Name: Riley Pickett
School: University of Saskatchewan
Position: EDGE
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 250

What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?

I set the goal to be a Conference All-Star and to play in the National Championship game. Both of these goals were met and helped my development of being a better football player and leader, getting better each week.

Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?

I took advantage of my extra year of eligibility by getting bigger faster and stronger. My program and hometown has the best strength and conditioning coach and facility in Canada. I benefited greatly from Joel Lipinski’s extensive coaching with his expertise in speed, strength, and mobility training. This training has got my body pro ready, and I will show my physical development through competing at the CFL National Combine.

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

My coaches and teammates would say I am a tough hard-nosed, relentless player. I refuse to lose in both football and life. I have been a Captain on the Saskatchewan Huskies for 3 seasons, and one of my best traits is leading by example both on and off the field. Showing the way in the both the weight & film room’s and leading the way into battle on the gridiron.

Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?

While studying film I focus on the offences formations and specific plays they can run out of those formations. Knowing where the ball will be going before the play gives me a great opportunity to make plays in the backfield and make life easier on my defensive backs behind me. I also study the offensive lineman and record there strengths and weaknesses early in the week to rep my moves and counter moves in practice so I am prepped and ready to get to the QB on game day.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?

My love for the game, and doing my job for my brother beside me. I’ am always the first guy in the gym, on the field, or in the film room and the last guy to leave. My motivation to be great and my determination to make plays puts me above the pack at my position in this draft class. I have a motor unlike any other defensive lineman in this draft class which allows me to thrive on the field. My toughness is also unmatched as I have only ever missed 1 game in my entire football life, and that was due to having surgery on a broken thumb after the first game of this season.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

My offseason plan is to train at Ignite Athletics and keep developing my athleticism in the pro group sessions. Watching pro tape film to get myself accustomed to the systems, schemes and speed at the next level to put myself in the best position to make the roster throughout training camp.

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

I will bring a great football IQ, a coachable mindset and a solid frame. My strength within itself is pro ready and I have the speed to excel on special teams. I will bring a positive energy that will make the people around me better both on and off the field. I am very motivated to always be the best version of myself and continue to learn new techniques and grow as a player and person.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL/CFL and any other pro leagues?

For any professional team that will give this homegrown kid from Saskatchewan a chance I promise you that you are getting a winner. I have been an underdog my entire life and love proving the haters wrong. I take every day as an opportunity to get better, growing my game on the field and strengthening all my physical abilities and athleticism in training sessions. You will not meet someone who works harder than me, and is addicted to the grind like I am. You will not meet someone who loves football and everything it brings more than I, I pride myself on being the hardest worker and hardest hitter on the field, and this attitude is why I have won 3 Junior National Championships and a World Championship. Winning a championship at any pro level is something I’ve always dreamt of and ill do anything to make that dream a reality.