SEAN LUCAS ON RESIGNING WITH THE RIDERS

By MURRAY McCORMICK
Leader-Post

Sean Lucas is back with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, but he didn’t have any intention of leaving.

The Roughriders confirmed Wednesday that the veteran linebacker has re-signed. Lucas had filed for free agency on Feb. 15 after five seasons with the CFL team.

“I feel great because it’s where I’ve always wanted to be,’’ Lucas said from New Orleans, where he lives in the off-season. “We started negotiating a little bit late and I had some things that I wanted to consider. I never really intended on going anywhere else. I had some options and I just wanted to weigh those.’’

Lucas declined to reveal which teams presented those options. Most of the offers were similar financially to what the Riders proposed, but the teams couldn’t match couldn’t match everything that Saskatchewan has to offer.

“It’s a better situation in Saskatchewan for me,’’ said Lucas, who originally signed with the Riders as a free agent in 2006. “I love the guys in the locker room. The organization has been good to me and the fans are the greatest. There isn’t anyone who appreciates football more than they do in Saskatchewan. It gives me the best place to be successful as a team and as a player. Ultimately it’s the best place in the league to play and I know there are a lot of people who feel that way.’’

Lucas, 27, has played in 71 regular-season games with the Riders as an outside linebacker. He has 311 defensive tackles, seven sacks, four interceptions and 21 special-teams tackles. He started 17 games in 2010 before being sidelined for the final regular-season game and the playoffs with a hyperextended right elbow.

“I thought I could have come back,’’ said Lucas, adding that the elbow is 100 per cent. “The team wasn’t comfortable with me playing and truthfully it was best desision to sit out.’’

Lucas returns to a defence that has undergone changes among the coaching staff. Gary Etcheverry, who was the defensive co-ordinator in 2009 and 2010, was demoted with the hiring of Richie Hall. Etcheverry remains as a defensive assistant, the same position he filled in 2008 when he joined the Riders for his second stint with the team. He was previously the defensive co-ordinator in 2000.

Hall takes over as defensive co-ordinator after spending two seasons as the head coach of the Edmonton Eskimos. Hall had been with the Riders for 15 years — the last eight as defensive co-ordinator — before taking over Edmonton’s head-coaching job. Lucas is looking forward to working with Hall and Etcheverry in 2011.

“Change will be good,’’ said Lucas, who was a West Division all-star in 2009. “In 2008, the combination of Etcheverry and Hall worked very well for us. We were able to mix things up and keep defences off balance. We’ve got a good group of young guys and the core people are back. We should be able to roll.’’

The Riders had 12 players on the 2010 roster eligible to file for free agency. Seven have re-signed — guard Gene Makowsky, running back Neal Hughes, linebackers Lucas, Kye Stewart and Mike McCullough and defensive halfbacks Lance Frazier and Chris McKenzie. Two others — offensive lineman Wayne Smith and linebacker Daniel Francis — signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Middle linebacker Rey Williams, who missed the 2010 season after suffering a knee injury in the final game of the NFL pre-season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, also signed with the Tiger-Cats. The Riders retained the rights to Williams up to the free-agent deadline.

The unsigned Riders are offensive tackle Joel Bell and defensive lineman Kitwana Jones, who are both imports.

The Riders have signed three free agents — offensive linemen Alex Gauthier and George Hudson, formerly of the Tiger-Cats, and former Calgary Stampeders defensive lineman Tearrius George.

The Tiger-Cats released Gauthier on Feb. 1 and the Riders were able to sign him in advance of the CFL free-agent deadline.

LUCAS RETURNING TO THE RIDERS

By Murray McCormick Tue, Feb 22 2011 COMMENTS(0) Rider Rumblings

Linebacker Sean Lucas is returning to the Roughriders for at least two more seasons.

Lucas agreed to terms to with the Riders early Tuesday morning. The Riders are likely waiting for the signed contract to be in their hands before making the official announcement.

Lucas was considering other options before deciding on taking what the Riders were offering.

MAKE NO MISTAKE...REGEHR A RIDER FAN

Flames D-man robyn regehr sports his Saskatchewan roughriders headgear during Flames practice at McMahon Stadium on Saturday.Photograph by: Leah Hennel, Calgary Herald, Calgary HeraldA chartered member of the loyal order of Saskatchewan Roughriders fans has infiltrated the Calgary Stampeders locker-room.

"Henry Burris started this," Calgary Flames defenceman Robyn Regehr pronounced Saturday. "It's taken me a little while to get back at him, but I finally did."

The dispute dates back three years ago when Burris appeared on the television show Off the Record. Host Michael Landsberg asked the Calgary quarterback which Flames player is the biggest Stampeder fan.

"Robyn Regehr," Burris responded.

Wrong. So, very wrong.

Regehr, of course, grew up in Rosthern, Sask. On November road trips, the rugged defenceman can often be found huddled in a hotel room watching his beloved Roughriders on the road to the Grey Cup.

The plan for revenge is two-fold. The first step had Regehr wearing a green Roughriders tuque -complete with the ear flaps designed to protect against that brutal Saskatchewan wind -to Flames practice Saturday at McMahon Stadium.

Defenceman Cory Sarich is also a massive Riders supporter. Schad Richea, the assistant athletic therapist, is diehard for the men in green.

Still, Regehr insists he went it alone.

"This is a solo mission," Regehr said. "I'm going rogue right now."

True enough, but he did get some help securing the hat for the occasion. "I had a friend specifically request it from the Riders," he said. "They were nice enough to send it out to me.

"I think they were pretty happy when they heard what would be happening with it."

For good reason. Forget the Edmonton Eskimos or Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The Saskatchewan Roughriders are Calgary's biggest rival, and vice versa. And hard feelings still exist of the Stampeders' temporary ban of Gainer the Gopher, the Saskatchewan mascot, from a 2006 playoff game.

Burris, of course, is a polarizing figure as a former Roughrider turned Stampeder.

"What a great opportunity to be in his stadium, in his dressing room," Regehr said, rubbing his hands together.

Which leads us to Part 2 of the plan. "Maybe," Regehr said. "I'll leave him a little bit of a surprise in his stall, too."

Maybe? You can count on it. Regehr had scouted out exactly where Burris sits in the palatial dressing room on the south side of the McMahon.

The Riders chapeau left Regehr open for plenty of ribbing from his teammates.

"That's great when you're icefishing,"said centre Brendan Morrison, "but I don't know about hockey."

"If I had known he was going to wear that," said defenceman Steve Staios, "I would have worn my Hamilton Tiger-Cats hat."

Stampeders long snapper Randy Chevrier feels for Regehr, in a way. As a Montreal Canadiens fan living in Calgary, he understands the concept of divided loyalties.

"I grew up a Canadiens fan my whole life, but I've adopted Calgary and its adopted me," he said. "And I would like to think I'm not as overt and annoying at times as some Riders fan can be."

Suddenly a fashion plate, Regehr also brought along a pair of beaded Calgary Flames snowmobile gloves that looked a lot like moccasins for the hands.

"During the lockout, I was actually up past La Ronge in Stanley Mission," Regehr said. "I actually went on a snowmobile/poker rally. I had a really, really good time up there with my dad and some other guys. So I talked about my time up there on CBC After Hours.

"The next thing you know, the band sent down those snowmobile gloves with the Calgary Flames sequins on them."

