VANSTONE: Riders' Dalton Bell an all-round nice guy
By Rob Vanstone, The Leader-PostJune 8,
On Day 1 of (t)raining camp, Dalton Bell proved to be the rare quarterback who does not insist upon protection.
Bell was offered coverage, in the form of an umbrella, in the early stages of an interview after the Saskatchewan Roughriders concluded practice Sunday on Taylor Field.
"No, we're good,'' Bell said, cordially.
Then the skies opened up. In good conscience, I could not allow an interviewee to be saturated -- and my column to be washed away in the process. So I pulled out the umbrella and attempted to keep both of us dry.
The downpour was momentary, so I gracefully dropped the umbrella, along with my notes. As I fumbled around, Bell was thoughtful enough to pick up my roster.
So why am I telling you this? It is, after all, a trivial detail. But little things often reveal the most about a person.
He is, I discovered, as advertised.
Since Bell's arrival in Regina last fall, members of the Roughriders organization have been raving about Bell's off-field comportment. General manager Eric Tillman bordered on giddiness while appraising Bell as a person. The quarterback's absorption with film study also earned plaudits, while eliciting comparisons to somebody named Kent Austin.
"I've never met Kent Austin,'' Bell said of the legendary Roughriders quarterback and head coach, "but I guess that's a compliment.''
You might say.
Roger Eberts doesn't watch as much film as Austin. Bell is similarly inclined. Even while on the practice roster in 2008, Bell routinely remained in the Riders' office well into the evening.
"That's something I've always done throughout my whole career, and even my college career,'' Bell said. "I want to give myself the best chance to succeed so I've tried to do the off-the-field stuff, such as watching film and drawing up plays and going through different scenarios.''
Bell's passion for watching film was nurtured at West Texas A&M under quarterbacks coach was Wes Phillips -- whose father is Dallas Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips.
In two seasons as the starting quarterback at West Texas A&M, Bell posted a 20-4 record. He threw for 3,998 yards and 32 touchdowns as a senior after amassing totals of 3,799 yards and 30 TDs the previous year.
NFL stints with the Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks ensued. Bell was placed on the Roughriders' negotiation list on the recommendation of director of player personnel Joe Womack.
After a nomadic couple of years, Bell is anxious to make an imprint in the CFL, to the extent that the Canyon, Tex., product arrived in Regina in mid-May.
"I came up early because I wanted to give myself the best shot to play,'' the 6-foot-3, 210-pounder said. "I am taking it seriously. It's a job. I've been in places before and I've been cut a few times. It's not fun to get cut and it's hard for the family to survive when you're not having a job so, yeah, I am taking it seriously.''
Bell travelled to Regina with his wife, Abbie, and their son, Boston (who turns three in July).
"He came out to practice the other day and he thinks this is pretty cool,'' Bell said. "He's at that age where seeing Dad play football is cool. He wants me to tackle somebody, but I don't want to be tackling anybody.''
Bell would rather tackle a playbook.
"He is such a student of the game and he prepares so well,'' said Riders head coach Ken Miller, who figures that Bell has the makings of a "special'' player.
"He has the respect of everybody on the team -- not that the other quarterbacks don't. He has just demonstrated those things beyond what you would expect somebody of his experience to do.''
Bell is part of an inexperienced quarterbacking corps. Darian Durant, who is first on the depth chart, has started four games as a CFLer. Steven Jyles, who is immediately behind Durant on the pecking order, is No. 2. Bell and recently acquired Juan Joseph round out the quarterbacking equation.
At 26, Bell would love to move up the ladder and find a home in the pro ranks.
"Finding a team that has a plan for you is huge,'' he said. "Hopefully I have found that here.''
© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post
Monday, June 8, 2009
CLERMONT'S FIRST DAY AS A RIDER
Jason Clermont made his debut with the Green and White on Sunday as the Roughriders opened the 2009 training camp.
Photograph by: Troy Fleece, Leader-Post
Jason Clermont isn't getting caught up in the hype surrounding his first official appearance at Mosaic Stadium as a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The Regina-born slotback, who signed with the Riders after being released by the B.C. Lions, is simply trying to settle in with his new team.
The Regina-born slotback, who signed with the Riders after being released by the B.C. Lions, is simply trying to settle in with his new team.
