FORMER KANSAS QB READY TO SIGN WITH RIDERS

By IAN HAMILTON, Leader-Post May 22, 2010

REGINA — Todd Reesing may have graduated from the University of Kansas in December, but his education is ongoing.

The 22-year-old product of Austin, Texas, has spent the past few months taking what he calls "a crash course" on Regina, on Saskatchewan and on the CFL in preparation for a possible career with the Roughriders.

The former Kansas Jayhawks quarterback is expected to sign with Saskatchewan before rookie camp opens June 2.

"At this point, it's looking like that's probably going to happen and I'll be finding my way up there soon," Reesing said Friday from Lawrence, Kan.

"I'm extremely excited," he continued. "Just having a chance to play football after college is a dream come true. Everyone has high hopes for the NFL, but the reality is I was shot down based upon size. I had the numbers and the productivity in college just as good as anyone else. The lack of height and size really set me back.

"But that's no big problem. I actually think the style of play in the CFL is much more suited to what I'm good at — being in the shotgun, being able to scramble around and use my legs to create plays and improvise."

Reesing is listed at 5-foot-11, but NFL teams passed him over in the draft. Some clubs showed interest in signing him as a free agent, but none did — and he thinks it was because of his height.

"It's just a whole lot of BS," Reesing said with a chuckle. "That's the way it works. It's a size-important league nowadays. If you don't fit the profile, it's hard to change people's minds."
The gaudy numbers he compiled at KU couldn't change NFL minds, either.

As a sophomore in 2007, Reesing completed 275 of 445 pass attempts for 3,486 yards with 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions. The following season, he was 329-for-495 for 3,888 yards with 32 TDs and 13 picks. Last season, he hit on 313 of 496 attempts for 3,616 yards with 22 majors and 10 interceptions.

Interested in continuing his playing career, Reesing — who was put on the Roughriders' negotiation list in 2007 by then-GM Eric Tillman — briefly considered the United Football League before turning his attention north.

"You don't really know what the future holds with (the UFL) and how it's going to work," said Reesing, who graduated from Kansas in December with a double major in economics and finance. "With the stability of the CFL and the fan support it has, it just seemed like a much better fit."

It didn't hurt the Roughriders' cause that Reesing got favourable reviews of the province and the CFL. A relative who used to live in Regina raved about it to Reesing, and legendary quarterback Doug Flutie — who came north because of his stature — praised the CFL during a chat he had with Reesing.

"That's kind of where I first learned what I know about it," Reesing said. "He said he loved his time playing up there, loved the style of play, loved the people and just everything about it.
"To hear that from him, someone who may be the best all-time in the CFL, that's all you really need to hear."

If he signs, Reesing faces a steep learning curve. He has never stepped onto the expansive CFL field, he hasn't thrown a CFL ball and he hasn't seen a game in person.
"I'm sure the first few weeks getting acclimated will be tough, but it's the same with any offence," Reesing said. "Anytime you're learning a new offence, you have to grasp the terminology, the play concepts, the motion, the commands — everything that goes into it.
"When it comes down to it, you're still learning football, which is something you've been doing an awful lot."

The Roughriders landed a big-name NCAA quarterback last season, too, but Graham Harrell spent the 2009 campaign on the injured list. This off-season, he asked for and was granted his release — and on Thursday signed with the Green Bay Packers.

Reesing vowed things would be different with him.

"I'm coming up there with the intention that I'll do what I'm asked to do," said Reesing, who'll join Cole Bergquist and Kent Smith — and possibly former Winnipeg Blue Bombers pivot Ryan Dinwiddie — on the depth chart behind Darian Durant. "I'm going to compete for whatever spot I get a chance to compete for and I'm just going to learn.