Regehr lent the gloves to head coach Brent Sutter for practice.

"Warm," Sutter said. "Very warm."

Much like Regehr's hat.

vHall@CalgaryHerald.Com



Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/sports/Make+mistake+Regehr+Riders/4316653/story.html#ixzz1EepvvQ4b

RIDERS MAKE OFFER TO TEARRIUS GEORGE

The Saskatchewan Roughriders could be making another dip into the CFL free-agent pool.

I was able to confirm that the Riders have made an offer to import defensive end Tearrius George. George, 28, has played three seasons with the Calgary Stampeders since 2007. He has 56 tackles and 10 sacks over that span. It appears that reports of the Riders signing George were unfounded late Thursday. They could be correct in the morning because things tend to change rather quickly when it comes to free agency.

FREE AGENCY SO FAR

The Riders finally made some gains in free agency on Thursday with the signing of Canadian offensive lineman George Hudson.

The losses are offensive tackle Wayne Smith and middle linebacker Rey Williams. Those losses are significant for different reasons. Smith was a good a player before running into injury trouble in back to back years. I talked to him today and he is frustrated to leave the Riders after that took place. He would have liked to have played and stayed with them.

Williams said the Riders didn’t make a serious offer, which is to be expected. He’s a great player, but there wasn’t a spot for him among the linebackers. He’ll fit in well with the Tiger-Cats. The good news is the Riders will only have to face Hamilton twice during the regular season.

Hudson had some other offers, but none as good as the one from the Riders. He’s a veteran of 12 CFL seasons and has been impressed with what has taken place in Riderville.

He’s also looking forward to playing again with Alex Gauthier and Dan Goodspeed. The o-line is a little long in the tooth, but you need experience there and the Riders have a nice blend now.

General manager Brendan Taman said he’s hourly contact with Sean Lucas’s agent, so there may or may not be a re-signing there.

Taman is sorry to lose players to free agency, but understand that’s the business. There aren’t any hard feelings from either side during this process. At least it appears that way.
That’s it for now. More on all of the free-agency frenzy online later or in Friday’s Leader-Post.

LUCAS PLAYING A WAITING GAME

Sean Lucas is playing a waiting game.

Lucas was one of six Saskatchewan Roughriders who became a free agent after Tuesday’s 11:01 p.m. deadline. He said Wednesday that he’s considering offers from the Riders along with two or three other CFL teams.

“I’m waiting to see what happens,’’ Lucas said from his off-season home in New Orleans. “I just want to come up with the best situation where I can be successful.’’
Lucas spent five seasons with the Riders, the last three as a starting linebacker. He was second on the team with 71 defensive tackles in 2010.

Lucas and the Riders may have parted ways, but it’s possible he could re-sign with Saskatchewan. T

“There wasn’t any pressure from either side to get things done immediately’’ Lucas said. “I’m waiting to let the situation play itself out. The Riders’ organization has been very good to me and I would like to return. They have business obligations they have to meet and I have the ones I’m looking for. That’s what free agency is all about. A lot of people feel it’s something personal, but it’s not. I don’t think the players, GMs or whoever is making the final decisions think it is either.’’
The Riders didn’t have plans to announce any player signings on Wednesday. It’s believed that general manager Brendan Taman is working on negotiations with Lucas and offensive tackle Wayne Smith.

The Roughriders lost their first player to free agency when import linebacker Daniel Francis signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Francis can play linebacker as well as defensive back. The Tiger-Cats signed Francis on the recommendation of Joe Womack, Hamilton’s director of player personnel and assistant general manager. Womack was the director of U.S. scouting with the Roughriders before joining the Tiger-Cats staff on Jan. 12.

The other unsigned Riders’ free agents are linebacker Rey Williams, offensive tackle Joel Bell and defensive lineman Kitwana Jones.

THE GOAT IS A GREAT ACQUISTION FOR THE RIDERS

By Mike Abou-Mechrek, Special to the Leader Post February 15, 2011 3:02 Recently, I had started to believe that I, Mike Abou-Mechrek, was finally becoming part of the "media." You know, one of those guys who some players avoid so that their personal lives don't end up on the front page of the Leader-Post.

My fears were allayed about a week ago when I got a tidbit of information from one of my best friends, Alexandre Gauthier, that he asked me to keep under wraps.

I really don't understand the mining/drilling world, so I'm not really sure what his off-season job is, but I know that he and his family live in Calgary and his job brings him to me, in Regina, once a month.

During a visit on Feb. 3, he let me know that the Hamilton Tiger-Cats had released him before his contract expired, and that he was free to explore the CFL's free agent waters once he cleared waivers.

It was no secret to anyone that the Riders would be interested, as you'd have to not have any ears if you didn't hear the rumour last year that the Riders and Ti-Cats had agreed on a deal to bring him here, only to have the deal kiboshed before the ink was dry. So once he told me he was released, we started working on how much I would charge him for renting a room in my house next season.

I have often talked in this space about how great of a place Ottawa was to play in because of the players, coaches, management and people. It was a true family environment. Alex and his then-girlfriend, Shanny, were two of the people who made the Renegades such a great team to be a part of. (It definitely wasn't our won-loss record.)

The first time I met Alex was certainly one of the most awkward situations in my life. It was two days before the first day of training camp. I had arrived in Ottawa early to get acclimatized to the area. My then-girlfriend, Kathie, and I checked into the hotel that Renegades president Brad Watters had set up for us, and then we went out to dinner and a little .

To our surprise, when we got back to the room, our room, we didn't expect to see a 6foot-6, 326-pound naked French man laying in our room. I wanted to be that guy, but I'm not French. We were not impressed . and we have not even gotten to the awkward part yet.

I knew who Alex was by name alone and I wasn't impressed. I was always a grinder. I didn't have a lot of natural ability but, if you gave me a real shot at something, I wouldn't disappoint. He was the first pick overall in the 2002 CFL draft and his bio included provincial rankings in just about every organized sport, but he chose football -and here he was, in all his glory.

"Hi, I'm Mike," I said, extending my hand to be shaken by this giant.

"Alexandre," he said as he squashed my hand and shook me about the room. The "conversation'' proceeded as follows:

Me: "So, did you just get in?"

Gauthier: "IF?"

Me: "If? If what?"

Gauthier: "IF?"

After about 10 minutes of "ifs," I finally clued in that Alex's ONLY word in English was "if." Years later, I found out that he thought "if" meant "what."

He didn't even know "I don't speak English," and why would he? He grew up in Gaspe, Que., and went to university in Laval. Good thing that languages are "my thing.'' Not only did I get a 50 per cent in Grade 9 French -after which I was asked to never speak French again -but I also have my high school transcripts that include seven high school English courses/attempts, scarred with a bunch of 50s and 60s -so who would be more qualified to teach this future all-star the language of the CFL -English.

I spent the rest of the night doing other things in another room, but since that day I have had a personal attachment to "The Goat," or "Les Grossman" (translated, it almost means "The Fat Man").

We spent the next two days together, joined at the hip. Alex was a great rookie, but I wanted to punch him in the face every time he said "if.'' What the heck is "if"?

That was only my fourth year in the league, so I wasn't a savvy veteran, but I felt Alex's pain. I knew how hard it could be to be a rookie, but I could only imagine what it must be like for him to not understand a word anyone was saying to him. We stayed close and I translated things for him the best I could (which wasn't very well) and my French was surprisingly impressive and getting better.