"I'm not thinking about any of that stuff,'' Clermont said Sunday after the opening day of main camp at Mosaic Stadium. "I'm just going to bring my hard hat and go to work. (Riders receiver) Adam Nicholson asked me what it was like playing on the old turf from my high school days ... it's not even the same turf.''
Clermont spent seven seasons with the Lions, who picked him in the first round (fourth overall) in the 2002 CFL draft. In 2002, he was named the league's rookie-of-the-year and was twice selected the CFL's most outstanding Canadian. He shared in the 2006 Grey Cup championship with the Lions and was also named the game's most outstanding Canadian.
Clermont, 30, was released by the Lions on Dec. 2 and quickly garnered interest from his home-town team. The sides came together on Dec. 12 and after a long wait, Clermont made his first on-field appearance with the Roughriders on Sunday. It was hardly a spectacular debut, at least according to Clermont.
"(Defensive back Lance Frazier) was eating my lunch (Sunday) morning,'' said Clermont, who was a standout athlete at Robert Usher Collegiate before enjoying a stellar career with the University of Regina Rams. "He was jumping on everything that I was doing. I would have cut myself in the morning but I was happier with the second practice.''
Ken Miller, the Riders head coach, seemed satisfied with Clermont's first day as a member of the Green and White.
"He's really cool, calm and collected,'' said Miller. "He demonstrates leadership and when he had an opportunity to catch, he caught. We were very pleased with him.''
Miller added that he would like Clermont to be more demonstrative on the field.
"He's really cool, calm and collected,'' said Miller. "He demonstrates leadership and when he had an opportunity to catch, he caught. We were very pleased with him.''
Miller added that he would like Clermont to be more demonstrative on the field.
"He's a little quiet and we have to draw that out of him,'' said Miller. "He will be a great role model.''
Clermont didn't experience any different feelings when he put on a Riders' jersey for the first time.
"No matter what team you go to, the offence always wears a white jersey,'' said Clermont. "I can't think about those things because I'm learning the playbook. I'm trying to get some chemistry going with the receivers, the quarterbacks and to get my legs underneath me for training camp. I can't be thinking about it being weird. I'm here to help my team, get ready and hopefully make the roster.''
That will be a formality for Clermont, who joins a talented group of slotbacks and is being counted on to help lead the crew.
He also adds to the number of Saskatchewan-born players on the Riders' roster. There are 12 on the roster -- including Regina products Clermont, Tamon George, Nick Hutchins, Joel Lipinski, Neal Hughes, Stu Foord, Chris Getzlaf and Michael Stadnyk.
"The more Saskatchewan guys, the better,'' said veteran guard Gene Makowsky, a native of Saskatoon. "I know that those guys are going to play hard. Clermont is the epitome of a typical Saskatchewan guy. He's humble, he plays hard and kicks butt. It's great to have him here.''
The Riders main camp continues today at Mosaic Stadium.
© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post
Roughriders' Wes Cates
Photograph by: Mark Taylor, Leader-Post files
The Saskatchewan Roughriders may be without import running back Wes Cates when their 2009 CFL season opens at Mosaic Stadium on July 3.
Riders head coach Ken Miller said after the first day of main camp that Cates, a CFL all-star in 2008 and one of the team's top offensive threats, is questionable for the regular-season opener against the B.C. Lions.
Riders head coach Ken Miller said after the first day of main camp that Cates, a CFL all-star in 2008 and one of the team's top offensive threats, is questionable for the regular-season opener against the B.C. Lions.
"He's coming off a shoulder procedure, so we will have to evaluate and see how that is by Game 1,'' Miller said Sunday.
Cates underwent offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. A full recovery is expected, but currently Cates's range of motion is somewhat limited. The Riders are reluctant to play Cates until he is completely healthy.
Cates, who was on the field Sunday, is heading into his third season with the Riders. In 2008, he led the Riders with 1,229 rushing yards and scored 12 touchdowns. He missed three games with an ankle injury but was still the team's nominee for most outstanding player.
Cates, who was on the field Sunday, is heading into his third season with the Riders. In 2008, he led the Riders with 1,229 rushing yards and scored 12 touchdowns. He missed three games with an ankle injury but was still the team's nominee for most outstanding player.
