Saskatchewan’s deception led to Antigha’s interception
The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ opponents never really know where Tobi Antigha is going to be.
On July 5, for example, he was utilized as a defensive lineman, a cornerback and even a safety during an 18-13 victory over the visiting Hamilton Tiger-cats.
One of the key plays in that game was Antigha’s first CFL interception — a pick the six-foot-two, 223-pounder made after lining up at safety.
“It was pretty cool,” Antigha, 25, said after Monday ’s practice when asked about intercepting the Tiger-cats’ Jeremiah Masoli.
“Coach (Chris Jones) gave me the opportunity to get back there in coverage and called the right play. The quarterback didn’t see me, I guess, and I was able to make a play on it.”
The catch was hardly surprising, considering that Antigha was a receiver at Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C. Over four seasons in college, he caught 117 passes for 1,415 yards and seven touchdowns.
“When the ball’s in the air, that’s where I’m most comfortable because I’ve played receiver my whole life and I’m used to making adjustments on the ball and going up and making plays on it,’’ Antigha said.
“When I saw the ball in the air, I was pretty happy — surprised, but happy. Fortunately, I was able to concentrate and make the catch.”
Antigha caught on with Saskatchewan in 2017 and, taking note of his athleticism, Jones suggested a conversion to the defensive line.
The move was a success, as Antigha registered five sacks and three tackles for losses en route to being named the Roughriders’ rookie of the year.
This season, Antigha’s responsibilities have been broadened. That was evident on July 5 when, in addition to registering the aforementioned interception, he lined up as a cornerback and blitzed from that position.
“He and I have a very unique way of being able to put him in different spots without having to create new defences,” said Jones, who is the Roughriders’ head coach, defensive co-ordinator and general manager. “He’s a smart player.”
Antigha noted that he was initially caught off-guard by the move to defence, but he has now embraced life on the other side of the ball — to the extent that his on-field repertoire is everevolving.
“Last year, since I was learning so much about a new position, I knew it was going to be difficult for me to line up everywhere on the field,” Antigha recalled.
“This year, I have a little bit more experience and I have a better understanding of not only our defence, but also the way the offences in the CFL run, so I feel like he’s trusting me with a lot more responsibility and allowing me to make plays all over the field.”
See again: The interception. “Honestly, I’ve just let that pick go,” Antigha said leading up to Thursday’s rematch in Hamilton. “I’m trying to get the next one.
“I’m about each and every game. I’ve erased that pick from my mind. It’s almost like I don’t have one anymore. Now the next step is trying to get my next first one.”
And how about his first reception?
Antigha’s sure hands have already been on display while making an interception. Is there a chance that his pass-catching skills could eventually be used on offence?
“I say anything is possible, but you’re going to have to talk to the head man about that,” Antigha said with a laugh. “I am not going to rule it out. “I am still hoping. If it comes, it comes. I’m going to be ready for it.”