REGINA -- The Saskatchewan Roughriders may be more spectators than participants in the 2009 CFL draft.

Due to a series of trades, the Riders have just a third-round selection (22nd overall) in the six-round draft, which is to be conducted May 2.
Ken Miller, the Riders’ head coach who is overseeing football operations while general manager Eric Tillman is on paid administrative leave, said there were two factors which prompted the Riders to trade away their draft picks.

“The draft this year isn’t particularly deep,’’ said Miller. “There are some really good players but (the draft) doesn’t have a lot of depth throughout.

“The other thing is, Eric has done a really good job of getting us Canadian talent. When you talk about Canadian players like (Mike) Stadnyk and (Keith) Shologan, the possibility of getting Jonathan St-Pierre and then take into account the Canadian players we have under contract … our Canadian content is really strong.’’

The Riders have boosted their Canadian talent through the draft, trades and free-agent signings. The Riders are believed to have 31 Canadians under contract heading into the 2009 season.

“We would like to have another pick or two but because of some really good decisions in the past, we have some really good Canadian players,’’ said Miller. “If we had more picks this year, we may not have them on our roster and under contract.’’

The Riders may have addressed the 2009 draft in 2008. Saskatchewan took defensive tackle Shologan with the fourth overall pick and centre St-Pierre with the 10th overall selection. Tillman then made a deal with the B.C. Lions. The Riders acquired B.C.’s 14th overall pick for Saskatchewan’s first-round selection (sixth overall) in this year’s draft.

The Riders selected Stadnyk, a Regina product, with the 14th pick.
St-Pierre returned to Illinois State for his senior season and is among the top-rated centres eligible for the 2009 NFL draft. The Riders have St-Pierre’s rights if he doesn’t make it with an NFL team.

Stadnyk, who returned to the University of Montana for his senior season, signed with the Riders on March 13.

The Riders traded their second-round pick in the 2009 draft Feb. 23 to the Montreal Alouettes for non-import cornerback Donovan Alexander. The Riders are hoping that Alexander, who has NFL experience with the Seattle Seahawks, can start at cornerback. That move would allow them to start an import at safety.

The other trades brought running back Wes Cates and punter Jamie Boreham to the Riders. Saskatchewan also traded its fifth-round pick to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for import offensive tackle Jermese Jones. Those three shared in the Riders’ Grey Cup victory in 2007.

The Riders also made some significant additions via signings and trades during the offseason. They signed slotback Jason Clermont, who was released by B.C. Through free agency, the Riders signed offensive tackle Joe McGrath, who hails from Moose Jaw. Saskatchewan also traded future considerations to the Toronto Argonauts for Canadian linebacker Aaron Wagner.

Miller said the Riders have been preparing for the draft in the same manner as they would if they had their full list of picks and have compiled a list of draft-eligible players.
“Part of the reason for that is there may be an opportunity between here and the draft to get a draft pick,’’ said Miller. “We want to be thoroughly prepared if the opportunity rises to get some people.’’

NOTES: Training camp opens June 7 in Regina. Each team is allowed 75 players to attend training camp. Miller said the Riders have 69 players under contract and expects announcements regarding additional signings soon … Miller said the Riders aren’t interested in quarterback Casey Printers, who was recently released by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats …

The Riders haven’t extended contract offers to veteran non-import receivers Corey Grant and Michael Palmer. Grant had been with the Riders for six seasons. Palmer played 11⁄2 seasons with the Riders after signing as a free agent.
mmccormick@leaderpost.canwest.com

DRESSLERS HIGH SCHOOL JERSEY RETIRED

Weston's Jersey Retired
Mar 23 2009 11:16PMKXMBTV Bismarck

He's considered one of the best athletes ever from North Dakota, and tonight, Weston Dressler's storied career became even more special.For just the second time in the history of Bismarck High School, The Demons retired a Football jersey. Greg Eslinger was the first, and now

, Weston's 'number two' has joined his.With his career starting at BHS, and then moving on to UND and now most recently with the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders, Dressler has become highly decorated.But instead of concentrating on his own triumphs, Dressler
spoke of his teammates and the impact his coaches have had on his career.While

Dressler's BHS jersey is being retired, his current Roughriders jersey is being admired.