"We were in a situation last year because of injuries to our receivers that we had to hand the ball to him,'' said Miller. "We really rode on his and (rookie receiver) Weston Dressler's back for a long time.''
The ankle injury in 2008 created an opportunity for Neal Hughes and Stu Foord to see playing time at tailback. Hughes started three games while Cates was sidelined. Hugh Charles also filled in during Cates's absence. All three tailbacks are in the Riders' camp.
Weather was the other story on the opening day of camp. The drills were conducted under a steady drizzle and, at times, a heavy rainfall.
"We can't control the weather but the main thing we can control is our effort,'' Miller said. "We did a nice job of that. A big part of playing football in Canada is playing in any kind of environment. I would rather have 100-degree temperatures for a few days, but we will take what we can get.''
Weather was the other story on the opening day of camp. The drills were conducted under a steady drizzle and, at times, a heavy rainfall.
"We can't control the weather but the main thing we can control is our effort,'' Miller said. "We did a nice job of that. A big part of playing football in Canada is playing in any kind of environment. I would rather have 100-degree temperatures for a few days, but we will take what we can get.''
The Roughriders completed some transactions on Saturday to reach the league-mandated 68-player limit. Current draft picks, two designated rookies and three junior players are not included on that list.
The Riders released linebacker Carlos Armour, defensive end A.J. Raebel and wide receiver Toby Zeigler. Canadian defensive back Leron Mitchell, who suffered a broken right ankle two games into the 2008 season, was placed on the nine-game injured list. Mitchell recently had another surgery on the injured ankle and is expected to make a full recovery.
The Riders released linebacker Carlos Armour, defensive end A.J. Raebel and wide receiver Toby Zeigler. Canadian defensive back Leron Mitchell, who suffered a broken right ankle two games into the 2008 season, was placed on the nine-game injured list. Mitchell recently had another surgery on the injured ankle and is expected to make a full recovery.
"It's disappointing to have athletes of the calibre we have having to go on the nine-game injured list right away,'' said Miller. "It's something that's lingering from the injuries we suffered a year ago.''
© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post
Thursday, June 4, 2009
JUAN JOSEPH
REGINA — Juan Joseph has already started adjusting to the Canadian football game.
The fourth quarterback on the Saskatchewan Roughriders depth chart asked reporters after Wednesday's opening day of rookie camp at Mosaic Stadium where to stand before the cameras, microphones and recorders. Then the rookie, who is only 21, answered every inquiry from the media in the scrum. Only in Saskatchewan would the fourth-string QB draw this much attention.
"I've just come here to compete and whatever might happen I leave in God's hands,'' said Joseph. "Wherever they put me in is fine.''
Where that may be will be determined by how quickly Joseph can adjust to the differences between Canadian and American football.
"The biggest thing is getting used to the ball,'' Joseph said. "It's quite a bit larger than the one I was used to. The field is also a lot different than I'm used to.''
Joseph also has to adjust to being fourth on the depth chart, which is different from his spot in college.
He was 26-7 as the starter with the Millsaps College Majors, an NCAA Division III program located in Jackson, Miss.
In 2008, he guided the Majors to the best record in school history at 11-0 and the team was ranked third nationally by D3football.com. He threw for 3,363 yards and broke his own school records for touchdown passes (32), completions (301) and attempts (445). He was intercepted just six times while rushing for a team-high 412 yards and four touchdowns.
Joseph signed with the Edmonton Eskimos during the offseason but was traded to the Roughriders on May 15 for popular defensive end Kitwana Jones.
"I feel a little bit of pressure because I heard that Kitwana was a good player and it's too bad that he's not here,'' said Joseph. "I'm real smart, so once I figure out how the offence works, then I will be able to contribute a lot to the team.''
Joseph is still adjusting to a game that is different from the one that he grew up playing in Jefferson, La., before moving to Jackson.
"Hopefully, it won't take that long,'' said Joseph, who is 6-foot-2 and 188 pounds. "I already had a better grip on the ball (Wednesday) and now I just have to get a better understanding of the field.''
Ken Miller, the Riders' head coach, said Joseph looked nervous Wednesday and it showed with his early pass attempts. Joseph improved as the session progressed.