"If I get a chance to play, I'm going to do the best I can and show that I have the talent to be a starting quarterback. If not, then I'll bide my time and keep working until that chance comes.
"I have no intention of leaving after one year to try to pursue anything else. This is what I want to do and I'm going to stick with it."

ihamilton@leaderpost.canwest.com
© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-PostRead more: http://www.leaderpost.com/sports/Retirement+Riders+Eddie+Davis+leaves+shoes+fill/3058970/Former+Kansas+Jayhawks+Todd+Reesing+expected+sign+with+Saskatchewan+Roughriders/3059602/story.html#ixzz0or43DKMS

DAVIS RETIREMENT LEAVES BIG HOLE TO FILL

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

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

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

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

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

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

In reality, they may have done so last season.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE RIDERS HAVE LOST 10 PLAYERS THAT WERE ON 2009 GREY CUP ROSTER

By IAN HAMILTON, Leader-Post May 21, 2010

REGINA — Brendan Taman is still surprised by the number.

Ten players who were on the Saskatchewan Roughriders' roster in the 2009 Grey Cup are no longer with the team. That includes nine imports (quarterbacks Steven Jyles and Dalton Bell, receivers Jason Armstead and Gerran Walker, defensive ends Stevie Baggs and John Chick, defensive back Eddie Davis, linebacker Rey Williams and offensive lineman Antonio Hall) and one Canadian (receiver Adam Nicolson).

Armstead and Hall were released, Jyles signed as a free agent with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Bell was traded to the Toronto Argonauts, Walker signed with the Argos as a free agent, Nicolson was dealt to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Davis retired. The other three — Baggs (Arizona Cardinals), Chick (Indianapolis Colts) and Williams (Pittsburgh Steelers) — signed with NFL teams.

"I didn't realize it was that many until I looked back at it," said Taman, the Roughriders' general manager. "Some of them were going to be gone anyway, but still, (the number) is a little high.

"The (9-to-1) import-non-import ratio is a little bit skewed, but that's probably good because it means we kept most of the Canadians here."
What makes the losses palatable in Taman's mind is what he calls "the replenishment" of the roster.

Free-agent signing Dominique Dorsey, a former winner of the CFL award for top special-teams player, can replace Armstead. Middle linebacker Barrin Simpson and offensive tackle Dan Goodspeed, two other free-agent signings, could take over for Williams and Hall, respectively. Wide receiver Prechae Rodriguez, who was acquired in the deal that sent Nicolson east, is the likely replacement for Walker.

As well, returning players like Joe Sykes, Willie Evans and Chris McKenzie may get the opportunity to replace Baggs, Chick and Davis.

"Guys like Dorsey, Rodriguez, Simpson and Goodspeed — guys who've played in this league — they're pretty good," Taman said. "That's probably the biggest difference this year. We've been a little bit more aggressive with acquiring experienced, veteran guys who have played in this league rather than going with young players."

Is the veteran-based approach better?

"Well, it's a win-now business and we think our best chance of winning now is to go with that type of guy rather than young guys who you don't know much about," Taman replied. "It might take three or four of those younger guys to find the right guy. You might be in Week 7 by then and you might be 2-and-5 — and it's too late."

The problem with turning over a roster, no matter if the newcomers are veterans or not, is a lack of continuity.

"Guys are used to playing together," Taman said. "With Baggs and Chick lining up at the ends, (defensive tackle Marcus Adams) knows what those guys are doing. Now, not only does Chunky not know what those other guys are doing, he may not even know who they are."
EXTRAS: Quarterback Graham Harrell, whom the Roughriders released on April 22, signed Thursday with the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Harrell, a highly touted prospect out of Texas Tech, spent the 2009 season on the Roughriders' injured list . . . Taman said he expects the search for another backup quarterback to wrap up next week. The Roughriders have spoken to former Bombers pivot Ryan Dinwiddie and ex-Kansas Jayhawks star Todd Reesing . . . The CFL's supplemental draft is set for today and the only eligible player is former Washington State receiver Johnny Forzani — a son of former Calgary Stampeders star Tom Forzani. In the draft's auction format, teams can offer to forfeit a pick in any round of the 2011 Canadian college draft for Johnny Forzani's rights, with the club that offers the highest pick getting the player. If the Roughriders are interested, they're to bid seventh.Read more:

http://www.leaderpost.com/sports/Riders+lost+players+from+2009+Grey+roster+stat+surprises+Taman/3053949/story.html#ixzz0oYnN5fP7

