Dressler’s influence key to Smith’s signing

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This article was published 10/02/2016 (3823 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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When Winnipeg Blue Bombers GM Kyle Walters ponied up for free agent receiver Weston Dressler, cut from the Saskatchewan Roughriders two weeks ago, there was a bonus to the transaction.

Dressler, the veteran, had some influence on a Saskatchewan teammate about to hit the CFL free agent market, and that free agent also landed in Winnipeg Tuesday.

Ryan Smith, 24, played his first two pro years in Saskatchewan and now wears the blue and gold.

He said he liked the recent appointment of Paul LaPolice as the Bombers’ offensive co-ordinator, and the discussion with Dressler went from there.

“During the whole process with them and from what my agent told me, this front office is a good front office, and I’m excited to be part of this organization,” the Wahpeton, N.D., native said Wednesday at Investors Group Field after inking a two-year deal. “And talking to Weston, he says a lot of nice things about (LaPolice). And I’m really excited to work with all the coaching staff here, and I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.

“I talked to Weston after he signed here, and he’s really excited about it. And just to be able to play with Weston again, I just learned so much from him about the game and everything. He maybe influenced me a little bit.”

Walters has added considerable ability to his roster in the last two weeks, including seven players after the start of the CFL’s free agent period that began Tuesday.

But he singled out Smith, who played at North Dakota State University, for some special praise.

“Ryan Smith plays football the way we want to be known as a football team — tough, hard-nosed, he competes,” the GM said. “He’s the kind of player I believe our fans are going to fall in love with because he epitomizes toughness and hard work.

“He’s a humble kid that just wants to win, and that said, he’s going to lay it on the line every game.”

That element of humility was evident Wednesday.

Despite parting jabs — in fun or not — from the province west, Smith took the high road on every question about the Riders.

“There was some discussion with the Roughriders, but it kind of came to a stop, and me and my agent decided to play the free agency a little bit,” Smith said.

He was asked about the prospects of being on the visitors’ side for the Labour Day Classic in Regina.

“That’s an interesting question,” he said. “Saskatchewan gave me the opportunity to play there for two years. I’m really thankful for what they did for me. Labour Day is going to be interesting. It’s going to be weird to be back in the stadium, but we’ll see. I’m definitely excited about the opportunity.”

Smith, who led the Riders last season in receiving yards and touchdowns, catching passes for 991 yards and seven majors, is listed at 5-7, 175 pounds.

“I’ve heard it (too small) through my whole life,” he said. “It’s one thing that kind of motivates me. I’m never going to back away. I’ve always been taught hard work is always going to pay off.

“I like to say I’m a pretty hard-nosed, physical guy. I don’t like to back down from anything. I’m going to play fast, play hard and give 100 per cent effort. That’s what I’ve been taught my whole life. That’s how I was coached since high school to now… to pay attention to every single detail there is just to get better on that day.”

tim.campbell@freepress.mb.ca