He won the 'Molson Cup' given to the most popular Saskatchewan player of the year" (WESTON DRESSLER/ FORMER BHS FOOTBALL STAR) it was pretty cool the first few times you see that jersey, with the Dressler on the back of it and getting to talk to those fans is really special too because they're so passionate about the game and they just love watching the players play and you can really connect with them because they're their to support the team and really enjoy the game

"While Dressler is now popular in Canada, his hometown certainly hasn't forgotten him either.His Bismarck High coaches still refer to him as one of the most competitive players they can remember."(MARK GIBSON/ BHS FOOTBALL COACH)

Weston was a kid that we're never gonna see what he did before again I mean he's a remarkable young man and you know a lot of things that he accomplished were things that people told me he couldn't possibly do he not only exceeded that he went far above and beyond that I think some things that Weston is not only a great football player for us but he was a class act off the field as well.

"Its a big week for Weston. There's an autograph signing scheduled for this weekend at 'Universal Athletic.' watch the video save this article / add to your favorites list



Click here http://www.kxmb.com/Sports/College/348835.asp

As usual, wide receiver Matt Dominguez was an engaging and insightful guest on 620 CKRM's Sportsline program last night.The Austin, Texas product was released by the Saskatchewan Roughriders this off-season but continues to workout and make community appearances on behalf of the team in the hopes he'll be signed to a contract for lesser money prior to the 2009 season.

As it stands however, Dominguez hasn't spoken with the club in some time."Not since the day I was released," Dominguez told us. "I had a conversation with (head coach) Ken Miller and there's some things I have to go through in regards to physical testing and route-running and things like that.

It will be an evaluation period."Dominguez has battled serious knee injuries in his time in the NFL and CFL, but he says he feels better now than he has in years."I took the last six weeks of the year off and it was probably the best thing that I've done football-wise in terms of rehab. I just let myself rest. And now I feel no pain, no twinges, no catching, none of those things. And it really just took me not to push it. You're taught to play through it, play through it, play through it but once the season was over and I let it rest, and now it feels great.

"Dominguez is optimistic for the Green & White heading into 2009 with Darian Durant at quarterback. He says things changed significantly last year when Michael Bishop was brought in just prior to Labour Day."I don't think the playbook changed, it was the guy throwing the ball. It's harder to completely change everything on the fly so you try to do things to suit people's abilities. But you can only tell a guy so many times 'if this is the coverage, then this is where the ball goes'.

If he doesn't do it, he doesn't do it. I told (wide receiver) Weston Dressler before he left after the season, 'look, you're not going to have a guy just throw the ball as far as he can anymore. You're gonna have to run some routes next year'.

"The complete Dominguez interview, which lasts 45 minutes, will be available for download later today at http://www.620ckrm.com/Archives.php.

----The Roughriders have sold 1,000 season tickets over the past week, since they went on sale to the public. That brings the club's total to 18,000 season tickets which does not include corporate sales or flexpacks.That is ahead of last year's pace at this time.----

RIDERS SHOULD HAVE GONE AFTER GLENN

By Rob Vanstone, Leader-PostMarch 23, 2009Be

REGINA -- The Saskatchewan Roughriders should have pursued quarterback Kevin Glenn.
That sentiment, when expressed by this contributor to the Leader-Post’s world-renowned Rider Rumblings blog, generated 22 responses from readers.

Five of them agreed with me. The other 17 felt it would have been wiser to invest in AIG than in Glenn, whose signing was announced by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Friday.
My view, which appears to represent the minority, is this: “The Riders’ quarterbacks have a handful of starts between them. Why not improve the position by signing an established passer?’’

The CFL, after all, is a quarterback-driven league. Good luck enjoying sustained success without a premier passer.

The last two Grey Cups have featured teams from which the most-outstanding-player finalists emanated. In 2008, Henry Burris and the Calgary Stampeders defeated the Montreal Alouettes, whose roster included MOP winner Anthony Calvillo. The year before, Kerry Joseph quarterbacked Saskatchewan to victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers three days after being decorated as the league’s top player.