It was a whole new ball game when Shanny came to town to watch one of our games.

Shanny didn't even know "if" AND she is very shy, so the English she did pick up didn't come out -at least not until Kathie (my thengirlfriend) sat next to her with a couple of those $11 beers. After about $99 (you do the math), Shanny and Kathie were speaking Frenglish and having a great time.

I could go on and on with the adventures of the Abous and the Goats, or even the rest of the Ottawa offensive line. It seems we were all at the same stages of our lives and that's what I think made the Renegades such a great team to be a part of.

Val St. Germain, potential future Rider (ooops; sorry, Brendan Taman) George Hudson, the Goats and the Abous all bought our first homes around the same time, married our girlfriends around the same time, and even had our first children all within a year of each other.

The Goats, and maybe one day George, are tremendous people who will fit into Riderville very well.

Goat's on-field accomplishments are what they are -outstanding. There will be no drop in play by moving Gene Makowsky from tackle to guard, full-time. It's rather scary when you look at how the Riders' O-line will look on opening day. From left to right, it will likely be Goat, Geno, Marc Parenteau, Chris Best and Dan Goodspeed.

With all due respect to the likes of Jeremy O'Day, Andrew Greene and Roger Aldag, this might be the best lineup the Riders have ever had across the board. I'm comfortably saying that a minimum of 60 per cent of the Riders' offensive linemen will be CFL all-stars in 2011. Congratulations, Brendan Taman.

One last thing you need to know about Alex is that not only is he fat, he's also slow. A great combo!

(I welcome your feedback at mike.aboumechrek@investorsgroup.com)


Read more: http://www.leaderpost.com/sports/Goat+great+friend/4284003/story.html#ixzz1E268hiEp

BAGG EXPECTS TO BE BACK FOR TRAINING CAMP

REGINA — Rob Bagg doesn’t plan on taking a knee when it comes to any part of the upcoming CFL season.

The veteran wide receiver expects to be ready for the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ training camp despite suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee late in the regular season last year against the Calgary Stampeders.

“I’m always an optimist,” Bagg said from his off-season home in Kingston, Ont. “The running is coming along well and I’m back with my strength coach. I’m doing the kind of things that I would normally do now. I’m pleased with where I’m at and optimistic that I’ll be back at the beginning of the year.”

That seems like a relatively quick recovery for Bagg, who underwent surgery in mid-November to replace his torn ACL with one from a cadaver. Ken Miller, the Riders’ former head coach and now vice-president of football operations, told reporters Thursday that he expected Bagg to be sidelined until Labour Day. It typically takes players who suffered injuries such as Bagg’s six to nine months to recover.

“I haven’t talked to coach Miller yet, but I’m coming out in March for a checkup,” Bagg said. “Hopefully, I’ll be able to give him a good surprise when I do. I don’t feel like there is any reason why I shouldn’t be ready for training camp.”

Riders general manager Brendan Taman was cautious when told about Bagg’s intention to return for training camp. Veterans are to report June 5.

“It’s a serious injury,” Taman said. “He could be ready, but then he couldn’t be. It’s a long process.”

Bagg injured his knee Oct. 17 when the visiting Stampeders beat the Roughriders 34-26. He was sidelined for the final three regular-season games and the Riders’ playoff run, which ended with a 21-18 loss to the Montreal Alouettes in the Grey Cup game.

Bagg, 26, knows the time frame it often takes to bounce back from his type of knee injury. Elite athletes can shorten that recovery time and Bagg vowed to be one of those, hopefully following in the footsteps of New England receiver Wes Welker, who returned to the Patriots’ active roster this past season, seven months after tearing his ACL.

“I’ve just been very diligent,” said Bagg, who had 44 receptions for 688 yards and three touchdowns as the wide-side receiver before being injured. “I’ve spent every hour that I can getting my knee right. I see my strength coach and physiotherapist every day and between the both of them I’m probably doing four hours of work (per day). I’m just trying to take care of my body. I’m having a little less fun than I’ve had in the past, but I’m trying to eat right and I’m really focusing my energy on getting my right leg back to where I think it should be.”


Bagg’s sights are set on more than returning to the active roster. The signing of slotback Andy Fantuz with the Chicago Bears on Feb. 4 has created an opening at that position with the Riders.

Bagg would like to move from wide receiver to slotback, a spot he filled at times when Weston Dressler suffered a broken leg late in the 2008 season.

“I’ve always played slotback and I think I’m more effective there,” Bagg said, who was a slotback with Queen’s University before signing with the Riders as a free agent. “We’ll see what happens when they start shuffling guys around, but any player who wants the football in the CFL wants to play slotback.”


Bagg feels if he continues to progress, he’ll be in the running for that position when training camp opens.

“As football players, we’re all driven individuals but you really find out how much you love the game and how much you miss it when you get setbacks like this,” Bagg said. “I’m trying to take this as a learning experience and hopefully it will make me stronger.”

RIDERS SIGN STEWART AS FREE AGENCY DEADLINE LOOMS

The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced Monday that they have re-signed linebacker Kye Stewart.Photograph by: Bryan Schlosser, Leader-Post filesREGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders have already made a splash in the CFL free-agent pool with Friday's signing of Canadian offensive tackle Alex Gauthier.

Whether they will make more waves in the pursuit of other free agents remains to be determined. The league-imposed deadline for free agents is 11:01 p.m. Tuesday. The contracts of all unsigned CFL players expire at 11 p.m., thus the reason for the late deadline.

Brendan Taman, general manager of the Roughriders, said Monday that he has concentrated his efforts on re-signing Saskatchewan's possible free agents. He whittled a list of 12 down to six potential free agents as of Monday evening.

"The reality is we've signed everyone we're going to sign before the deadline hits,'' Taman said. "I will try to sign a couple (Tuesday), but those other guys are going to hit the market. The fact we were able to work the list down since the end of the season to that is pretty good. We feel we did well with that and adding Gauthier was a huge hit. We'll have to see if we add another guy or two.''

The unsigned Riders are linebackers Sean Lucas, Daniel Francis and Rey Williams, offensive tackles Joel Bell and Wayne Smith and defensive end Kitwana Jones. All of the unsigned players are imports except Smith. Gauthier was available to sign early because he was released by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Feb. 1, two weeks in advance of today's deadline.

While any of the six may elect to test free agency, that doesn't preclude them from re-signing with the Riders.

"I know that we will lose some, if not all of them,'' Taman said. "We've lessened the blows we could have taken by retaining as many guys as we did. If we had guys like (Lance) Frazier and (Gene) Makowsky still on the market, that would have been a little nerve-racking. I would still like to have Sean and Daniel back, but it is what is.''

A total of 40 players eligible to file for free agency. The list includes B.C. Lions backup quarterback Jarious Jackson, Montreal Alouettes running back Avon Cobourne, Calgary Stampeders offensive tackle Ben Archibald, Calgary defensive back Dwight Anderson, Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive back Jonathan Hefney and Toronto Argonauts defensive end Kevin Huntley. Each player could help any team, but Taman and other general managers have to weigh the cost of each signing.

