Als’ new returner Ryan making most of opportunity in Montreal
When he returned a punt 63 yards for a touchdown during an exhibition game in May, Shakeir Ryan might have believed he’d secured a roster position with British Columbia.
Instead, he was one of 17 players released by the Lions when the team made its final cuts.
Now in Montreal, the diminutive return specialist made enough of a first impression last week, against Ottawa, to get another opportunity Friday night, when the Alouettes host the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
In doing so, Ryan already has lasted one more game than Marcus Taylor, the first applicant hoping to replace veteran Stefan Logan, released last month only days after the firing of general manager Kavis Reed.
“I felt like I did pretty decent. I felt I could have got into the end zone on one for sure,” Ryan said Wednesday after practice. “I felt I did pretty good coming out of my first game. I’m just going to keep getting better and better.
“I’m ready to put one in the end zone this week.”
Although he was overshadowed by the Redblacks’ DeVonte Dedmon, who returned a kickoff and punt for touchdowns, Ryan, who turns 24 on Sunday, acquitted himself well.
He did almost as well, average-wise, returning punts as well kickoffs — a rarity in pro football. Ryan returned seven punts for 98 yards, including a longest of 35 yards. The Lafayette, La., native also returned four kickoffs for 58 yards.
He came dangerously close to returning at least one punt to the end zone, only to be tripped up at the last moment.
“He had a good game. He did what we asked,” head coach Khari Jones said. “He hit the hole and made some people miss. He probably had an opportunity for a (long) runback there, at least one, if he knows how fast he is and just outruns the kicker.
“He’ll be fine. He did what we wanted and looked how we wanted. That’s a positive.”
Ryan, only 5-foot-8 and 169 pounds, was an undrafted free agent coming out of Northwestern State. He was one of the most-exciting offensive players in school history, catching 140 passes over four years along with returning kicks.
He signed a three-year, US$1.66-million contract with the Los Angeles Rams, only to be released after the pre-season. He then was added to the practice roster of the Washington Redskins in 2017 before coming north, first with Hamilton and then B.C.
“It’s a numbers game. God put me here for a reason and I’m going to take full advantage of the opportunity,” said Ryan, the cousin of former NFL running back Kevin Faulk.
“It’s pretty much my job to lose.” Although he was timed at 4.31 seconds over 40 yards at his pro day, Ryan believes he wasn’t drafted due to a combination of size and what he felt were pedestrian college statistics. Attending a smaller school also might have resulted in him being overlooked.
“I’ve been pretty much underrated my whole life,” he said. “Teams have always said we’ll give this kid an opportunity and see what he can do. There’s no pressure. I’ve been doing this all my life.
“It’s crazy. You never know. You think this is the best position, opportunity. You do your thing and it still doesn’t work. I’m willing to give my all for any organization I’m playing for.”
Montreal special teams co-ordinator Mickey Donovan said he has been impressed by Ryan’s work ethic and football IQ.
“He sees the field well and understands the game,” Donovan said. “He’s been through a couple of camps. That helps as well. We’re excited about him.”
Meanwhile, Redblacks defensive end J.R. Tavai has been fined for his hit to the head against Als quarterback Vernon Adams.
Adams was concussed on the play and won’t play this week, although he was on the field Wednesday, wearing a helmet, while practising long snapping and fielding some kicks.
While he was fined an undisclosed amount, there was no penalty on the play and Tavai won’t face a suspension. According to a source, Jones received a call from the CFL office, apologizing for what now appears to be an error in judgment.
Adams will be replaced by Antonio Pipkin.
Injured tailback William Stanback also has been ruled out this week, creating an opening on the roster for an import. That spot will be filled by offensive tackle Chris Schleuger.
Sean Jamieson moves back inside, to right guard. Jeremiah Johnson replaces Stanback and will be backed up by Canadian Ryder Stone.