Calgary Stampeders running back Dedrick Mills made the most of his bye week. It coincided with his wife Jasmine’s birthday, so they spent a day at Universal Studios in California. Then, they went for a short cruise to Mexico. But Mills says he’s ready to get back to work. “My whole body came back feeling refreshed and feeling good,” he said. “My legs are feeling fresh and ready to go.” Hoping for a second rushing title Last season, Mills won the CFL’s rushing title. He ran for 1,409 yards, and it looks like he’s picked up right where he left off. In the Stamps’ season opener against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Mills racked up 112 yards along the ground. He says it’s not just about him. “Very satisfied with the way the offensive line and the way the coaches called the plays,” said the 29-year-old. “The way the offensive line opened up the holes for me to get through and make the plays we needed to make to put ourselves in position to win.” Always more to give Stamps head coach and general manager Dave Dickenson was pleased with Mills’ effort against the Bombers, but he doesn’t want his running back to get complacent and says he has even more to give. “Just keep working,” said Dickenson. “Yes, it was a good start, and I’m happy for him, but just keep finding ways to get better and keep making sure you show up with a plan to get better.” Mills says he’ll do all he can to help the team get their first win of the season. “Personally, there’s always more to give,” said Mills. “There’s always more to give to the game, and I’m there for anything and anywhere they need me at and any position they need.” “If they need me to go out for routes, I’m there. If they need me to block people, I’m there. If they need me to run the ball, I’m there. If they want me to play quarterback, I’m there,” he said with a laugh. The Stamps will try to pick up that first win of the season Saturday night when they host the defending Grey Cup champs, the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Mills knows it will be a challenge. “They’re the defending Grey Cup champions and are a pretty good team; they’re sound all the way around,” he said. “They’ve got a great quarterback, a great offensive line, a great running back and a great defence all around. I like to give those guys respect because they proved themselves and showed us what they’ve got.” “For us, we’ve got to come out and be the more physical team like we did last year against them.” Kickoff for Saturday’s game against the Riders is a little after 5 p.m. at McMahon Stadium.