"You go into free agency looking to fill a hole or two if you need to,'' Taman said. "This time last year, we did that with (returner) Dominique Dorsey. Unfortunately that didn't work out. Anytime you sign a guy as a free agent, it's going to be about money. There aren't a lot of guys who are going to go to another team for a lot less money. I don't get too excited about free agency. I do if we had a lot of guys exposed, but that's something I tried to not let happen over the last few months.''

The Riders made two moves regarding imports Monday. They re-signed linebacker Kye Stewart and released receiver/returner Ryan Grice-Mullen. Stewart is heading into his third season with the Riders. He has dressed for 17 games, recording 23 defensive tackles and 24 special-teams tackles. He was hampered by a knee injury in 2010 and dressed for only 10 games.

Stewart wasn't among the marquee signings, but he is expected to be a key contributor on special teams while continuing to learn the CFL game.

"He was playing well before he got hurt,'' Taman said. "He'll have a role to fill and he'll be interesting to watch.''

Grice-Mullen spent half of the 2010 season with the Riders after a failed tryout with the NFL's Miami Dolphins. He took over from Dorsey, the Riders' high-profile free-agent signing heading into the 2010 season. Dorsey struggled and was eventually placed on the nine-game injured list. Grice-Mullen was adequate, but muffed a critical punt late in the West Division final against the Calgary Stampeders. He was replaced as the returner in the Grey Cup game by Weston Dressler.

"There were a number of factors that went into (Grice-Mullen) being cut,'' Taman said. "He's a good guy and did well for us, but unfortunately everyone will remember him for the dropped punt. The kid is a better player than that.''

RIDERS RESIGN KYE STEWART AND DUMP GRICE-MULLEN

This just in . . .

The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today they have signed import linebacker Kye Stewart to a new contract. The financial details were not released.

Stewart is heading into his third season with the Roughriders. The 26-year old dressed in ten regular season games last season and recorded ten defensive tackles, 12 special teams tackles and a forced fumble.

In his two seasons with the Green and White, Stewart has dressed in 17 games and recorded 23 defensive tackles, 24 special teams tackles, one interception and two forced fumbles.

*The Riders also announced today they have released import returner/receiver Ryan Grice-Mullen.

CATCHING UP WITH KENTON KEITH

Former Riders running back Kenton Keith sets his sights on the NFL with Saskatchewan being a backup plan

Ed Kapp
News Writer

When Kenton Keith first signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2003, many football fans thought that the former New Mexico State standout was one of the best if not the best running backs to ever suit up for the Green and White.

Fortunately for Roughrider fans everywhere, there’s a chance that Keith may be back in Saskatchewan for a second tour of duty in the very near future.

After suffering a pair of lower body injuries in his lone campaign with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Keith, 30, decided to sit the 2010 season out – despite the pleas of a number of both CFL and NFL squads that were trying to lure Keith back onto the field.

Now back at 100 per cent, Keith is ready to get back into professional football.

“Right now I’m doing most of my workouts with the NFL, but I’m actually coming up to Saskatchewan on the 18th for my son’s birthday and I’m trying to schedule a workout for Saskatchewan – something to fall back on if nothing else works,” Keith explained over the telephone.

Although Keith is quick to point out that Saskatchewan is, for all intents and purposes, a backup plan to his aspirations of returning to the NFL, the Lincoln, Neb. product is quick to show respect to the CFL and offer assurance that he would be more than happy to be back with the Green and White for 2011.

“Honestly, it’s just as hard for an American guy to get into the CFL as it is for the NFL,” offered Keith. “[The CFL is] pretty well known, now – these last couple of years it’s been getting bigger and bigger in the States. Kudos to the CFL.

“I honestly think the CFL is a lot funner. The NFL is cool because you get paid more, if that’s the way you want to look at it, but overall, the CFL is a lot more fun … When I played for Saskatchewan, it was some of the best years of my whole career, man. We had a real tight-knit team and we were like family – the coaches, the GM, and the staff, everybody was just like family, man.”

A member of the Roughriders from 2003 through the 2006 season, it didn’t take long for Keith to establish himself both as one of the premier running-backs in the CFL and has one of the league’s most exciting athletes.

Incredibly quick, shifty, and agile, with a prowess for making defenders look silly – YouTube “Kenton Keith vs. Rob Hitchcock” if you need proof – Keith was Saskatchewan’s go-to-guy for big plays on offence throughout the majority of his career with the Roughriders.

Statistics-wise, in four seasons in Saskatchewan, Keith racked up nearly 5,000 all-purpose yards and 29 touchdowns, all the while, and perhaps most impressively, never averaging fewer than six yards per carry a season.

Interestingly enough, as Keith explained, his experience in Saskatchewan nearly didn’t happen at all.

“I actually didn’t even know about the CFL when I came out [of college],” recalled Keith. “When I didn’t get drafted to the NFL, I had just had shoulder surgery so I was kind of discouraged and I went back home. I started working a job dealing with mentally-challenged people and I worked there for a month and I saw this Saskatchewan Roughriders contract on my table and I was like, ‘What the hell is this?’ – I couldn’t even pronounce it.

“I was like, ‘it must be somebody trying to get me to come train.’ I didn’t even look at it. I pushed it to the side for two weeks. I went to work, then at work I got fed up and I went on break and never came back … ever [laughs]. I went home, looking in the trash, like, ‘where’s this contract at,’ then I found it and that’s how I got to the CFL.”

After parting ways with the Roughriders following four very productive campaigns, Keith signed a contract to play under the tutelage of Tony Dungy with the Indianapolis Colts in 2007, thereby following the same path as his father Percy Keith and cousins Roger Craig and Ahman Green.

When given the opportunity to play in the NFL, Keith immediately stood out, even in the company of legends of the sport like Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, and Reggie Wayne.

As a member of the 12-win AFC South division champion Colts, Keith primarily served as a backup to starting tail-back Joseph Addai. Despite predominantly serving as a situational player, Keith still picked up over 600 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns.

Although Keith, no doubt, plans on getting back into the NFL – at the time of the interview he was en route to Dallas to speak with Dungy and a number of interested NFL ball clubs during the league’s annual Super Bowl festivities – there’s no doubt that Roughrider fans everywhere would want the former two-time CFL West all-star to come back for another run at a Grey Cup Championship or two in Saskatchewan.

Moreover, if Keith’s attitude towards the CFL is any indication, it seems that he wouldn’t have a problem with a second stint in Saskatchewan either.

“I’ve got much love for the CFL,” Keith said. “I’m actually working out with a guy up here, his name is Courtney Smith and he plays with Winnipeg. I’ve been working out with him for a couple weeks and we just talk about the CFL, how people need to give the CFL more credit, and just how fun the game is. The overall game in the CFL is a lot more fun and it’s not as hard on your brain. It’s less political and you can actually just be yourself.”

HOW CAN WE REPLACE ANDY FANTUZ

The inevitable news arrived Friday when the former Saskatchewan Roughriders slotback announced that he had signed with the Chicago Bears.Photograph by: Don Healy, Leader-Post filesThe Saskatchewan Roughriders are hoping to successfully bear the departure of star slotback Andy Fantuz.

Having reached an inevitable contract agreement one week ago with an NFL team -namely the Chicago Bears -Fantuz is likely lost to the Roughriders until at least mid-season, and perhaps much, much longer. Given his considerable talents, he may never be seen in these parts again, except on cereal boxes or at the 2021 Plaza of Honor dinner.

