Roughriders roster taking shape
Breaking down Saskatchewan’s offensive positions ahead of its first pre-season tilt
SASKATOON The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ training camp has proceeded as expected, albeit with enough twists to keep it interesting.
Kevin Glenn has performed at the anticipated level while solidifying his position as the frontrunner to start at quarterback.
The Riders remain deep at receiver, the CFL team’s strongest position.
And as projected, the battle for starting tailback is wide open as the Riders wait for a player to step up.
Among the twists is the hamstring injury suffered by Vince Young and how it could possibly end his comeback attempt after just 10 days of training camp.
Also, rookie receiver Jenson Stoshak has enjoyed a solid camp and could crack the roster after being a mini-camp invite.
In advance of Saturday’s preseason game against the visiting Winnipeg Blue Bombers, we break down the Roughriders position by position. We will start with the offence, with defence highlighted Friday.
QUARTERBACKS
There is a wide gap between Glenn and the other four quarterbacks due to his experience and poise.
The ascent of Bryan Bennett to second on the depth chart has been a pleasant surprise. He has a strong arm and the mobility that bodes well for his future as a CFL quarterback. He has made mistakes, but that’s to be expected from a rookie.
Barring a letdown in the third week of training camp, he should remain second on the depth chart heading into the regular season.
Young was still learning the Canadian game before he was sidelined Tuesday.
The injury creates more opportunities for Brandon Bridge and rookie Marquise Williams. Bridge will be in a battle to make the roster if Young makes a quick return.
Williams has exhibited a strong arm in limited repetitions.
OFFENSIVE LINE
The off-season moves to address the offensive-line depth have paid off.
The Riders signed free agents Derek Dennis and Ryan White, re-signed Thaddeus Coleman, selected four prospects in the CFL draft, and acquired 10-year CFL veteran Peter Dyakowski from the Toronto Argonauts.
The Dyakowski trade proved especially astute when veteran left guard Brendon LaBatte was sidelined with an injured foot. Dyakowski stepped in and the Riders kept moving ahead. That wouldn’t have happened in 2016 when injuries left the line in disarray. Dyakowski may open the season as the sixth offensive lineman, allowing the Riders to take advantage of his experience and versatility.
Dennis, who as a Calgary Stampeder was named the CFL’s most outstanding offensive lineman in 2016, has brought an attitude to an offensive line that had been missing that trait.
Dan Clark provides quiet leadership at centre and gains from the veteran presence of LaBatte and Dyakowski.
Josiah St. John has handled most of the reps at right guard and looks comfortable after missing all of training camp and the regularseason opener in 2016 during a contractual holdout.
RUNNING BACKS
Questions surround the tailback position heading into Saturday’s game.
The Riders’ plans to start Canadian Kienan LaFrance at tailback have been put on hold due to a hamstring injury. Greg Morris, another national, has performed capably in LaFrance’s absence.
The Riders re-signed Anthony Allen, who spent the 2014 and 2015 seasons with the Green and White. A character player, Allen has averaged 5.6 yards per carry over two-plus CFL seasons. He has improved each day and may emerge as the starter.
Cameron Marshall and Quincy Walden are also in the mix, but trail Allen at this point.
RECEIVERS
The position is a strength and the Riders added to it with the freeagent signings of Duron Carter and Bakari Grant. They’re among the leading receivers in camp and have fit in well with returnees Rob Bagg, Naaman Roosevelt, Caleb Holley and Ricky Collins Jr.
Bagg and Roosevelt have been solid. Stoshak has earned repetitions with the starters. Rookies Ahmad Fulwood and Mitchell Picton have also been impressive.
Stoshak, Fulwood and Picton have all contributed on special teams. Questions remain as to which receivers will be on the field when the season begins.
The two pre-season games will help with that decision.