CATES / DURANT FACE THE MEDIA

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Durant, Cates face the media
By Murray McCormick Wed, Mar 10 2010 COMMENTS(0) Rider Rumblings

Wednesday the Riders’ mini-version of March Madness. Not only was quarterback Darian Durant in town to announce his contract extension, the Riders also announced that running back Wes Cates had re-signed. It would be an understatement to say they are both significant signings.

Here are the highlights from the 30-minute love in, I mean media conference, with head coach Ken Miller, Durant and Cates in the Riders’ lockerroom.— Durant and Cates are both glad to be back (surprise!). Durant was headed into his option year and the Riders had targetted him as one of their priorities this offseason. Both players are glad to get the business side of the game out of the way and concentrate on getting ready for the 2010 season

.— Durant is expected to be in the province for two weeks or so. He’ll be involved in promotional events as well as getting to know the new members of the Riders’ offensive coaching staff. Durant also mentioned he has been studying film from the 2009 season and will continue to do so until training camp.

— Miller revealed that it was Dalton Bell who the Argos asked about when looking at the Riders’ quarterbacks. The Riders were in position to trade Bell because they feel comfortable with Graham Harrell and Cole Berqguist as backups.

— Harrell is signed for at least an another season. Berqguist is on the Riders’ negotiation list and they expect to sign him soon.

— Miller said they would likely have announcement on the offensive line coach next week. That move would complete their coaching staff.

— I pressed both players for additional contract information, like how long, etc. because I know you want to know. They both declined to reveal that information. Durant suggested his is a year-to-year thing. I have learned that he’s up there with the other top quarterbacks in the league like Ricky Rey, Anthony Calvillo and Henry Burris and Durant has earned that lofty status. I don’t know the numbers though. because those are kept secret. Those may come out in time.

— Loads of other stuff and it will be online later or in Thursday’s Leader-Post. As always, I have to pound.