Bombers receiver runs winding route to pro career

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This article was published 15/11/2019 (2122 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

First-year Blue Bombers wide receiver Rasheed Bailey enjoyed his first taste of the chilly CFL post-season conditions last Sunday during Winnipeg’s 35-14 victory over the Stampeders in the West Division semifinal.

A frosty -18 C in Calgary will be followed by a considerably milder forecast of 4 C for Regina in Sunday’s division final against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

“As long as there’s no mud, no rain, I’m good,” Bailey said following a closed practice at IG Field on Friday afternoon.

“If it’s not slick — because as a receiver you worry about it being slick or you worry if there’s gonna be snow. But if there’s clear skies, Showtime ’Sheed is out to play. So, I’m ready.”

Bailey said the various stops in his career journey have helped toughen his resolve under difficult circumstances.

Coming out of tiny Delaware Valley University as the school’s all-time leader in receiving yardage, he had NFL stops with the Philadelphia Eagles, Jacksonville Jaguars, San Diego Chargers, Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers before moving north to the CFL. 

“My energy was pretty high last week, and I couldn’t really feel the cold,” Bailey said.

“I just try to stay positive through all the negative stuff. I try to see the light because my career has been a big challenge. Me coming out of high school was a big challenge, me going to a Division III school was a challenge.

“Every single thing for me has been me trying to see the positive in things. So, for me, being cold is the last thing I’m thinking about. I overcame so many other things to get up to this point.”

He also raised a warning for anyone who chooses to doubt Winnipeg’s capabilities. 

“We’re on a roll,” he said. “I don’t know if people are paying attention but this team — a lot of people should be scared.” 

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A rejuvenated Nic Demski played a crucial role in the win over Calgary. The fifth-year slotback caught one pass for nine yards but did most of his damage in the ground game, carrying the ball three times for 53 yards — including a 33-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.

Was he channelling his days at Oak Park High School, where he was an elite running back for the Raiders?

“It kinda felt like the Oak Park days — running the ball in the winter in the cold weather, scoring touchdowns,” Demski said. “It felt good, especially in a playoff game. Hopefully I can do it again this week.” 

The 25-year-old admitted Winnipeg’s bye week prior to the semifinal was well-timed. He felt refreshed and fit.

“I wouldn’t say there are any big injuries (this season),” he said. “We had that week off, so it’s just some time to take a step back and notice yourself physically and mentally and rejuvenate yourself going into playoffs, knowing the Grey Cup’s on the line. I want to bring a Grey Cup to this city and I know that’s the energy of every teammate in this locker room.”

Demski, who was drafted by Saskatchewan and played his first three seasons with the Roughriders, expects a rollicking atmosphere in Regina.

“It’s gonna be crazy,” Demski said. “It’s gonna be Labour Day times, I dunno, three or five. It’s going to be crazy. It’s going to be a nice day, the sun’s going to be out, no snow, not that cold. I imagine it’s going to be pretty crazy and pretty packed for sure.”

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Saskatchewan’s Jon Ryan led the league with a 48.8-yard punting average during the regular season, but Winnipeg kick-returner Janarion Grant hopes he continues to go deep.

“I think it’s gonna be a mind game,” Grant said. “I feel if he boots it deep, that’s giving me more opportunity and space to work and create holes to where I can get into the end zone.”

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @sawa14