Murray Mccormick
The Leader-Post

REGINA -- Dominique Dorsey has a straight-ahead approach to returning punts and kickoffs for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Dorsey doesn't scamper from sideline to sideline while looking for an opening after fielding the ball. He catches the football and quickly heads up the field. Running north and south is a skill shared by most of the CFL's best returners.

"When Dominique has been a returner in the past, he has been electric,'' Riders head coach Ken Miller said after Sunday's practice at Mosaic Stadium. "He does a good job of fielding the ball and when he does catch it, he doesn't go east or west. He's a northbound runner.''

Dorsey's versatility could explain his ability to run straight ahead. He has been a running back throughout his career and has evolved into one of the league's elite returners.

"I'll bring back another name who was also good at running north and south,'' said Dorsey, who was one of the Riders' most significant free-agent signings during the off-season. "Corey Holmes was also great at it and it's because we have a running-back background, which makes it easier for us to go north and south. That's what you are trained to do as a running back.''

Like Holmes, Dorsey returned to the Riders after being traded to another CFL team. Holmes was dealt to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2006. The Riders reacquired him midway through the 2007 season as part of a deal that included slotback Chris Getzlaf. Holmes would go on to share in the Riders' 2007 Grey Cup win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Dorsey spent the 2005 and 2006 seasons with the Riders, primarily as a returner. Dorsey was traded to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2007 but was waived after appearing in two pre-season games.

Dorsey signed with the Toronto Argonauts in August 2007. In 2008, he won the CFL's most outstanding special-teams player award after returning a kickoff, a punt and a missed field-goal attempt for touchdowns. Dorsey tried out with the Washington Redskins in 2009 but was released after training camp. He dressed for four games with Toronto in 2009 before being sidelined with an ankle injury.

Dorsey filed for free agency and said it was an easy decision to return to the Riders.

"I signed because of this history that we have and the fact the organization is one of the top programs in the CFL,'' said Dorsey. "There isn't any denying the type of athletes we have. The future is bright here and I'm glad to be a part of it.''

Dorsey will also have an opportunity to play at tailback. He has shown some of his speed and moves during limited repetitions in training camp. Wes Cates and Hugh Charles have received the majority of playing time at tailback.

"I will do anything I can to contribute to the team,'' said Dorsey. "We have a great group of guys who can do a lot on offence. We also have a lot of weapons. For me to be part of it is good enough for now.''

Jason Armstead handled most of the return duties after signing with the Riders midway through the 2009 season. Armstead added an instant spark to the special teams in 2009 but was released shortly after the Riders signed Dorsey, who at 27 is three years younger than Armstead.

"Armstead did a great job for us considering he came in halfway through the season and he was out of football,'' said running back Stu Foord, who also plays on four of the Riders' special teams. "Dominique was ready for this physically and mentally. The difference will be if there is a chance for us to make a play on special teams, he's the guy who is going to make it.''

Dorsey may get that opportunity when the Riders play host to the Montreal Alouettes on Thursday at 5 p.m. He is looking forward to playing his first regular-season game as a Rider since 2006.

"I have already noticed that the tempo has changed (from training camp),'' Dorsey said. "Our focus is on the game and having fun.''

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