Roughriders turn to Carter to play both sides of the ball
CALGARY — Calgary Stampeders who have played both offence and defence in games during their football careers feel a bit envious of Duron Carter.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders star receiver will start on defence at cornerback in today’s game against Calgary.
Roughriders coach Chris Jones says the absence of Kacy Rodgers (leg), Chris Lyles (shoulder) and Sam Williams (flu) left him with no choice. And Carter has seen action in the Roughriders secondary this season.
“Duron’s been practising there all year and he’s the best option we have,” Jones said Thursday.
Stampeder defensive backs Shaquille Richardson, Patrick Levels and Adam Thibault played both sides of the ball as teenagers and would do it again in a heartbeat, if coach Dave Dickenson would let them.
“I’ve actually been bugging Dickie about letting me play offence,” Richardson said Thursday. “But I don’t think he’s having it.
“I would try to score touchdowns on offence and defence. A pick six and a touchdown in one game, that would be pretty cool.”
Calgary (13-1-1) can clinch first in the West Division with a victory and ensure the division final Nov. 19 will be played at McMahon Stadium.
The Roughriders (8-7) sit fourth in the division two points behind the Edmonton Eskimos and can gain a playoff berth with a win.
Richardson is correct that Dickenson won’t entertain asking a player to start on both offence and defence in a game.
“I would hope I have better depth than that,” the coach said.
It’s rare in football’s modern era for professional players to excel in more than one position.
Canadian Football Hall of Famer Garney Henley was an all-star receiver and defensive back for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the 1970s.
Larry Highbaugh, another Hall of Famer, was a standout cornerback and kick returner for the Edmonton Eskimos in the ’70s.
Richardson lined up at both DB and receiver his entire senior year at Los Alamitos High School in California.
Levels essentially never left the field playing offence, defence and special teams for Roosevelt High School in Dallas.