SASKATOON- Canadian Football League Training camps allow players to show what they’ve got and impress coaches and executives to land roster spots. That is unless you are Quarterback Eli Hetlinger.
Hetlinger, who led his University of Alberta Golden Bears to the Hardy Cup Final in 2023, is participating in the Saskatchewan Roughriders Training Camp as part of the CFL’s QB internship program. Don’t get me wrong, he would love to land a roster spot with the Green and White. However, with remaining U-Sports eligibility, four veteran CFL pivots in camp and a newly signed graduate from Notre Dame, there may not be room for the Edmonton native on the roster.
Instead, Hetlinger has focused on absorbing a professional atmosphere, learning the nuances of a pro playbook, and improving his individual skill level for when he returns to the University of Alberta in the fall.
Amid all that, he has endeared himself to his teammates, who call him Jimmy. That flattery was on full display after Thursday’s workout in Saskatoon. Hetlinger generally takes mental reps or works with other positional groups when the Team is practicing offensive systems, which allows the five other quarterbacks valuable reps. On Thursday, it was different, with one play remaining in the Team’s period. Hetlinger was called upon to direct the offence. When the play-call came in, he executed a slant pass on the money to veteran receiver Mario Alford, to the delight of all players on the field.
One of the most excited players to join in on the celebration was veteran Quarterback Trevor Harris, who aided in the creation of the nickname Jimmy for Hetlinger. Harris routinely puts first-year players on the spot by giving them 10 seconds, out of the blue, to give themselves a nickname. For Hetlinger, he chose Jimmy. So why Jimmy? Hetlinger says, “It was the first thing that came to my mind. The only other thing that came to me was Crap Head,” which he is thankful that he didn’t mention. So, the legend of Jimmy was born.
A moment Hetlinger won’t forget from Rider camp, coupled with a name his teammates won’t forget either. It’s the legend of Jimmy at Saskatchewan Roughrider training camp.
