DAVIS RETIREMENT LEAVES BIG HOLE TO FILL

Saskatchewan Roughriders cornerback Donovan Alexander, right, and halfback Lance Frazier will lead the defensive backfield into the 2010 CFL season.
Photograph by: Todd Korol , Reuters files

REGINA — When the Saskatchewan Roughriders open training camp, they face the task of replacing the retired Eddie Davis.

Defensive co-ordinator Gary Etcheverry doesn't think it can be done.

"He's not somebody you can ever replace," Etcheverry says of the veteran defensive back. "You just have to move forward. The time comes for every player, and he has decided his time has come."

Davis, 37, announced his retirement on Feb. 25 after 15 CFL seasons, including the past nine with the Roughriders.

Etcheverry said not long after the announcement that Davis was still playing at a high level when he retired, which is why the coach tried to talk Davis out of retiring. It didn't work, forcing the Roughriders to find a successor.

In reality, they may have done so last season.

Davis missed the Roughriders' final two regular-season games with a knee injury, giving CFL rookie Chris McKenzie an opportunity to play an expanded role. He didn't disappoint.
"He showed a lot of promise when he played and he's only going to get better," Etcheverry says of the former NFL prospect. "He can play a variety of positions. He has the opportunity to be a great CFL player.

"He's very smart, very poised," the coach adds. "He's not a big guy (5-foot-9, 190 pounds), but he plays bigger than he is. I'm not down on any part of his game other than a lack of experience. If they come up with a pill for that, I might be the first guy who's in line to buy a box."
That's not to say McKenzie has the position sewn up, though. The Roughriders also likely will look at Carlos Thomas (who spent time with Saskatchewan last season) and rookie Brandon Register.

Ladarius Key, who practised with the Roughriders in '09, and rookie Brandon Foster also could get a shot at the halfback spot. That duo also may get a look at cornerback.
"As always, we'll look at everybody in camp," Etcheverry says. "They can all compete."
The successful candidate for Davis' old spot will get some help. Cornerback Omarr Morgan played alongside Davis for eight seasons, giving the Roughriders an experienced, talented tandem on one side of the defence.

"Whoever wins the competition for that spot, Omarr is going to mentor him," Etcheverry says. "And whoever it is will benefit from that."

In fact, the new halfback will join what likely will be a veteran group of defensive backs.
Lance Frazier (38 tackles, five interceptions in 2009) is one of the league's top halfbacks and should be a lock at his spot. Cornerbacks Morgan (50 tackles, four picks, two fumble returns) and Donovan Alexander (35 tackles, two fumble recoveries) likely aren't going anywhere. And James Patrick (59 tackles, two interceptions) had a solid-if-unspectacular season at safety in 2009.

Alexander is a rarity in the CFL as a starting non-import corner. Like McKenzie, Alexander impressed the co-ordinator during the '09 campaign.

"I think teams decided, 'We're going to pick on that Canadian,' " Etcheverry says. "After last season, I think the coaches are smart enough to know they would be doing that at their peril."
The Roughriders have three other non-import DBs — Tamon George, Joel Lipinski and Leron Mitchell — on the roster along with import Daniel Francis (who, along with Thomas, may get a look at linebacker).

"It's a solid group of guys," Etcheverry says when asked if the veterans are favoured to retain their jobs. "If you're a pro, you come in with a rookie mentality every year (and try to earn a job). But the reality is, they're the frontrunners."

ihamilton@leaderpost.canwest.com
Saskatchewan Roughriders Defensive Backs
(As of May 21)
Ht Wt Age School
Donovan Alexander 6-0 181 25 North Dakota
Brandon Foster l 5-8 185 25 Texas
Daniel Francis l 5-11 175 25 LSU
Lance Frazier l 5-10 187 29 West Virginia
Tamon George 6-0 182 22 Regina
Ladarius Key l 5-8 185 24 McNeese St.
Joel Lipinski 5-10 195 24 Saint Mary's
Chris McKenzie l 5-9 190 28 Arizona State
Leron Mitchell 6-1 200 28 Western Ontario
Omarr Morgan l 5-9 175 33 Brigham Young
James Patrick l 5-11 175 27 Stillman
Brandon Register l 5-10 195 25 UAB
Carlos Thomas l 5-11 195 23 South Carolina
l — Denotes import.Read more: http://www.leaderpost.com/sports/Retirement+Riders+Eddie+Davis+leaves+shoes+fill/3058970/story.html#ixzz0or2YkSU0