REGINA -- Renauld Williams has gained from the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ losses of all-star linebackers Maurice Lloyd and Anton McKenzie.
Lloyd signed a one-year deal with the Edmonton Eskimos, which included a $100,000 signing
bonus. McKenzie signed with the B.C. Lions, reportedly for three years. Williams, who re-signed with the Roughriders on Jan. 6 rather than testing the CFL’s free-agent market, said the Riders are going to miss Lloyd and McKenzie.
Their defections to other CFL teams have created an opportunity for Williams. Riders head coach Ken Miller recently said that Williams would be the starting middle linebacker heading into training camp.
“I’m excited about that,’’ Williams, 6-foot-0 and 228 pounds, said from his Atlanta home. “I’ve been dreaming of being able to contribute at this level as a middle linebacker and this is my chance.’’
Williams was also pleased to read about Lloyd’s contract. The possibility that a linebacker can earn that kind of bonus after three seasons in the CFL is an inspiration for Williams.
“As a defensive player, I don’t like to see the quarterbacks and receivers making all of the money,’’ Williams, 28, said with a chuckle. “I feel that as linebackers we play more than the guys on offence because we’re out there on special teams and defence. We’re not as well compensated as the offensive players. It is an offensive league. I understand that but I’m happy for Mo and it’s a good thing for the league.’’
“As a defensive player, I don’t like to see the quarterbacks and receivers making all of the money,’’ Williams, 28, said with a chuckle. “I feel that as linebackers we play more than the guys on offence because we’re out there on special teams and defence. We’re not as well compensated as the offensive players. It is an offensive league. I understand that but I’m happy for Mo and it’s a good thing for the league.’’
Five of the Riders’ linebackers from 2008 were eligible to test free agency. Outside linebacker Sean Lucas and Williams re-signed before the deadline. The departures of Lloyd and McKenzie are significant but Williams feels there is enough depth in the Riders’ linebacker corps to fill the void.
Lucas led the Riders with 95 tackles and was among the league’s most consistent dimebackers. Williams filled in at weak-side linebacker while McKenzie was sidelined for four games with a neck stinger. Williams also led the Riders with 18 special-teams tackles.
Non-import Mike McCullough, another free agent, is expected to re-sign with the Riders. Yannick Carter, a third-round pick (20th overall) in the 2007 CFL draft, has improved each season and is a capable backup. There is also depth at linebacker with import Sam Olajubutu, who joined the Riders’ practice roster late in the 2008 season, and non-import Aaron Wagner, who was acquired recently via a trade with the Toronto Argonauts.
Williams was pleased when Lucas re-signed with the Riders.
“Sean is probably the best dimebacker in the league,’’ said Williams. “That’s a hard position to play because you play linebacker and you have to be able to cover people.’’
“Sean is probably the best dimebacker in the league,’’ said Williams. “That’s a hard position to play because you play linebacker and you have to be able to cover people.’’
The Riders have more than the departures of Lloyd and McKenzie to contend with in 2009 Defensive co-ordinator Richie Hall left to become the head coach of the Eskimos. Gary Etcheverry was promoted from a defensive assistant coach to defensive co-ordinator. Williams said Hall will be missed and he’s looking forward to working with Etcheverry as a defensive co-ordinator.
“I love (Etcheverry) because he made me better and the whole team better,’’ said Williams, who had 39 defensive tackles. “He brings attitude and that’s what defence is all about. He encourages us to bring it every play, every down and even in practice. He makes us a whole lot better on the field.’’
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