Defensive lineman Capicciotti going green

Justin Capicciotti is thrilled to be in green. It’s a dream for him to play for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

But he’s still puzzled as to why it there wasn’t a lot of interest from the Ottawa Redblacks to re-sign him. It couldn’t have been because of production. The defensive end followed up a 2014 season, where he recorded 11 sacks, with 12 in 2015.

“I feel like I was never part of the equation,” said Capicciotti, 26, whom the Redblacks plucked from the Edmonton Eskimos in the third round of the expansion draft in December 2013. “Yes, it’s frustrating, but there’s nothing I can do but move on. I was told they didn’t value pass rushers as much as interior linemen. I think they got their guy in (free agent QB) Trevor Harris, that’s what they were aiming for (and that’s where the money went).”

It took a couple of days for the deal to be sorted out, but once Ted Laurent, considered the top defensive lineman available in free agency, decided to remain in Hamilton, it opened doors for other big defenders. Capicciotti is excited his career now brings him to the Green Riders.

“The fan base was definitely a reason why I came to Saskatchewan,” he said. “I’ve been playing in the league for four years and every time I went to Saskatchewan, I loved playing there. They’re the most enthusiastic, knowledgeable bunch of fans.

“That was a factor, plus there was the (GM/coach) Chris Jones factor — I wanted to be part of the team he’s building.”

Capicciotti enjoyed his Ottawa time, but can’t wait for a new beginning.

“I can’t complain about any of my time in Ottawa,” he said. “The fan base supported me and my family so much, so I have nothing but good things to say about the people in Ottawa.”