Someone who is so expert at identifying holes in defences has himself created a significant void after parlaying his finest of five CFL seasons into an NFL contract he has long coveted.

So what now for the Roughriders?

It would be foolhardy to suggest that Fantuz can be replaced. Rare is the player who is capable of leading the league in receiving yards, as did Fantuz in 2010 when he caught 87 passes for 1,380 yards. As a bonus, he is a Canadian, so his impact on the ratio was enormous.

Fantuz's impact on the Roughriders' offence was comparable to that of Ray Elgaard, who was named the league's most outstanding Canadian in 1988, 1990 and 1992. Fantuz received that award this past November.

At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, and imbued with an intuitive feel for coverages, Fantuz was an inviting target for quarterback Darian Durant. The rapport between Durant and Fantuz was especially evident in move-the-chains situations, such as second-and-long. Their chemistry also benefited the Roughriders on the deep corner patterns that Fantuz runs like nobody else.

The Bears' brass took notice of Fantuz's attributes, and wisely so. Their 2010 roster did not include someone with Fantuz's body type, and few receivers in any league catch the ball as well as the Roughriders' erstwhile No. 83. If there is a 2011 NFL season, Fantuz stands a reasonable chance of dressing on opening day, thereby attaining a lifelong goal.

That may be of little solace to the Roughriders and their fans, who are trying to cope with life after Fantuz.

Granted, "notable player leaves Saskatchewan'' is hardly a fresh storyline. The Roughriders' current run of success, dating back to 2007, is largely attributable to the team's ability to withstand off-season departures of key players (see: Kenton Keith, Kerry Joseph, Reggie Hunt, Fred Perry, Maurice Lloyd, John Chick, Stevie Baggs, Rey Williams, Eddie Davis).

The team has a knack for silencing those who exclaim "The sky is falling!''

That said, one cannot automatically assume that the Roughriders will be fine sans Fantuz, merely because precedent suggests that they will cope.

In a West Division where there should be so little to choose between the teams, will Fantuz's exit alter the balance of power? The Calgary Stampeders, remember, were so determined to eliminate Fantuz that they assigned Brandon Browner to follow him everywhere.

The strategy worked, to a degree. The Stampeders were successful in eliminating Fantuz, but not the Roughriders -who defeated Calgary 20-16 in the 2010 West Division final at McMahon Stadium. Calgary's preoccupation with Fantuz created opportunities for other players and ultimately worked to the Stampeders' detriment.

Now that Fantuz is out of the equation, the Roughriders need to create a situation where one of their remaining receivers becomes such a priority for the opposition.

Weston Dressler is the logical choice, being that he is coming off an 81-catch, 1,189-yard season. And maybe, with Fantuz's $160,000 salary off the books, the Roughriders will be able to use some of that money to sign Dressler to a long-term contract extension.

Dressler is not the only option, mind you. Chris Getzlaf flirted with 1,000 yards in 2010. Cary Koch looks very much like a 1,000-yard receiver. Rob Bagg, if healthy, is a fine player. Jordan Sisco has a ton of potential.

And then there is Jason Clermont. If there is a positive aspect of Fantuz signing with Chicago, it is that an opening has been created for a starting Canadian slotback. Who better to fill that void than Clermont?

It will not be easy to replace someone who was recently decorated as the league's most outstanding Canadian. But the Roughriders have the luxury of employing a two-time winner of that prestigious award -namely Clermont.

Over to you, No. 82.



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RIDERS SIGN CANADIAN OFFENSIVE LINEMAN

New Saskatchewan Roughrider offensive lineman Alexandre Gauthier in Regina on February 11, 2011.Photograph by: Don Healy, Leader-PostREGINA — If Alex Gauthier couldn't play at home, his next choice was in Regina.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders welcomed the 34-year-old offensive lineman to their family on Friday and signed the product of Marie, Que., to what is believed to be a two-year contract.

"This is the best place to be," Gauthier told a swarm of media that gathered on Friday afternoon inside the Riders' locker room. "I had a few offers and I was talking to my wife about where would be the best place for us to go. Coming here is a good fit."

Gauthier, a 6-foot-6, 326-pounder from Marie, Que., cited a long list of reasons why he chose the Riders over the other rumoured suitor, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Joining a Riders team that has played in the past two Grey Cup games, Gauthier explained, gave him the best opportunity to compete for a CFL championship.

"As a player, you want to go somewhere where the chances of winning are good," Gauthier said.

"It seems like all the stars were aligned to bring me here. I don't see any negative points in being here."

Neither does Rider general manager Brendan Taman.

"He just doesn't get beat," Taman said. "He's a solid guy and a Canadian at left tackle. There's not a lot of them in the league. He's durable and very reliable."

Taman admitted he has had an eye on Gauthier for a while. In fact, the Riders had worked out a trade for him last season, but the deal fell through at the last minute.

Gauthier has proved to be durable throughout his CFL career, as he has started every game over the past six seasons.

He played the past two seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats where he worked with Steve Buratto, who was recently hired by the Riders to serve as the team's offensive line coach. While in Hamilton, Gauthier also got to know Greg Marshall, the Riders' new head coach.

Prior to his time with the Ti-Cats, Gauthier played for two years with the Blue Bombers, where he was named an East Division all-star in 2007. He also became familiar with current Riders coaches Bob Dyce and Doug Berry.

Gauthier's familiarity with the Riders' new-look coaching staff was also a deciding factor in him coming to Regina.

"It looks like the team is going to be even better than it was last year," he said. "They have a super coaching staff right ... something like five head coaches."

In Winnipeg, Gauthier played two years with Dan Goodspeed, who is now with the Riders. Gauthier considers Goodpseed to be one of his closest friends.

"We studied film together, we were roommates, and we really pushed each other to make each other better," he said.

"To perform, you need to have fun," Gauthier added. "It's like any job. If you go to work walking backwards, it's going to be tough to put a smile on your face and actually perform. But when you have good friends and you know you're wanted there, it's easier to give everything you have."

Gauthier didn't feel as if he was wanted in Hamilton anymore, nor did he feel that Winnipeg sincerely wanted him.

"You want to go somwhere where you feel wanted," he said. "The thing in Winnipeg, I was feeling like they were needing me ... but here I really feel like they wanted me. I feel they are excited that I am here."

Gauthier and his pal Goodspeed will likely anchor the tackle positions on the offensive line this season, with Gauthier on the left side beside veteran Gene Makowsky.

The retirement of centre Jeremy O'Day created a void in the middle of the line. But with names like Marc Parenteau, Dan Clark, Marlon Dukes, among others, on the roster, Taman said they'll like fill from within to replace O'Day.

Non-import free-agent offensive lineman Wayne Smith, who has played in just one game over the past two seasons due to injuries, is still high on the Riders' list of players to re-sign.

"Anytime you get a good Canadian starter, you're pretty happy," he said. "Losing Andy (Fantuz) and Jeremy (O'Day) the past couple of weeks were sort of a blow. We knew we had to go out and get somebody through free agency, and we felt Alex was probably the top guy to get."

cslater@leaderpost.com



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RENAULD WILLIAMS WANTS TO PLAY AGAIN

REGINA — After being on the sidelines for one football season, Renauld Williams doesn't have any intention of being there for another.