GEORGE REED STILL A FAN FAVOURITE

Legendary Riders fullback George Reed
Photograph by: Bryan Schlosser, Leader-Post files

REGINA — Nearly 35 years after George Reed last played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the legendary fullback can still find a hole.

That will be evident on June 28, when the inaugural George Reed Golf Tournament — benefiting Special Olympics Saskatchewan — is to be held at the Wascana Country Club.
The announcement of the event was made Tuesday morning at the Casino Regina Show Lounge. It was a logical venue, considering that Reed is a corporate event host for Casino Regina. After accepting that position, he moved back to Regina early in 2009, having resided in Calgary for the previous 25 years.

Tuesday's media conference was just one more reminder of how blessed we are to have No. 34 back in this community.

This is a man who, in his heyday with the Roughriders, was involved with 47 community or charitable organizations — at the same time!

Reed's various good works were the primary reason why he became a member of the Order of Canada in 1978. Football brought him fame but, instead of basking in his celebrity, he used it to enrich the lives of others.

Special Olympics is but one of myriad examples. In the late 1960s, Reed was among the founding members of Special Olympics Saskatchewan. More than 40 years later, he still lends his good name to the cause, picking up where he left off a quarter-century ago.

"If you ever want to see a group of athletes who want to go out there and compete, I suggest you watch a Special Olympics event,'' said Reed, 70. "It's sport at its best.''

This comes from someone who played Canadian professional football at the highest level, rushing for 16,116 yards and scoring 137 touchdowns during 13 superlative seasons with the Roughriders. A giant image of Reed appears on the west side of Mosaic Stadium, to the left of a similar photographic portrayal of Ron Lancaster.

The Little General left us, all too soon, on Sept. 18, 2008. Within a few months, it was announced that Reed would be moving back to Saskatchewan. Such news would be celebrated at any time, but it was an especially welcome development so soon after Lancaster's death.
Now that Reed walks among us every day, there are countless opportunities to appreciate Roughriders royalty. Reed and his wife, Angie, are once again immersing themselves in the community.

Although this modest gentleman is not one to invite accolades, they keep coming. One week ago, for example, Reed was presented with the Distinguished Canadian Award from the Seniors Education Centre and Seniors University Group at the University of Regina. Reed was the first athlete to receive the award. The list of 25 previous recipients included Allan Blakeney, Roy Romanow, Adrienne Clarkson, June Callwood and Dr. David Suzuki.

Many of the people who continue to honour or flock toward Reed never had the privilege of seeing him play. You have to be in your 40s to have any vivid recollection of Reed carrying the football for the Roughriders. That is immaterial to younger fans, who customarily surround him. They have heard all about him, or read about his exploits. Much like younger hockey fans are drawn to Gordie Howe, Reed is a magnet for the public.

"It's amazing,'' Roughriders president-CEO Jim Hopson, a former teammate of Reed's, marvelled at Tuesday's gathering. "I knew when he came back that he was going to be well-received and that he'd be popular, but I get surprised sometimes at the depth of feeling for George. We've seen it everywhere.

"Last year in Yorkton, (Roughriders offensive lineman) Gene Makowsky and I had done some autographs and some pictures. We're standing off to the side and we look and there's George signing autographs. The line literally goes through the room and into the hallway. I said, 'Geno, so you think we're a big deal?' He said, 'No, no. George is a big deal,' and it's true. Everywhere we go, George is invariably the one they want to get the picture with and talk to. I've seen him exhausted sometimes, too, because he'll stand for hours, signing autographs and (posing) for pictures.''