"He has to overcome those things before a lot of time goes by,'' Miller said when asked about Joseph's adjustments. "We'll just have to use good judgment in determining that.''
Darian Durant, Steven Jyles and Dalton Bell, are first, second and third, respectively, on the depth chart. Joseph finds himself in a competition to move up. He's also doing that with three other quarterbacks who appeared to have a good rapport on the field Wednesday.
"That's just part of football,'' Joseph said when asked about getting along with his new teammates. "A lot of these guys are really old and they are talking about their NFL experience. I'm just 21 and I feel like a youngster.''
NOTES: Former Roughriders quarterback Drew Tate signed with the Calgary Stampeders on Wednesday. Tate spent the 2007 and 2008 seasons in Saskatchewan, mostly on the Riders' practice roster. The Stampeders also announced the signing of offensive lineman John Hashem. Hashem, a University of Regina Rams product, was the Stamps' third-round pick (24th overall) in this year's CFL draft . . . Rookie camp continues today and Friday at 9:30 a.m. . . . Veterans report Saturday and main camp opens Sunday at Mosaic Stadium . . . Former Riders quarterback Marcus Crandell made his first appearance Wednesday as a guest coach. Crandell was released last August after four seasons with the Riders and is helping coach the quarterbacks . . . A total of 40 players — four quarterbacks, 24 Americans, nine Canadians and three from junior programs in Regina and Saskatoon — are taking part in rookie camp.
mmccormick@leaderpost.canwest.com
© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post
Saturday, May 16, 2009
ESKIMOS WANTED JONES
REGINA -- Kitwana Jones was a wanted man in Edmonton.
That’s why the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders traded the veteran defensive end/linebacker to the Edmonton Eskimos late Thursday for rookie quarterback Juan Joseph.
“He was the one Edmonton asked for,” Roughriders head coach Ken Miller said Friday when asked why Jones and not another defensive end was sent to Edmonton. “I think (Eskimos head coach Richie Hall’s) familiarity with Kitwana and Kitwana’s knowledge of the defence that they’re probably going to use in Edmonton made him somebody who they wanted.”
“Looking at some of the things we want to do, he provides some versatility,” noted Hall, who was the Roughriders’ defensive co-ordinator before joining the Eskimos this offseason. “I’m well-acquainted with Kit and he fits a need for us. He’s someone that we feel can help our ball club.”
Jones, 27, was more than happy to rejoin Hall — and to be in demand.
“It’s good to go someplace where you’re wanted instead of being someplace where they don’t know what they’re going to do with you or have questions about you . . .,” said Jones, who spent four seasons with Saskatchewan. “The Riders are going for a new look and I wasn’t part of the equation.”
“It’s good to go someplace where you’re wanted instead of being someplace where they don’t know what they’re going to do with you or have questions about you . . .,” said Jones, who spent four seasons with Saskatchewan. “The Riders are going for a new look and I wasn’t part of the equation.”
According to sources, there was some concern about Jones’ size — that a 6-foot-0, 225-pounder isn’t big enough to play defensive end but yet is too heavy to provide pass coverage as an outside linebacker. Jones had heard that, too.
“Personally, I think they want bigger guys on the front line,” he said. “I think they also thought I was too big to be a linebacker. I don’t really get that point. I’ve never heard of being too big to play linebacker.”
Miller said it was “possible that (Jones) may have had a tough time” cracking the Roughriders’ roster because of the team’s current crop of defensive ends.
Stevie Baggs, John Chick and Seante Williams are among the returnees who play the position and Gabe Nyenhuis and Trumaine Sykes are among the imports who signed as free agents this offseason. Regina product Mike Stadnyk, a 2008 draft pick, also signed this spring.
Stevie Baggs, John Chick and Seante Williams are among the returnees who play the position and Gabe Nyenhuis and Trumaine Sykes are among the imports who signed as free agents this offseason. Regina product Mike Stadnyk, a 2008 draft pick, also signed this spring.
“I don’t know if you’d say that there were people above (Jones), but we have depth at that position,” Miller said, “and so we had the ability to trade a player like Kitwana and still have good depth at the defensive end position.”
Last season, Jones had 53 defensive tackles, 11 special-teams tackles, five sacks and two forced fumbles. He also had a CFL-high four fumble returns for 91 yards with two touchdowns.