The runner-up: Kevin Glenn.
Glenn missed the Grey Cup with a broken arm, suffered in the East Division final. After Saskatchewan beat Winnipeg 23-19 one week later — during a game in which Bombers quarterback Ryan Dinwiddie’s favourite target was Roughriders cornerback James Johnson — many observers pointed out that Glenn’s absence tilted the balance in favour of the Green and White.

Glenn’s effectiveness diminished in 2008. Even so, he managed to throw 20 touchdown passes in a bad year. The Bombers’ new regime, headed by Mike Kelly, proceeded to release Glenn.
The Riders’ brass pondered whether to woo Glenn, but opted against doing so — demonstrating faith in Darian Durant, Steven Jyles and Dalton Bell.

Durant started four games last season. Jyles had one start. Bell joined the team in the fall and impressed everyone, but did not dress for any games.

And then, of course, there was Michael Bishop.
The Roughriders shook up their quarterbacking situation near midseason by dumping Marcus Crandell and trading for Bishop. Everyone knew that Bishop was a customarily erratic performer, and he lived up to that reputation.

Bishop was part of a quarterback carousel that spun out of control. Down the stretch, THE question in town was: “Who is quarterbacking the Riders this week?’’
Come playoff time, head coach Ken Miller opted for Bishop — who was so magnificent in the West Division semifinal that he was released two days after the B.C. Lions won 33-12 on Taylor Field.

By severing ties with Bishop, the Roughriders conveyed an emphatic message to Durant, who was to become a free agent in February. The promise of a less-chaotic quarterbacking situation helped to induce Durant to re-sign. He will enter training camp at No. 1 on the depth chart.
He is a player of considerable promise, and a first-class person. He also provided the best quarterbacking the Roughriders received last season — albeit in limited duty.

There is a risk attached to entering the season with Durant as the starter. Saskatchewan is working without a net while attempting to remain near the top of a division which includes top-flight passers such as Burris and the Edmonton Eskimos’ Ricky Ray.

Like Ray, Glenn turns 30 this year. He is just entering his prime. He is well-suited for a Roughriders passing attack that is based upon timing and intuition. And, as a Rider from 2001 to 2003, he knows the routine.

In many ways, Glenn is like Durant. Both quarterbacks are highly cerebral. Both are under six feet tall. The difference, however, is that Glenn is more of a sure thing. Durant, for all his attributes, remains a question mark.

The opposing view — heard loud and clear — suggests that, at long last, the Roughriders should groom a passer.

As a reader named Rod put it; “I believe you have written a column or two about the last quarterback we developed — Kent Austin.’’
Uh, good point . . .
rvanstone@leaderpost.canwest.com

RIDER FANS SPEAK OUT ON KEVIN GLEN

By Rob Vanstone 03-23-2009 COMMENTS(0) Rider Rumblings

The other day, I asked people whether they thought the Riders should have pursued Kevin Glenn. Here are the responses, with thanks to all who contributed:

FROM BERNIEDid you now see what happened last season when we brought in a established passerfrom another team? I still have nightmares of that playoff game. I’m sure you could hear screaming from Vancouver: “Take him out, now, take him out.” Go with what we have, they are young and positive.

FROM RODNo we should not have picked Kevin Glenn up. We have several young quarterbacks worth developing. Both Durant and Jyles have game experience and shown promise. The Riders and many other CFL teams recycle QB’s far too much. You see QB movement in the NFL but there it is usually salary cap driven. Besides Ken Miller gave his word to Durant and the fans that we would not go the Bishop route for training camp. It looks like Miller is definitely a man of his word. I believe you have written a column or two about the last QB we developed, Kent Austin.

FROM TREVORHere is my Trevservation, Rob I would be more interested in signing Casey Printers to a performance-laden contract (akin to Lumsden’s deal in Edmonton) as opposed to pursuing Kevin Glenn; however, if the Riders were looking for a QB to play within their system, I think Glenn would be a better fit. Best of luck to Glenn in Steeltown. He’ll need it.

FROM PATI think the Riders did the right thing in passing on Glenn , and for that matter , they should steer clear of Printers as well. The Team set itself back last year with the whole Bishop fiasco - the single big mistake in Miller’s rookie season. The team has chemistry with Durant, a guy they know who’s been around for a few seasons and has had the benefit of understudying Joseph and Crandell. Had he not been injured (along with everyone else) the season could’ve been very different indeed. It’s time for the Riders to develop a QB from within - something they have never done.