The former Saskatchewan Roughriders import middle linebacker missed the 2010 season after trying out for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers. Williams suffered an injury to his left knee during the fourth pre-season game leading into the 2010 season and was waived after training camp. Williams said recently that the knee is fine and he's looking forward to playing football in 2011.

"I missed one season and I really can't afford to sit out another,'' Williams said from Michigan where he was conducting business.

Where that might be remains to be determined. Williams took advantage of the CFL's option-year window to try out with the Steelers, but CFL's Riders still hold his rights. Williams can file for free agency Tuesday if he's not re-signed by the Roughriders.

"I would love to return to the Riders,'' said Williams, who lives in Atlanta during the off-season. "(The Roughriders) are definitely my first choice, but I don't know where they are in regards to the salary cap and all of that stuff. My agent will handle that. I do want to come back there and finish my career.''

Williams is weighing his options when it comes to the NFL. There is a possibility of a lockout in 2011 and any player who signs with an NFL team wouldn't be eligible to return to the CFL in the event of a labour disruption. Williams has had talks with representatives from Pittsburgh and the Green Bay Packers regarding invitations to their training camps if there is a season.

"The lockout thing is really weighing on my decision on what I want to do,'' said Williams, who spent 2 1/2 seasons with the Riders. "I would say because of that, it's 95-per-cent certain that I will return to the CFL.''

Williams realizes that signing with another NFL team would be another gamble, with even more risks than joining the Steelers in 2010.

"I know that I wouldn't get any money up front,'' said Williams, who turns 30 on Feb. 23. "Then I would have to hope that someone gets injured or something like that to get a chance and there aren't any guarantees that I'll be kept after camp. Then I'm risking the lockout so it's probably not in my best interest. I'm not getting any younger and I definitely can't sit out another season of football.''

Williams said there have been some discussions between his agent, Storm Kirschenbaum, and Riders general manager Brendan Taman. They are dealing with the financial ramifications of signing Williams and where he would play in 2011.

Sorting out where Williams would start is a challenge. Barrin Simpson took over as middle linebacker last year with the Riders and led the CFL with 105 defensive tackles.

"Barrin is a great linebacker and one that I really respect,'' Williams said. "He's productive and he has been that way since he's been in the CFL. I don't know if he's going to stay or anything like that. I'll have to wait until (Tuesday) to see what happens.''

Jerrell Freeman, who was among the league's best young linebackers in 2010, has worked out for some NFL teams and his status is uncertain. If Freeman doesn't sign with an NFL team, he would also return to the Riders in 2011. The Riders also have three import linebackers who can test free agency — Sean Lucas, Daniel Francis and Kye Stewart. Williams could move to an outside linebacker if needed, though.

"I can play anywhere,'' said Williams, who dressed for a total of 31 regular-season games with the Riders and recorded 98 defensive tackles and six sacks. "The question is, 'Do I want to play outside linebacker?' I like being a middle linebacker and I've been there for the last couple of years. I like the position and the responsibility that comes with it.''

There has been speculation if Williams doesn't return to the Riders, the Edmonton Eskimos might be interested in signing him. Eric Tillman, Edmonton's general manager, brought Williams into the CFL when he was the Riders' GM.

"I have to make a decision in the next couple of weeks,'' said Williams, who led the Riders in the 2009 playoffs with 21 defensive tackles and four sacks. "If Saskatchewan makes me a good offer, then I'll look at it. I'm open to anything in the next couple of weeks.''

Williams may not have been in this position if he had remained with the Riders for the 2010 season. He doesn't have any regrets over how the year turned out.

"I was fortunate that Saskatchewan picked me up (after being released by the San Francisco 49ers), but I've always wanted to go back (to the NFL),'' Williams said. "I gave it everything I could and worked as hard as I could. I was second in defensive tackles (seven) during the pre-season and had I not gotten hurt, I would have led the team. I had guys who had been there for a long time saying I could really help out (the Steelers). I had a chance and I learned so much. I had a great experience with the Pittsburgh and I wouldn't take it back for anything.''

RIDERS SIGN ALEX GAUTHIER

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have apparently opened the vault to land Canadian left offensive tackle Alex Gauthier.Photograph by: Don Healy, Leader-Post filesREGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders have apparently opened the vault to land Canadian left offensive tackle Alex Gauthier.

Multiple CFL sources confirmed Thursday that the Riders have signed the 34-year-old Gauthier to a two-year contract reportedly worth $130,000 in the first year — including a bonus of approximately $55,000 — and $150,000 in the second year. A source with the Riders felt the money was worthwhile to sign a solid Canadian starter. The official signing is expected to be announced Friday

When reached Thursday, Gauthier said he was still working on a deal with the Riders.

"They made a pretty good offer,'' said Gauthier, who played with the Ottawa Renegades, Calgary Stampeders, Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Hamilton Tiger-Cats during a nine-season CFL career. "I should know more in the morning but until it's all done, I don't like talking about it. I've had a few offers and I'm still thinking. The (Riders) have shown a pretty good interest in me. I would love to play for Saskatchewan because I've heard so many good things about the team.''

Gauthier spent the 2009 and 2010 seasons as a starter with the Tiger-Cats, who allowed a league-low 26 sacks last season. He was released on Feb. 1, two weeks before the CFL's free-agency deadline. It's believed Gauthier made $150,000 with Hamilton in 2010. The Riders are able to sign Gauthier in advance of the deadline because he was released.

The Riders apparently outbid the Blue Bombers for the rights to Gauthier, who is being compensated in the range of what the league's top offensive tackles draw. Saskatchewan has the salary cap space due to the recent departures of slotback Andy Fantuz and centre Jeremy O'Day. Fantuz, the league's top Canadian in 2010, signed with the NFL's Chicago Bears on Feb. 5. O'Day retired Tuesday and moved into the Riders' front office as the football operations co-ordinator.

Gauthier is the second high-profile offensive tackle to be signed by the Riders in consecutive years. The Riders signed Dan Goodspeed in 2010 after he completed two all-star seasons with the Tiger-Cats. Goodspeed and Gauthier were also teammates with the Blue Bombers in 2007 and 2008 and the Tiger-Cats in 2009.

"Dan is one of my best friends in the league and I talk to him quite often,'' said Gauthier, who is 6-foot-6 and 326 pounds. "We'll have to see if we'll be together again in the future.''

Gauthier, a product of Marie, Que., and graduate of the University of Laval Rouge et Or, was the first pick in the 2002 CFL draft by the Renegades. He signed with Calgary in 2005 as a free agent after the Renegades folder. Gauthier was traded to Winnipeg in 2007 and started in the Blue Bombers' 23-19 loss to the Riders in the Grey Cup game. He remained with Winnipeg until signing as a free agent with Hamilton in 2009. Gauthier was an East Division all-star in 2007.

mmccormick@leaderpost.com



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FANTUZ ARTICLE IN THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE

He has his own cereal in Canada, where Andy Fantuz has been one of the top offensive players in the CFL.

But the 27-year-old wide receiver wants to make it in the NFL and signed a reserve/futures contract with the Bears on Friday, putting him in the mix for training camp this summer and giving the team something it doesn't have other than tight end Greg Olsen: a big target at 6-4, 220 pounds.