Last season, Jones had 53 defensive tackles, 11 special-teams tackles, five sacks and two forced fumbles. He also had a CFL-high four fumble returns for 91 yards with two touchdowns.
Jones joins linebackers Maurice Lloyd (Edmonton) and Anton McKenzie (B.C. Lions), safety Scott Gordon (Edmonton) and cornerback James Johnson (Winnipeg Blue Bombers) among the players who aren’t back from Saskatchewan’s 2008 defence.
“I don’t personally have a worry in that regard,” Miller said when asked if he was concerned about losing five potential starters. “I think we’re going to be just fine. I think we’re extremely talented on defence.”
Joseph, who signed with Edmonton on March 13, is a product of Millsaps College in Mississippi. He becomes the fourth quarterback on Saskatchewan’s roster, joining Darian Durant, Steven Jyles and Dalton Bell.
“He’ll come in and compete and we’ll just have to see how well he does,” Miller said. “Certainly he could figure into our depth as we go into the season.”
— Miller said the surgery on offensive lineman Wayne Smith’s torn left Achilles tendon wasn’t done Thursday night as first expected due to the workload in the operating room. Instead, the operation was to be done Friday.
Smith suffered the injury Thursday during a private workout session.
ihamilton@leaderpost.canwest.com
Esks’ defensive facelift an ongoing project
Riders' Smith expected to miss entire CFL season
Rider Rumblings
Full Leader-Post Rider coverage
Darren
May 15, 2009 - 4:24 PM
Smith suffered the injury Thursday during a private workout session.
ihamilton@leaderpost.canwest.com
Esks’ defensive facelift an ongoing project
Riders' Smith expected to miss entire CFL season
Rider Rumblings
Full Leader-Post Rider coverage
Darren
May 15, 2009 - 4:24 PM
Just keep giving away all of our good players!
Lucas
May 15, 2009 - 4:22 PM
Unbelievable !!!
Lynda
May 15, 2009 - 4:13 PM
Does Richie want Wes too? Will that be next Friday's announcement?
Barry Partington
May 15, 2009 - 4:09 PM
What thuh? Jones for Juan Joseph? Are you kidding? Who the heck is Juan Joseph? I'll wager this guy won't even be on the roster at the beginning of the regular season. Are tearing down the team? Who's the next starter to leave? This reeks of rebuilding...why are we rebuilding a 12-6 team? Heaven help us when we face Richie and the 'Moes. Anyway, GO RIDERS GO!
Chad
May 15, 2009 - 3:55 PM
Unbelievable....Why oh why would we get rid of a defensive end with huge talent? What kind of depth will we have if we keep trading our veterans away!! Worst of all we traded for a QB. We have never spent the time to mould a QB. We have always had a QB in the roster who could step up and get the job done when needed, but never allowed our QB's to gain the experience they needed to become a bonafid starter. For example: We traded Kevin Glenn, and didnt fight to keep Burris or Joseph here. Now all we have is Durant who will be good, then there is Steven " one read " Jyles and Dalton Bell. We have no depth at QB. Time to start develpoing a QB and quick.
Ciao Miller!!
May 15, 2009 - 3:46 PM
Who's really running the Sask Rider's, Ritchie Hall? This is what happens when your GM has more important things pressing at the moment than football and your HC knows nothing about the CFL!! In two years he's given away a league MVP, countless all-stars, and the leagues most threatening defence and still nobody's calling for his head? He too should be traded to the Eskimo's since he appears so chummy with them. Depth? Miller...the post wouldn't even print what I'd love to say about your idea of depth..take a look old man, you've provided Edmonton, Winnipeg and the Lions with depth, jerk. This team does not at any level, from coaching to the newest draftee, look like the team that strutted away with a Championship 18 months ago. New coaches, defenders, receivers and pivot. Miller did this to us....Miller should go. Watch for flying beer cans ...jerk.