FROM RONYou wrote: “The Riders’ quarterbacks have a handful of starts between them. Why not improve the position by signing an established passer?” Didn’t we try that experiment last year? If we wouldn’t have aquired Bishop our young quarterbacks as a group would have a lot more experience this year. If we are serious about developing a quarterback as we did with Kent Austin we are going to have to just go with the young guys as we did with Austin and Tom Burgess. I have to disagree with you on this one Rob.

FROM TRAVI was glad the Riders did not pursue Glenn, reason why is because I’m tired of seeing the Riders going after other team’s cast off QB’s. I really like the QB’s the Riders have right now, Durant has shown that he can start and while he did struggle a bit after his rib injury I believe he’ll come in this year ready to go and will do what he did when he won those games he started in. Dalton Bell seems like a solid prospect and will step in as third stringer if not the back up spot. Bottom line is the Riders need to develop their own QB’s and bringing in Glenn wouldn’t have helped in that area. Hamilton needs him more then the Riders in my opinion.

FROM STEFANI am not too concerned that we didnt go after Kevin Glenn. I like Durant and more importantly Wes Cates likes Durant, Cates gets the ball alot more with Durant in. My concern is that we aren’t really going after anyone or anything. Flashback to the offseason before the ‘07 season, Tillman is making announcements every week about moves he has made, the offseason is full of excitement, and there are Riders articles being run every day. Fastforward to present, Tillman is on paid leave, there hasn’t a Riders article of interest in weeks, the only news one is able to report on is speculation of a new stadium or the extended court process of GM Tillmans sexual assault charge. It is however not the reporters’ falt that there is nothing to report on, the lame duck GM isn’t really doing anything, no players being signed, no new announcements being made. Roughriders fans, the Owners, are deserving of a team that has a competetive chance to win. Winning that starts with a good offseason. One of which the Roughriders have not had. I think it is time to replace GM Tillman, before the preseason starts. At least you would have something interesting to report on.

FROM RYANAbsolutely another wasted opportunity by The Riders. Once again we are the only team not sporting a proven “CFL” QB. Well I guess The Bombers are in that same boat too now after giving away Glenn. I’d imagine Glenn would’ve come here too without much persuasion. Hopefully our new O-Line will give Durant/Whomever some time back there to prove he’s for real, not just a flash in the pan. Who knows, maybe Darian is our next Kevin Glenn...unfortunately for the Riders our best players blossom on other teams. Here’s hoping the Vegas oddsmakers are wrong this year.

FROM WOODYFor what its worth. The riders are between the proverbial rock and hardplace. Don,t sign Glen, then the armchair QB’s are starting to whine. We need a proven starter, we need a veteran to help the young guys......et al. If the Riders do sign him, and he’s a flop, Here we go with last years problems again. QB musical chairs. All the armchair fans, will forget the fact they were whining about not having a veteran. The green and white brain trust for better or worse, have made a logical decision to develop the guys they have. Glen won’t get us to the promised land any quicker than who we have under centre right now. Available free agent QB’s add up to nothing more than a whole lot of blog material for you. Go Riders, and fans, deal with the reality that we are in a development mode under center this season. You don’t buy car insurance if you take the bus.

FROM BRENTI don’t think the Riders should have pursued Glenn. Bringing in Kevin would be eerily similar to bringing in Bishop. If our receivers can stay healthy, I think that our young guys will be fine. I would love to have a QB that there is never any controversy about his starting job. The goal should be to find that young guy.

FROM PAULNo, they should not have pursued Kevin Glenn. The Riders had their chance to have a veteran quarterback (who got along with the future quarterbacks) last year when they had Marcus Crandel. The injury to Crandel showed the promise of someone like Durant and all it would have taken was some guts to run with Durant and have Crandell in the background as support. Supposedly Crandell and Durant had a good relationship and the Riders threw that away on a long shot named Bishop. It is time to take the step of growing 1 or 2 of these young quarterbacks or go find another gem like a Kent Austin but on a veteran team I do not think you necessarily need a veteran quarterback as long as you have a talented quarterback who can grow with the veteran team. At any rate these young quarterbacks are no longer rookies, especially Durant, for some of them it is time they either have what it takes or they do not. Talent is something you have and experience is something you gain. And no, bringing Crandell back now should not be an option either.

