'I'm having the time of my life,' says Roughriders rookie Jordan Reaves

Saskatchewan Roughriders rookie Jordan Reaves has not stopped smiling since training camp began.

He is in the midst of rediscovering a game he fell in love with as a kid.

"I'm telling you, I'm having the time of my life out here," said Reaves, after his second day of camp.

Reaves comes by his appreciation honestly. From 2009-14, the 26-year-old from Winnipeg played basketball at Brandon University. He was a star forward who wore number 10 and was one of the top defenders in the CIS West Division.

After graduating, Reaves pursued his basketball dreams in Europe. He spent nearly three months in Spain, France and Slovenia playing on various professional teams in what he calls a cutthroat business.

"If you show up to a game and you don't perform, they could send you on a plane without your money. Most of the leagues out there, unless you're in a high Barcelona or Turkey league, they don't really have the money to pay out there."

A return to football

Reaves then returned home to Winnipeg, where his father, Williard, was a running back with the CFL's Blue Bombers. His time in Europe soured him on basketball.

So when his neighbour in Winnipeg, who happened to be a former CFL player, suggested Reaves give football another shot, the answer was easy.

After being cut by the Blue Bombers in 2015, Reaves signed a two year contract with the Riders and is loving his time in Saskatchewan.

"Growing up, I had always loved it. So when I started playing again, I just started to remember how much fun I used to have."

Reaves has been playing defensive end so far at training camp, wearing number 77. He admits it's a steep learning curve but says his coaches and teammates have been quick to offer advice.

"Shawn Lemon, he's a vet and he's won the Grey Cup, so every play I go to him and ask him how I did. What can I change. He gives great guidance too. I have no ego when it comes to that. I just want knowledge and to be the best I can be."

Chances of cracking the roster

Reaves has stiff competition on defence and will have to make some plays during the team's two pre-season games to get noticed. But he is Canadian and the Riders are in desperate need of talented, athletic national players on the roster.

Head coach Chris Jones is impressed so far.

"He's a great athlete and we're trying to reduce his learning curve and put him into a position where he can use his talent."

One person who is cheering for Reaves back in Manitoba is Gil Cheung. He was Reaves' basketball coach at Brandon University for four years.

Cheung said that beyond Reaves' athletic gifts, it will be his character that gets him on the team.

"He might not be stepping into a huge role right away but he'll accept his role. He will value his role. He will be a star in his role. He was a great leader for us and I know he will go out there and be a great teammate for the Roughriders."