Bob
May 15, 2009 - 3:38 PM
If you enjoyed the 2008 trend of this team later in the season you'll love the 2009 Riders. Thiis team is filled with newer unproven prospects AND several coaches who have never coached at this or any comparable level !! The verdict for head coach Miller and Etch is not clear yet, either.The lack of continuity here is unprecedented in recent times. Sure there are prospects but how many of these are expected to be all stars in their first season if at all? How many of the draft picks and newer players last year were impact players other than Weston Dressler? Think about it and search the 2008 media guide for people who did not compete well. Kitwana is a big play player probably playing out of position and STILL was the best Rider defensive lineman throughout the season. He played on a deplorable line with under achievers such as Adams and Schultz and the often injured Chick. The newer recruits or replacements such as Bake did not prove able to play. ALL the injuries provided an unprecedented opportunity to audtiton and discover many potential players yet this did not happen. Sometimes the relationship between correlation and causation is blurred. Tillman started strong here inheriting a team poised to win it all just as he has previously. In just a few years this team will have sunk back to the depths. That is no surprise as this is his record. Those who have witnessed the dismantling should not be surprised because spinning a 'good yarn' and building and maintaining a franchise is something quite different. ALL CFL team experience change because of the SMS and various situations. The 2009 Riders are counting on unproven coaches including two who have never coached at this level plus others who have failed elsewhere. It is sad to see how the loyal fans who struggled with this franchise for years will be disappointed once they grasp just what has been lost. To expect so many unproven players and coaches to thrive quickly in a very competitive CFL West is not very realistic. This team will again assume the mantle of the bottom of the CFL and the vaults of the franchise will quickly deplete as the newer bandwagon fans will not have the patience of those of the past. This franchise will make the sinking of the Titanic look like a tea party. Mark my words.
DAVE
May 15, 2009 - 3:33 PM
Why would they go and get a QB ? Our defense is going to be shell of last year. I honestly can't think of one upgrade on defense. Bad move. Our loss is Edmonton's gain. I hope the Riders are as good on defense as they say. We are going to see a lot of 45-40 games.
In Regina
May 15, 2009 - 3:33 PM
Bonehead move Miller, as usual!! Get rid of this goof, depth at DE? Remember the Amazing Sask Defence that kept us alive during our bad injury plague? Well it now sits in Edmonton!! John Chick missed almost an entire year and Kit was the guy. And to toss him away for a nobody who will never start a game in this league is outlandish!!! In two days the Rider's announced two huge holes we'll have and training camp hasn't even opened yet. That doesn't even factor in that we have no QB and our GM is still tied up in the courts.
Bill
May 15, 2009 - 3:32 PM
we will miss Kitwana on special teams, but not on the D line
brad
May 15, 2009 - 3:02 PM
u traded a name player which has proven himmself in the cfl for a nobody that isnt gonna crack the lineup.....an to make it worse u do it in the western division
spud
May 15, 2009 - 2:43 PM
We may be deep at def end but Kitwana also plays a good linebacker position and didn't we lose two allstar linebackers? Bad trade
deb
May 15, 2009 - 2:39 PM
good for eskimos, bad for riders.........i think it's going to be a very sad year! At least we knew what we had in Kitwana.....this qb won't play this year, maybe never.....as soon as he throws an interception or two he'll be on the bench and maybe traded!
dion
May 15, 2009 - 2:24 PM
AS AN ESKS FAN IM LOVING THIS TRADE AND CANT WAIT TO SEE THE RIDERS DEMISE AND THEY WILL FINISH LAST PLACE IN THE WEST AND THEY WILL BE LUCKY TO WIN 5 GAMES THIS YEAR GREY CUP HERE WE COME EDMONTON
Kevin S.
May 15, 2009 - 2:20 PM
I still don't know why or what it is that coaching staff see in Jyles. Media writings indicate that BELL should prosper into a top cfl QB in the near future. It sounds encouraging regarding the depth the Riders claim to have, if they can trade a player of that caliber. I hope the coaching staff are making the correct decisions. Just hope this trade does not come back to hauntingly. I feel that the RIDERS are going to be a very serious contender this season. GO GREEN GO!
Lucas
May 15, 2009 - 4:22 PM
Unbelievable !!!
Lynda
May 15, 2009 - 4:13 PM
Does Richie want Wes too? Will that be next Friday's announcement?