FROM HOWARD
I think that the riders should have pursued Glenn for obvious reasons. Most importantly the fact that we do not have a proven starting QB. Durant is great and I think he will be a “starting” caliber QB one day. The problem is what happens if Durant isn’t a starting caliber QB. Then what? Jyles has been effective as a relief QB but as a starter I am not so sure that he can get the job done. Things are much different when a team has time to prepare a defensive game plan. Dalton Bell could defintely be good but he is still young and inexperienced. Glenn did have one bad year but that happens to any great player. I think Glenn has another couple solid seasons left in him if not more (He is only 30). The riders don’t have a true starter and Kevin Glenn is a proven winner. What other reason do you need? I think the riders chose not to sign Glenn because they were worried about another QB controversy. Fact is having two good QBs doesn’t start a controversy. Miss managing the situation does. I like Ken Miller but last season’s QB situation was brutal. You need to give every player a fair chance and I don’t think Darian was given one. Play the guy who is winning games. Durant had one bad game last year against Hamilton and that cost him his starting job. I hope Durant plays great this year andproves all of his critics wrong. I personally think he will be great and hope this is his breakout season. If it isn’t, we could be in big trouble!

FROM RONI was sorry to see that the Riders didn’t pursue Kevin Glenn, I have always liked him as a quarterback. You don’t get to be a Schenley nominee for being average. He impresses me for his intelligence, the fact that he appears to be a student of the game, his quick release, and, for what may seem an odd reason, his superior ability to gain the required yardage on third and short. I also have to admire him for being able to last as long as he has in Winnipeg, given the succession of unbelievably woeful head coaches he has had to play for. In Glenn’s case, it made a wise decision to sign with Hamilton. It would have been a difficult situation to return to Saskatchewan. The same thing that happened to Michael Bishop could easily happen to him, only for Glenn it would possibly be worse because of his history with the team. Bishop was brought in as a veteran back-up, sent into action too quickly when the rookie starters either were injured or weren’t up to the task, and was blamed for the season’s poor ending. Bishop deserved some of the blame, but certainly not the extent he did receive. A decimated receivering corps and a terribly inconsistent offensive line were also huge factors. Glenn could well have the same conditions awaiting him. Do the Riders have the answer to the team’s quarterbacking needs? I don’t know. Durant certainly has the right approach to the game. He doesn’t appear to have a great arm but then that was the same criticism often made about old Number 23. It would be nice to see him succeed. The Riders do not have a history of recruiting all star quarterbacks. Austin was a long time ago, and how far back do you have to go before you find another? Tillman has said that the team was deep in q.b. recruits. Let’s hope so. The receiving corps has obviously been strengthened with Fantuz and now Clermont at inside receivers. Outside receivers remain a question mark. Hopefully Dressler will be able to switch to the outside and continue his great play there. I would love to see Dominguez back healthy, but I can’t help but think that, healthwise, he would be taking too big a chance in returning. (Sign him up as a receiver’s coach. Keep him as a part of the team. He is too much an asset to the team and community to be let go.) The verdict is still out on Bowman. After that there is really no one who would be a consistent deep threat. The offensive line remains an even bigger question. Quarterback pass protection was inconsistent at the best and awful at the worst. Makowsky and O’Day have continued to provide an all star calibre of play. The play of the others has not been outstanding. Import offensive tackles should be expected to play at far higher level than what we have seen over the past season, otherwise why use up import slots for them. Smith appears to have an unresolved injury problem. Abou-Mechrek needs to do more than be a good source of quotes. Hopefully McGrath’s addition will improve the overall mix. Finally, the situation with Tillman remains a concern. It is hard to believe that the present situation is not detrimental to the team’s preparation for the next season, notwithstanding the reassuring words of the executive. The situation needs to be resolved quickly so that management can manage and coaches can get back to preparing to coach. And please, no more references to Taman - the dismal conditions in Bomberville are largely his responsibility. There. You asked for comments. I may have strayed a little off topic, but it was kind of fun.

TAMAN TO THE RIDERS !!!

Saskatchewan Roughriders president and CEO Jim Hopson said Monday it's business as usual for the CFL team's front office.

