“He basically asked what I thought of it, what could be done better, and that’s when negotiations started,” Ferland said. “From that point on I had a good idea I’d be signing with the team.

“I’m feeling very excited. It’s been a heck of a long journey and it’s a big weight off my shoulders. But at the same time the journey is just beginning. It’s exciting and I’m looking forward to the future.”

Along with his family and friends being ecstatic over his signing with Saskatchewan’s football team, Ferland said some of his fellow offensive lineman – from Dan Clark to Brendon LaBatte – extended their congratulations. He noted how happy they were to see him sticking around in the green and white.

In terms of his off-season training regime, Ferland noted he’ll have access to film and the Riders’ facilities to use whenever he needs. He also intends to pick Clark and LaBatte’s brains as much as he can.

With the CFL’s free agency period around the corner following conclusion of the 107th Grey Cup, Ferland feels the Riders can stay as a top three team in the league and improve on their Western Final finish if they can retain most of their roster. He’s unsure where exactly he’ll fit on the 2020 team, but he’s setting his goals high.

“I don’t really look at it as different opportunities I’ll be given. I try to find that most challenging spot and fight for that spot,” he said. “A reach for the moon and you’ll land in the stars type thing. I have some goals in mind that keep me motivated, I set those very high, and just go for those and hope for the best.”

As he spoke about his future with the Riders, Ferland admitted it’s still sinking in that he’ll wear the green and white full-time next year.

What could be the most challenging aspect of Ferland’s transition to becoming a full-time Rider is ensuring all his loved ones get their fix of tickets.

“Well, it depends on how many I can get free or can snag from the Riders or other players,” Ferland said with a laugh. “Maybe use my words and try to talk my way through that. I’ll need at least 10 for sure.”

The CFL free agency period begins Feb. 11.

–

aaron.schulze@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @SchulzePANow