RIDERS LINEUP TAKES SHAPE

Carter to play both ways this season

The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ annual pre-season conference call is another sign the long offseason is nearly over.

The CFL conducts conference calls with each of the nine teams answering questions regarding their off-season and upcoming training camp.

It was Saskatchewan’s turn Thursday, when head coach, general manager and vice-president of football operations Chris Jones and quarterback Zach Collaros represented the Riders.

Here are five things we learned during the 32-minute conference call:

1 Carter’s time

Jones confirmed Duron Carter will see action as a receiver and defensive back in 2018.

The Riders’ leader in receiving yards (1,043) and co-leader in touchdown catches (eight) from last season is expected to see duty at boundary cornerback. In 2017, Carter returned his one interception 43 yards for a touchdown.

“I’m going to keep him very busy,” Jones said.

Carter has twice been charged during the off-season for possession of marijuana. There is a Monday court date in Winnipeg regarding one charge. A charge emanating from Saskatoon is scheduled to be addressed June 14, the day before the Riders open the regular season against the visiting Toronto Argonauts.

“We’re just going about our business as usual,” Jones said when asked about Carter. “It’s in the court’s hands. When they come down with their ruling, we’ll be prepared either way.”

2 Richardson in doubt

It’s unlikely former NFL and University of Alabama Crimson Tide tailback Trent Richardson will be with the Riders when training camp opens May 20 in Saskatoon.

“Trent has some situations going on at home and we’ll have to see where that goes,” said Jones, while not elaborating.

Richardson signed with the Riders on Sept. 26. He dressed for four games, rushing for 259 yards and two touchdowns on 48 carries.

Richardson’s status leaves the Riders with Cameron Marshall, Marcus Thigpen and Christion Jones as internationals at tailback. Thigpen won’t be available for the first two regular season games due to a two-game suspension for a positive drug test.

3 Sam the middle man

Jones also confirmed international Samuel Eguavoen will start the 2018 season at middle linebacker.

Eguavoen replaces national Henoc Muamba, who was released for financial reasons.

Eguavoen dressed for 14 games in 2017, recording 57 defensive tackles and a sack as an outside linebacker. At six-foot and 227 pounds, Eguavoen has the size and speed to handle playing middle linebacker.

“He’s probably one of the best athletes on our team,” Jones said.

At least one national will be included among the three starting linebackers. The Riders’ options include Sam Hurl, Kevin Francis and Brandyn Bartlett.

Jones added the Riders would have a national at safety and defensive tackle.

4 Bond ... Travis Bond

Travis Bond, who signed with the Riders as a free agent after two seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, will be a guard when training camp opens.

There was speculation Bond would be shifted to left tackle, a position that remains open.

Whether Bond is a left or right guard remains to be determined.

“He brings a level of physicality that a lot of people can’t bring in our league,” Jones said. “We’re trying to become a more physical team and that has been taken into account in all three phases — free agency, the draft and our workout guys.”

Left offensive tackle will likely come down to a competition between Terrance Vaughn and Takoby Cofield and, possibly, Josiah St. John — the first overall selection in the 2016 CFL draft.

Bruce Campbell dressed for 12 games in 2017, but wasn’t re-signed as a free agent. He also faces a two-game suspension for a positive drug test.

5 Collaros excited

Collaros is looking forward to working with the Riders’ veteran receivers.

“From watching them on film, they have a lot of dynamic guys who can go up and get the football,” Collaros said. “They are efficient getting in and out of their routes. When they do get the ball, they can take it from a five-yard route to a 60-yard touchdown.

“On paper, it looks great. It’s our job to get that chemistry going and executing because that’s what this game is all about.”