General manager Eric Tillman remains on administrative leave, but head coach Ken Miller and director of player personnel Joe Womack are handling his duties. As of right now, the Roughriders aren't interested in bringing in another body — someone like former Winnipeg Blue Bombers GM Brendan Taman — to help in the front office.

“At this point in time, we’re comfortable with the staff we have,” Hopson said. “You’re always looking for good people, though, and Brendan Taman is a good person.“Eric and I had spoken about Brendan early in the year as someone who can bring value to an organization. And he will resurface in the CFL.

I know he wanted to take a bit of a break, but you get better by hiring good people. If there was an interest on Brendan’s part, we’d be happy to talk to him.”

Saskatchewan Roughriders President and CEO Jim Hopson spoke with reporters at Mosaic Stadium today. He explained 2009 Rider season tickets go on sale tomorrow and to date, there have been 17,000 renewals from last year.


CBC's Glenn Reid asked Hopson about the possibility of former Blue Bomber GM Brendan Taman joining the Green & White given current GM Eric Tillman's legal situation.
Hopson said they discussed Taman joining the club when he was let go in Winnipeg at the end of last season, and if he's interested in returning to Saskatchewan, he should give Hopson a call.

Jim would be interested in speaking with Brendan about the possibilities.....

As a favour to my friend Matt Dominguez, we're live on location for 620 CKRM today at an Exit Realty Fusion show home at 5111 Holash Way in Regina.

Matt is an agent for Exit Realty but rest assured Rider fans, The Big D plans to be in Green & White in 2009!
at 3/15/2009 3 comments

RIDERS TO SIGN CANADIAN - US COLLEGE GRAD

Watch for the Riders to announce the signing of NI DL Michael Stadnyk soon (pictured here courtesy The Missoulian).

It's a 2 + 1 deal.He played at Montana but is a Regina product. Sounds like he's got a real future here.

Saskatchewan Roughrider head coach Ken Miller announced today they have signed non-import defensive end Michael Stadnyk. Financial terms of the contract were not released.

Stadnyk (6’4 – 248 lbs) was drafted by the Riders is the second round (14th overall) in the 2008 CFL Canadian Draft. The Regina product played four seasons at Montana. In the last two seasons as a starter with the Grizzles, Stadnyk tallied 35 solo tackles, 11 quarterback sacks and six passes defended.

The Miller High School graduate was selected as All-Big Sky Conference Honourable Mention in each of his last two seasons.With the addition of Stadnyk, the Riders now have eight Saskatchewan born players on their rosters – five of which were born and raised in Regina.

More Rider News

As an employee of Investors Group Financial Services in Regina, Mike Abou-Mechrek helps young families plan for their futures.

His own future, however, is up in the air.

Abou-Mechrek, who spent the past two seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, has been a CFL free agent since Feb. 15. The veteran offensive lineman said he has spoken to three teams since then and talks are ongoing with two of them.

"I have some options, but I'm not looking to go and start off new somewhere else," said Abou-Mechrek, a 33-year-old product of Toronto who has played 10 CFL seasons.

"I've been here for a couple of years, feel really comfortable in the community, just the way of life. It's a good place to raise a family. And I've started with Investors Group, so the ball's rolling and things are going very well for me right now.

"Maybe I've got two more years left to play, but I'm not going to sacrifice my family's happiness for me getting a couple years of grinding my body down."
Abou-Mechrek and his wife Kathie have a 21/2-year-old daughter, Myia.

Mike spent the first three seasons of his career with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers before joining the Ottawa Renegades for three seasons. After returning to Winnipeg for two more campaigns, he signed with Saskatchewan in 2007.

"I've had a great career," he said. "I hope it's not over, but I'm not just going to play football just to satisfy some boyhood need. I love the game, it's been great to me, but my first commitment is to my family.

"If a situation comes along that's good for us, I'll take it. But right now the only opportunities that have come are kind of a backup, locker-room kind of guy. I don't really know how to (be a backup). I've always been a starter."

That likely wouldn't be the case in Regina. Asked if the Roughriders have closed the door on his return, Abou-Mechrek replied: "The door's closed, but it's not locked.

"They said something might come up in training camp," he continued. "We'll see how things go. They told me to keep in shape. But we have -- I'm going to say 'we' because I'm a little attached -- a lot of young guys and they've got to play.

