Saskatchewan Roughriders’ rookie running back Quali Conley is making quite the first impression early in his debut season. The former Arizona Wildcat says he continues to feel more comfortable as he adjusts to Canadian style of football. “The first [game] was getting the jitters out and actually, like, playing a CFL game,” Conley told reporters Tuesday. “And how different it is from it is from the states. “I’m more confident in my playing style.” Conley went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft but ended up with the Cincinnati Bengals before being cut. Earlier this season, he wound up in Montreal where he spent only four days with the Alouettes before being released. He was signed by Saskatchewan just days prior to the team’s first preseason game this year. Making the Riders’ practice roster out of training camp, Conley got an early taste of the CFL after A.J. Ouellette missed some time due to injury. Conley made his CFL debut in Week 4 against Toronto, when he rushed for 50 yards on eight carries and added his first career touchdown. The following week against Ottawa, he added 57 yards on 12 carries. The rookie tailback is averaging more than five yards per carry in those two games this year. Still, Conley says, he continues to learn each snap. “I have to be more patient,” he added. “My reads were everywhere and I wasn’t locked in. I just need to lock in, more focused and more patient.” Comparing the two styles of football from down south to north of the border, Conley admits the transition continues, even this week. “You have to wait for the hole to develop,” he explained. “We call it ‘eye candy’ because something might be open, but if you get to it, it might close up. [I] can’t take the eye candy.’ “Down south, once the hole opens – hit it – because it won’t be open that long. Up here, it’s about patience,” Conley added. A tail of two backs With the release of its roster for Saturday’s rematch against the Elks, Conley may be in the backfield longer than expected. The Riders Friday announcing Ouellette moved the six-game injured list with a knee injury and will be out of the lineup until after Labour Day. Running backs coach Andrew Harris described the two rushers have similar qualities but are very different styles of runners. “[Conley] catches the ball [well] and he’s more fluid – more elusive – between the tackles,” Harris said. “A.J. is more of a downhill, one cut kind of guy.” The five-time Grey Cup champion coach says Conley has been a quick learner and is getting more comfortable in the offense. “He has lots of questions,” Harris said. “He takes coaching very well. A lot of guys, you try to tell them something and they act like they know; they’ve been there before, done it before. That’s the complete opposite of Conley.” “I’m really excited to see Conley have a little more confidence going in after getting his feet wet,” he added. Conley also recognized the slew of experience around him and is soaking up as much as he can from both his coach – and teammate. “I’ve learned a lot from A.J.,” he said. “He’s a teacher back. He’s very patent and the coaching [he’s given me] on the sideline has been very helpful.” Saskatchewan takes on the Elks in Edmonton Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. Sask. time on TSN.
