If I have a good camp, I can be there this year. I don't think I'm far off at all. It all depends on how I do and how I adapt to the higher level and the faster game.''

Ackerman would like to enjoy a rapid ascent to the CFL after being selected in the fourth round (28th overall) of the Canadian college draft on May 2.

He was chosen despite not becoming a starter with the Rams until the 2006 Canada West season, when he made nine starts at left tackle. The 6-foot-4, 288-pounder was a redshirt freshman in 2003 before suiting up for the Rams in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Most recently, he helped the Rams lead the CIS in passing yardage while protecting star quarterback Teale Orban.

"Ryan is a young player from a good program who has the work ethic and desire (with) which to reach his fullest potential,'' Roughriders general manager Eric Tillman said in a media release which was issued Tuesday. "And, best of all, if he doesn't make it this year, given our considerable depth, he can go back to the Rams and then come back with us in 2008.

"Either scenario, we believe Ryan has a future with our club. We'll go to camp and simply let competition tell the story.''

Main training camp is to begin June 3 on Taylor Field. In the meantime, Ackerman is still abuzz over signing his first pro contract.

"There was a big smile on my face, I'll tell you that much,'' he said. "You always dream about doing it, but until it actually happens you never realize it. I'm kind of speechless about it.

"I'm still really happy about everything that has happened over the last few weeks. It'll be real interesting on Monday when I get started at it.''

© The Leader-Post (Regina) 2007

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