Barry Partington
May 15, 2009 - 4:09 PM
What thuh? Jones for Juan Joseph? Are you kidding? Who the heck is Juan Joseph? I'll wager this guy won't even be on the roster at the beginning of the regular season. Are tearing down the team? Who's the next starter to leave? This reeks of rebuilding...why are we rebuilding a 12-6 team? Heaven help us when we face Richie and the 'Moes. Anyway, GO RIDERS GO!
Chad
May 15, 2009 - 3:55 PM
Unbelievable....Why oh why would we get rid of a defensive end with huge talent? What kind of depth will we have if we keep trading our veterans away!! Worst of all we traded for a QB. We have never spent the time to mould a QB. We have always had a QB in the roster who could step up and get the job done when needed, but never allowed our QB's to gain the experience they needed to become a bonafid starter. For example: We traded Kevin Glenn, and didnt fight to keep Burris or Joseph here. Now all we have is Durant who will be good, then there is Steven " one read " Jyles and Dalton Bell. We have no depth at QB. Time to start develpoing a QB and quick.
Ciao Miller!!
May 15, 2009 - 3:46 PM
Who's really running the Sask Rider's, Ritchie Hall? This is what happens when your GM has more important things pressing at the moment than football and your HC knows nothing about the CFL!! In two years he's given away a league MVP, countless all-stars, and the leagues most threatening defence and still nobody's calling for his head? He too should be traded to the Eskimo's since he appears so chummy with them. Depth? Miller...the post wouldn't even print what I'd love to say about your idea of depth..take a look old man, you've provided Edmonton, Winnipeg and the Lions with depth, jerk. This team does not at any level, from coaching to the newest draftee, look like the team that strutted away with a Championship 18 months ago. New coaches, defenders, receivers and pivot. Miller did this to us....Miller should go. Watch for flying beer cans ...jerk.
Bob
May 15, 2009 - 3:38 PM
If you enjoyed the 2008 trend of this team later in the season you'll love the 2009 Riders. Thiis team is filled with newer unproven prospects AND several coaches who have never coached at this or any comparable level !! The verdict for head coach Miller and Etch is not clear yet, either.The lack of continuity here is unprecedented in recent times. Sure there are prospects but how many of these are expected to be all stars in their first season if at all? How many of the draft picks and newer players last year were impact players other than Weston Dressler? Think about it and search the 2008 media guide for people who did not compete well. Kitwana is a big play player probably playing out of position and STILL was the best Rider defensive lineman throughout the season. He played on a deplorable line with under achievers such as Adams and Schultz and the often injured Chick. The newer recruits or replacements such as Bake did not prove able to play. ALL the injuries provided an unprecedented opportunity to audtiton and discover many potential players yet this did not happen. Sometimes the relationship between correlation and causation is blurred. Tillman started strong here inheriting a team poised to win it all just as he has previously. In just a few years this team will have sunk back to the depths. That is no surprise as this is his record. Those who have witnessed the dismantling should not be surprised because spinning a 'good yarn' and building and maintaining a franchise is something quite different. ALL CFL team experience change because of the SMS and various situations. The 2009 Riders are counting on unproven coaches including two who have never coached at this level plus others who have failed elsewhere. It is sad to see how the loyal fans who struggled with this franchise for years will be disappointed once they grasp just what has been lost. To expect so many unproven players and coaches to thrive quickly in a very competitive CFL West is not very realistic. This team will again assume the mantle of the bottom of the CFL and the vaults of the franchise will quickly deplete as the newer bandwagon fans will not have the patience of those of the past. This franchise will make the sinking of the Titanic look like a tea party. Mark my words.
DAVE
May 15, 2009 - 3:33 PM
Why would they go and get a QB ? Our defense is going to be shell of last year. I honestly can't think of one upgrade on defense. Bad move. Our loss is Edmonton's gain. I hope the Riders are as good on defense as they say. We are going to see a lot of 45-40 games.
In Regina
May 15, 2009 - 3:33 PM
Bonehead move Miller, as usual!! Get rid of this goof, depth at DE? Remember the Amazing Sask Defence that kept us alive during our bad injury plague? Well it now sits in Edmonton!! John Chick missed almost an entire year and Kit was the guy. And to toss him away for a nobody who will never start a game in this league is outlandish!!! In two days the Rider's announced two huge holes we'll have and training camp hasn't even opened yet. That doesn't even factor in that we have no QB and our GM is still tied up in the courts.