Fantuz caught 87 passes for 1,380 yards and six touchdowns last season for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He was the first Canadian-born player to lead the league in receiving since 1995.

"It was a tough decision," Fantuz told the Tribune. "I had a great thing going and I was happy with what was going on. In sports and in any business you always want to reach the top level. If you reach the top level, you want to find a bigger business.

"It's been a dream for me growing up in an Americanized community where we watched more NFL than CFL to reach the NFL. That was the end goal. I have nothing against the CFL or Sasketchewan, both the team and the league have been great to me. I'm going to miss them but I'm looking forward to this opportunity."

Fantuz, who worked out at Halas Hall last month, chose the Bears over similar offers from the Steelers, Patriots and Bills. He hit it off with wide receivers coach Darryl Drake and weighed factors like the offensive scheme and depth chart when making his decision. He's familiar with the Bears, having grown up in Chatham, Ontario, not 50 miles from Detroit and NFC North country.

"I like how the organization is tough-nosed and classy," he said. "I see myself having a good opportunity to make the team and I'm excited to come into camp and try."

Fantuz met Bears defensive end Israel Idonije at an awards banquet after the receiver's freshman year at the University of Western Ontario. Idonije was being honored as the top defensive lineman in Canada and Fantuz won rookie of the year honors. He has followed Idonije's career closely and Miami Dolphins linebacker Cameron Wake is an inspiration for all players in the CFL after making 19 1/2 sacks in his first two NFL seasons following a transition from the Canadian game.

"This is a big step forward but I still have a long ways to go," Fantuz said. "I just have my foot in the door. I have to fight for a position on the team now but it's almost like a dream."

Don't look for Fantuz Flakes in the cereal aisle at your grocery store anytime soon. He's just looking to fit in.

"I personally see myself having a good opportunity," he said.

Fantuz helped the Roughriders reach the Grey Cup and was named an all-star for the first time in 2010.

RIDERS MOVING FORWARD WITHOUT FANTUZ

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are moving forward without slotback Andy Fantuz, who signed Friday with the NFL's Chicago Bears.Photograph by: Bryan Schlosser, Leader-Post filesREGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders are moving forward without slotback Andy Fantuz, who signed Friday with the NFL's Chicago Bears.

The Riders have been preparing for that scenario since the end of the 2010 CFL season, which was Fantuz's best in five years in the league. Fantuz capped the year individually by being named the CFL's most outstanding Canadian. Fantuz, 27, led the CFL with 1,380 receiving yards. He had 87 receptions and six touchdowns.

"Those shoes aren't going to be filled because they are too big,'' Saskatchewan slotback Chris Getzlaf said Friday. "Still, we've been known for our depth and overcoming adversity when injuries happen. The team will be successful, but it's something that hurts. It still gives other people opportunities to step up. I know that people will.''

The Riders boast depth at the receiver position, especially among their Canadians. Along with Getzlaf, there is slotback Jason Clermont and wide receivers Jordan Sisco, Obed Cetoute and Rob Bagg.

The incumbent receivers are led by import Weston Dressler. Dressler was second on the Riders in 2010 with 1,189 receiving yards on 81 receptions. Dressler heads into his fourth season with the Riders as the team's undisputed best receiver. The other imports are Cary Koch, Aaron Fairooz and Ryan Grice-Mullen.

"I don't think they are going to miss a beat,'' Fantuz said Friday. "When you have a guy like Clermont, a two-time all-Canadian, who was basically our sixth man for most of the year ... He can step up and play and you won't lose much out there. Guys have been injured before and the Riders have been fine. That's one of the character points of the Roughriders.''

Bagg's status for the start of next season is uncertain due to a severe knee injury he suffered during the 2010 season. Bagg hopes to be ready for the opening of training camp after undergoing surgery before the Grey Cup game.

Koch played well towards the end of his rookie season as a wide receiver and could also play slotback. The same goes for Sisco, a Regina product who joined the Riders midway through the 2010 season after trying out for the Indianapolis Colts. Sisco, a second-round pick (eighth overall) in the 2010 CFL draft, didn't dress for a game in 2010.

Brendan Taman, the Riders general manager, was waiting for the Fantuz scenario to sort itself out before getting too concerned about what it meant to the team. Fantuz had worked out with six NFL teams, including the Bears, before Friday's announcement.

"We knew this was a possibility and we will continue with our off-season plan to replace Andy,'' Taman said in a prepared statement. "We will monitor our options, both within the personnel we have, and with recruiting as we go forward."

The Riders could be more active when it comes to signing free agents due to the departure of Fantuz. The Riders will have additional funds to pursue potential free agents or direct towards their own players with Fantuz's contract out of the mix.

Chris Bauman, a product of the University of Regina Rams, appears to be the best of the receivers available via free agency. Bauman, 6-foot-4 and 212 pounds, was the first overall pick in the 2007 CFL draft by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The Brandon native was released on Monday by the Tiger-Cats, two weeks before he was eligible to file for free agency. The Riders are not believed to be interested in Bauman.

mmccormick@leaderpost.com

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FANTUZ...NOW A BEAR

It appears that the Steelers have helped themselves to Andy Fantuz, who was named the CFL's most outstanding Canadian in 2010 after amassing a league-high 1,380 receiving yards.Photograph by: Troy Fleece, Leader-Post filesREGINA — In the end, Andy Fantuz felt the opportunity to sign with the Chicago Bears was too good to pass up.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders slotback signed Friday with Chicago despite a lockout looming in the NFL on March 4. There is also the risk involved in even making an NFL team, a scenario that wouldn't be in consideration if Fantuz had remained with the Riders. Despite those uncertainties, Fantuz felt this was the time to gamble on one day playing in the NFL.

"I have my chance now and I know that I'm not getting any younger,'' the 27-year-old Fantuz said from Toronto late Friday after signing with the Bears. "I don't know if the same offer will be there next year. The lockout is out of my control, but it's the same situation as the CFL was in last year. I can't speculate on why or when it might happen, but this was the time for me. Everything has fallen in place and it was my best year in the CFL. It seemed like the right time and this is my shot. I'm going to stick with it and (the lockout) didn't even figure in my plans.''

Fantuz landed his first NFL contract after his best CFL season. In 2010, he was named the league's most outstanding Canadian and a first-team all-star after appearing in all 18 regular-season games and three playoff encounters. He led the CFL with 1,380 receiving yards on 87 receptions and had six touchdowns.

Fantuz's performance drew interest from the Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots. Fantuz worked out for each team and said he had offers from four. He picked the Bears because it was the best fit.

"They are similar to the Riders in that they have a strong, passionate fan base and a lot of history in their organization,'' said Fantuz, who was selected third overall by the Riders in the 2006 CFL draft. "They also have a lot of great people. Everyone I met down there was warm and friendly. That, paired with the fact they have a need for a receiver like myself, seemed like a great fit for me. It seemed that I had a good chance of making the team.''

Fantuz signed a two-year contract, but declined to reveal the financial details. He was signed to a futures/reserves contract, which is commonly signed by players not on an active roster in the previous season. It's referred to as futures because the 2011 season doesn't start until March.

"I'm not going to tell you if it's a big signing bonus or not,'' said Fantuz, who would have earned $160,000 with the Riders in 2011. "If you tell somebody that they have a chance to play in the NFL without a signing bonus, they would take it. It's all about the opportunity. Whether players get signing bonuses is based on teams and their philosophies. Some of my other offers might have been bigger, but I didn't weigh my decision based on money. I weighed it on the fit and the team I fit the best. I'll make my money on my second contract.''