"These young guys aren't going to get better by watching me play anymore. Marc Parenteau is probably going to be the starter (at guard) and he's probably my best friend on the team, so I'm excited for him."

That said, Abou-Mechrek isn't ready to throw in the towel just yet.

"The league's been good to me -- I don't feel like they owe me anything -- but I know I can help someone," he said. "I'm better than a lot of guys out there. But if management wants to go in a different direction, there's nothing you can do about that.

"I'm really good and I will be really good, but if they don't want me to be good for them, there's nothing I can do."

MORE RIDERS SIGNINGS

RIDERS SIGN THREE ON THE DEFENSIVE SIDE

Saskatchewan Roughrider head coach Ken Miller announced today they have signed three players to the defence

– import defensive back Chris McKenzie, import linebacker Jerrell Freeman and non-import defensive back Brady Browne. Financial terms of the contracts were not released.

McKenzie (5’9” – 190 lbs) was a two year starter at Arizona State where he accumulated 61 tackles, 11 pass break-ups and three interceptions. At the conclusion of his senior year, McKenzie attended the NFL Combine where he recorded 4.32 in the 40-yard dash – a time which tied the sixth fastest time in combine history. Prior to heading to ASU, the New York City native spent two seasons at Glendale Junior College where he received many accolades including being named first-team All-American and Region-1 Player of the Year. In 2005, McKenzie signed as a free agent with the NFL’s Houston Texans and went on to spend three seasons with the team. In his rookie year he dressed in three games tallying four tackles and one quarterback sack. In 2008, the defensive back played with the AFL’s Arizona Rattlers.

Freeman (6’0” – 220lbs) played four seasons at Mary Hardin-Baylor where he finished as the school’s career leader in tackles and was named the American Southwest Conference Player of the Year four times. In his senior year he had 59 tackles, 18 tackles for a loss and six quarterback sacks. In 2008, the linebacker signed as a free agent with the NFL’s Tennessee Titans – making him the first player from Mary Hardin-Baylor to get a shot in the NFL. The Waco, TX native was released by the team later that season.

Browne (5’10 – 200 lbs) – played four years at the University of Manitoba. In his senior year the defensive back recorded 24 tackles and two interceptions for the Vanier Cup Champions. He was also named a Canada West All-Star and a CIS second-team All-Canadian that same season. The Burnaby, B.C. native was selected in the 5th round (38th overall) by the B.C. Lions in the 2008 CFL Canadian Draft and spent the 2008 season on the Leos practice roster.
Posted by Mitchell Blair at 9:45 AM 0 comments

RIDERS SIGN TWO ON THE DEFENSE

RIDERS ADD TWO ON DEFENCESaskatchewan Roughrider head coach Ken Miller announced today they have signed import defensive end A.J. Raebel and import defensive tackle David Patterson.

Financial details of the contracts were not released.Raebel (6’5” – 245 lbs) spent four seasons at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater where he finished as the school’s all time career defence leader with 193 solo tackles. He also rallied for 15 quarterback sacks and 41 tackles for a loss in his time at Wisconsin-Whitewater. The Cary Grove, IL product led the team to a 2007 national championship with 111 tackles including 61 solo tackles. In 2008, Raebel signed as a free agent with the Minnesota Vikings.

Patterson (6’2” – 280 lbs) was a two year starter at Ohio State where he accumulated 50 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss and eight quarterback sacks. He was an all-conference performer in his senior season. The Warrensville Heights, OH product signed with the Atlanta Falcons where he spent the 2007 season on the team’s injured reserve list with a foot injury.

INTERVIEW WITH SCOTT SCHULTZ

Popular Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive tackle Scott Schultz was on 620 CKRM's Sportsline last night. Here's the interview:

CKRM: How's your winter been Schultzie?SCHULTZ: You know, cold and hot. Hot and cold.CKRM: Where've you been?SCHULTZ: I just got back from a pleasure trip.CKRM: Where to?SCHULTZ: I took my mother-in-law to the airport!CKRM: Maybe you should consider being a stand-up comedian when your career is done....SCHULTZ: I just flew in from Moose Jaw and man are my arms tired!!