Bill
May 15, 2009 - 3:32 PM
we will miss Kitwana on special teams, but not on the D line
brad
May 15, 2009 - 3:02 PM
u traded a name player which has proven himmself in the cfl for a nobody that isnt gonna crack the lineup.....an to make it worse u do it in the western division
spud
May 15, 2009 - 2:43 PM
We may be deep at def end but Kitwana also plays a good linebacker position and didn't we lose two allstar linebackers? Bad trade
deb
May 15, 2009 - 2:39 PM
good for eskimos, bad for riders.........i think it's going to be a very sad year! At least we knew what we had in Kitwana.....this qb won't play this year, maybe never.....as soon as he throws an interception or two he'll be on the bench and maybe traded!
dion
May 15, 2009 - 2:24 PM
AS AN ESKS FAN IM LOVING THIS TRADE AND CANT WAIT TO SEE THE RIDERS DEMISE AND THEY WILL FINISH LAST PLACE IN THE WEST AND THEY WILL BE LUCKY TO WIN 5 GAMES THIS YEAR GREY CUP HERE WE COME EDMONTON
Kevin S.
May 15, 2009 - 2:20 PM
I still don't know why or what it is that coaching staff see in Jyles. Media writings indicate that BELL should prosper into a top cfl QB in the near future. It sounds encouraging regarding the depth the Riders claim to have, if they can trade a player of that caliber. I hope the coaching staff are making the correct decisions. Just hope this trade does not come back to hauntingly. I feel that the RIDERS are going to be a very serious contender this season. GO GREEN GO!
Friday, May 15, 2009
SMITH AND JONES
Just hours after announcing offensive lineman Wayne Smith was gone for the season with a torn Achilles tendon, the Roughriders traded veteran linebacker Kitwana Jones.
Jones, who played four seasons with Saskatchewan, was sent to the Edmonton Eskimos for quarterback Juan Joseph.
More details will be announced Friday.
Jones, 27, had 53 defensive tackles, 11 special-teams tackles, five sacks and two forced fumbles last season. He also had a CFL-high four fumble returns for 91 yards with two touchdowns.
In Edmonton, he’ll be reunited with former Roughriders defensive co-ordinator Richie Hall, who’s now the Eskimos’ head coach.
Joseph, who signed with Edmonton on March 13, is a product of Millsaps College in Mississippi. He becomes the fourth quarterback on Saskatchewan’s roster, joining Darian Durant, Steven Jyles and Dalton Bell.
Juan Joseph
№: -- Saskatchewan Roughriders
Date of birth:
August 26, 1987 (1987-08-26) (age 21)
Place of birth:
Jefferson, Louisiana
Career information
Status:
Active
CFL status:
Import
Position(s):
QB
Height:
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:
188 lb (85 kg)
Jersey №:
College:
Millsaps College
NFL Draft:
2008 / Undrafted
Organizations
As player:
20092009-present
Edmonton Eskimos*Saskatchewan Roughriders
*Offseason and/or practice roster member only
Jones, who played four seasons with Saskatchewan, was sent to the Edmonton Eskimos for quarterback Juan Joseph.
More details will be announced Friday.
Jones, 27, had 53 defensive tackles, 11 special-teams tackles, five sacks and two forced fumbles last season. He also had a CFL-high four fumble returns for 91 yards with two touchdowns.
In Edmonton, he’ll be reunited with former Roughriders defensive co-ordinator Richie Hall, who’s now the Eskimos’ head coach.
Joseph, who signed with Edmonton on March 13, is a product of Millsaps College in Mississippi. He becomes the fourth quarterback on Saskatchewan’s roster, joining Darian Durant, Steven Jyles and Dalton Bell.
Juan Joseph
№: -- Saskatchewan Roughriders
Date of birth:
August 26, 1987 (1987-08-26) (age 21)
Place of birth:
Jefferson, Louisiana
Career information
Status:
Active
CFL status:
Import
Position(s):
QB
Height:
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:
188 lb (85 kg)
Jersey №:
College:
Millsaps College
NFL Draft:
2008 / Undrafted
Organizations
As player:
20092009-present
Edmonton Eskimos*Saskatchewan Roughriders
*Offseason and/or practice roster member only
Thursday, May 14, 2009
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