Fantuz became one of the Riders' most popular players during his five CFL seasons. He was involved in the community, was featured on a breakfast cereal called Fantuz Flakes, and his No. 83 jersey was among the league's best sellers. He leaves the Riders with mixed feelings.

"It was an extremely tough decision to consider the possibility of leaving the Riders,'' said Fantuz. "I'm grateful for everything the organization has done for me and what the province has given me. It won't be forgotten. Saskatchewan will always be in my heart and my second home. For personal reasons it was time to take the next step and try to make the big show. The NFL has been a dream of mine all of my life and this is a step towards making it happen.''

Chris Getzlaf, a slotback with the Riders, feels that Fantuz has earned the chance to make the jump to the NFL.

"I knew there was going to be some NFL interest because of the season he had,'' Getzlaf said. "If someone made him an offer, I knew he would take it. He deserves it and we're all happy for him.''

Fantuz was in the option year of his contract, and thus was allowed to work out for NFL teams up to Feb. 15. Players who signed before the new collective bargaining agreement was announced in July were allowed to take advantage of the opportunity. That window has been closed under the new CBA.

If option-year players are not signed by the CFL's free-agent deadline, they have to return to CFL teams. Fantuz wouldn't be eligible to return to the Riders if there is a lockout or strike in the NFL.

If the 2011 season goes ahead, Fantuz would be involved in all aspects of the Bears' preparations. If released, he likely wouldn't be available until September. If that did take place, Fantuz would expect to remain with the Riders for the long term.

"That would be the logical progression,'' Fantuz said.

Fantuz said the Bears are looking for him to play wide receiver or slotback. They haven't asked him to gain any weight or change his style of play.

"They told me to stay at whatever my best weight is and be in the best shape that I can be,'' the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Fantuz said.

mmccormick@leaderpost.com



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BIG SIGNING FOR THE RIDERS

Saskatchewan Roughriders' Lance Frazier (15) knocks the ball out of B.C. Lions' Travis Lulay's (14) hands during the West semi-final in Regina on Nov. 14, 2010.Photograph by: Fred Greenslade, Reuters filesREGINA — The return of Richie Hall is already paying dividends for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The Riders announced Tuesday that Hall was returning after a two-year stint as the head coach of the Edmonton Eskimos to his previous job as Saskatchewan's defensive co-ordinator. On Wednesday, the CFL team announced that veteran import defensive halfback Lance Frazier had re-signed.

"(Having Hall back is) definitely a bonus,'' Frazier said Wednesday from his home in Delaware. "He's a great defensive backs coach and I'm looking forward to working with the guy again.''

Frazier has been with the Riders since late in the 2006 season. He shared in the 2007 Grey Cup victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and has been entrenched as a starter ever since. During that time, Frazier got to know Hall, who was the defensive co-ordinator and defensive backs coach with the Riders. Hall spent 15 seasons with the Riders as a player and coach, including eight as the defensive co-ordinator.

"Richie was the guy who taught me everything I know about the CFL,'' said Frazier, who signed a multi-year deal. "He taught me how to play the defensive halfback position correctly. I have a great deal of respect for him and I was glad to get him back in there.''

The Riders are also happy to have Frazier return. Frazier was eligible to file for free agency on Feb. 15 and Riders general manager Brendan Taman didn't want to lose the veteran.

"He would have definitely drawn interest from other teams,'' Taman said Wednesday. "To lose him would have left a big hole in our defence. To lose Eddie Davis (in 2010) and possibly Lance was something we didn't want to do.''

Frazier indicated at the end of the 2010 season that he wanted to return. The Riders wanted him back. It sounded like it wouldn't take long to get a deal done.

"Negotiations are never easy,'' Taman said. "We had some moments that we were worried about and I'm sure Lance was worried too. He had a good representative and we able to get things done that helped us with our budget and looked after him.''

Frazier, 29, had considered becoming a free agent. He had never tested that market in a career that included stops in the NFL and NFL Europe. He was curious to learn what his value as a player might be on the open market.

"All football players want to experience that at least once in their career,'' Frazier said. "That was the only thing that really interested me. As far as leaving there was a tossup because it was the only place I had played in the CFL and it was one that I knew.

"Still, it's home for me. I couldn't really picture leaving the guys in the locker room that I had developed such great relationships with. The contract negotiations got a little sticky at times, but we were able to work it out.''

Frazier has enjoyed quite a career with the Riders. In 61 regular-season games, he has recorded 169 defensive tackles, 15 interceptions, eight pass knockdowns and one touchdown. During the 2010 playoffs, Frazier had 13 defensive tackles and two sacks.

Frazier is among the league's best defensive halfbacks and felt he should be rewarded as such. He did his research into what other players were making and brought that into the negotiations.

"Everyone wants the home-town discount, which is what the players call it,'' said Frazier, who had four interceptions and a sack during the 2010 regular season. "I don't think I was slighted at all. We were in the ball park with the other players and it was fair.''

Frazier has talked on the phone with Greg Marshall, the Riders' new head coach. Frazier said that Marshall wanted to talk to a number of veterans and possible leaders who are returning for the 2011 season.

"I was worried through the whole coaching process if we would get a guy who understands our locker room and what we're all about,'' Frazier said. "That's a huge factor because we've worked hard on the culture in our locker room over the last four or five years. From the conversation I had with him, he understands what Rider Pride is all about and respects what we have going here.''

mmccormick@leaderpost.com



Read more: http://www.leaderpost.com/Lance+Frazier+signs+contract+with+Saskatchewan+Roughriders/4210459/story.html#ixzz1CrqOsqIo

LANCE FRAZIER RE-SIGNS

The latest out of Riderville. Not a surprise at all that Lance Frazier re-signed. He loves it in Regina and said he wanted to return when I saw him before Christmas.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today they have signed import defensive back Lance Frazier to a new contract. The financial details were not released.
Frazier is heading into his sixth season with the Green and White and was scheduled to become a free agent this month. In 2010, the halfback had 34 defensive tackles, four interceptions for 151 yards, one quarterback sack, one pass knockdown and one special teams tackle in 18 regular season games. The 29-year-old was named CFL Defensive Player of the Week after the West Semi-Final where he had six defensive tackles and two quarterback sacks. Frazier also had seven defensive tackles in the Grey Cup game.
Since signing as a free agent with the Riders in 2006, Frazier has played in 61 regular season games and has tallied 169 defensive tackles, 15 interceptions for 413 yards and one touchdown, eight pass knockdowns, three special team tackles and one quarterback sack.
The Riders also announced today they have released non-import defensive back Donovon Alexander: as reported yesterday by the Leader-Post.

2011 Free agents
RT Joel Bell l
DB Lance Frazier l — re-signed on Feb. 2
LB Daniel Francis l
RB Neal Hughes
DE Kitwana Jones l
DB Sean Lucas l
G Gene Makowsky - re-signed Jan. 18
LB Mike McCullough - re-signed Dec. 22
DB Chris McKenzie l - re-signed Jan. 19
C Jeremy O’Day
OL Wayne Smith
LB Kye Stewart l
l - denotes import