CKRM: What do you think of the Multiplex vote in your hometown of Moose Jaw??SCHULTZ: It's great! It'll greatly help out my mayoral candidacy.CKRM: The Riders big free agent signing was offensive lineman Joe McGrath, another Moose Jaw product. But you said you don't know him?SCHULTZ: I've met him and ran into him on the field but when he was coming into high school, I was out and gone to college for a year or two. Our paths never really crossed athletically in Moose Jaw but I just think it's great to have another good guy on the team, and it shows that little Moose Jaw can produce some good players.

CKRM: What have you guys been doing in the off-season?SCHULTZ: For me, I've been doing some speaking on the grapefruit circuit. Still heavily involved in commercial insurance and AG, and TRAINING! We're 13 weeks away from training camp.CKRM: That's the mood regarding the upcoming season?SCHULTZ: It's hopeful. A lot of the guys, with some of the signings like Clermont, a lot of guys have been going in and talking to new defensive coordinator Gary Etcheverry. We're trying to get our heads around a new defensive scheme. I think everyone's excited with the changes.

CKRM: Are you nearing the end of your career?SCHULTZ: I'd say a couple more years. I'm going to be 31 this year but I've been around for quite a few years in the old system but coach Etcheverry only wants old dogs if they can learn new tricks. So we need to be able to be mentally flexible with a coach like Etch.

CKRM: Looking forward to having a healthy John Chick beside you on the defensive line this year?SCHULTZ: Oh yeah. He's helped me and Chunky Adams out. Having him in there makes the other team decide who they have to double-team. With Etcheverry's system and what we're going to do, it's going to be tough on offensive lines to stop us. John's just an animal on his own.

CKRM: Etcheverry was involved last year, but to what extent?SCHULTZ: He helped out big time when Ron Estay had his health issues. But in the beginning it was just quality control, making sure things were humming along. As time went on he implemented a few things and I'll be honest, I was hesitant, but once you get your head around it, it worked out pretty well for us.

CKRM: Richie Hall's moved on. What do you think about that?SCHULTZ: It's tough. Richie was a great coordinator and we had great defenses over the years. But he finally got his chance and there's no ill feelings for him getting that.CKRM: Are you surprised QB Kevin Glenn was released in Winnipeg?SCHULTZ: Nothing surprises me with personnel in this league. It's a small league and GMs out there are trying to tighten up their teams and win a Grey Cup. It's part of the business. He'll land on his feet somewhere.

CKRM: The Bombers are high on QB Stefan Lefors. Has he shown that much?SCHULTZ: Yah. Guys just need to get on tape and market themselves on tape. It's about what you do individually more these days than what you do as a team.CALLER: Who would you rather have on your team: Kevin Glenn or Casey Printers?SCHULTZ: With Printers, there's always that big play possibility. He was an MVP of the league. But I played with Kevin Glenn and he's a steady eddy guy and he's shown that. I'd welcome anyone into the fold as long as they're team oriented and they work hard. I've sacked both of them, I've knocked Printers out of a game before. Glenn smacks of Danny McManus but they both pose problems.

CKRM: How do you feel about Darian Durant?SCHULTZ: Double-D is a great guy. The way he carries himself, his intelligence, he's a leader. He has opinions and a perspective, he wants to lead, and that rubs off on guys.CALLER: How would you feel about a CFL team in North Dakota getting a team since you played at UND?SCHULTZ: I don't know. I have mixed feelings on that. Weston Dressler will tell you, he's from Bismarck, ND that there's people in Minot and Bismarck that don't even know where Regina is or that there's a CFL. It depends. If it's marketed well, then some of the border cities could have a team but you'd be in tough because it's still not the NFL. I don't see them getting behind it.

CKRM (LYNCH): The cockiest people in the CFL are from Calgary and they're talking about going 18-0 this year. How do you feel about that Scott?SCHULTZ: They've got a good team. I don't think anyone goes 18-0, knock on wood. You're going to have injuries and things. Are they beatable? Yes. Can they win games? They've proven it. No one's unbeatable.----

While I've got you here, Matt Dominguez asked me last night to promote his spring football camp. The website is:http://www.mattdfootballcamp.com/Proudly supported by rodpedersen.com!
at 3/10/2009 2 comments