George Reed is still out, standing, after all these yearsRead more:

http://www.leaderpost.com/sports/VANSTONE+Legendary+Riders+fullback+George+Reed+remains+favourite/3044371/story.html#ixzz0oLThoXyr

EDDIE DAVIS LOOKING FORWARD TO THE SUMMER

By IAN HAMILTON, Leader-Post May 18, 2010

REGINA — In previous years, Eddie Davis would be getting ready for training camp at this point of a CFL off-season.

This year, he's getting ready for summer.

The 37-year-old Davis, who announced his retirement from the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Feb. 25, said Monday he hasn't felt the urge to return to the game — even though CFL training camps open in less than three weeks.

"This past weekend, I did Henry Burris' All-Star Weekend and that was the first time this off-season that I had any thought or inkling about football," Davis said from his home in Calgary, the city in which Burris held his camp.

"Being around the guys, seeing Gizmo (Williams), seeing Narco (Don Narcisse), seeing D.D. (Darian Durant), Hank and all those guys made me feel like, 'OK, it's time to go play football again.' But this is it, man. I'm done."

For sure?

"I actually had Hank and a couple of Stamps guys try to convince me to come play for them," Davis, who became a free agent Feb. 15, continued with a chuckle. "That's like blasphemy. That'll never happen.

"I'm done with football."

Davis played defensive back for 15 CFL seasons, including the past nine with the Roughriders. Having announced his retirement, the product of St. Louis didn't work out this off-season like he did during previous off-seasons.

Asked what he has been doing instead of preparing for another CFL season, Davis replied: "Honestly? Nothing."

"I've been doing home stuff," he added. "I've been out in the garden, I've been hanging out with my kids (six-year-old Imani and one-year-old Eddie III), riding bikes to stay in shape — just hanging out, enjoying life . . .

"Even if I just sit in my backyard and lay down in the grass in the sun with my kids, I enjoy that."

Shortly after Davis' announcement, Roughriders defensive co-ordinator Gary Etcheverry told reporters he was sad to see Davis go because the veteran DB was still playing at a high level. Etcheverry said he also tried to talk Davis out of retiring.

"He told me to stay in shape, just in case," Davis said. "I'll stay in pretty good shape, but I can't see myself playing again. I did it for 15 years and I enjoyed myself during the time that I played, but you can't do it forever. It's time to move on right now."

Having said that, Davis admitted he may have some twinges during the 2010 season. He knows he'll have to address those when the time comes.

"Once I see some games on TV, it'll really hit me then," he said. "Maybe when the Riders come here to play, if I go down to the game and see the guys, I may get that itch to want to go suit up at halftime and come out and play for the guys then.

"But right now, I'm done. I'm enjoying my life and I'm going to have a summer to myself for the first time in 20 years."

ihamilton@leaderpost.canwest.comRead more: http://www.leaderpost.com/sports/Former+Saskatchewan+Roughrider+Eddie+Davis+looking+forward+football+free+summer/3039932/story.html#ixzz0oHU3w1CU

CATCHING UP WITH FANTUZ

By Murray McCormick Fri, May 14 2010 COMMENTS(0) Rider Rumblings

The Chatham News talked with the Riders slotback in advance of his football camp. Loads of insights into Fantuz is this wide-ranging and well-written piece.

Loss motivates Fantuz;The Chatham Daily NewsFri May 14 2010Page: B1Section:

SportsByline: MARK MALONE, THE DAILY NEWS;Go ahead and ask Andy Fantuz about the Grey Cup. He won’t mind.Enough time has passed since the heartbreaking loss that he and his Saskatchewan Roughriders teammates joke about how everyone they’ve met this off-season has questions.“It almost gives you motivation when someone does bring it up,” the 26-year-old slotback said during a trip home to Chatham recently. “It makes you think about next season and makes you work a little bit harder.”Next season is almost here.

Training camp starts June 6.Fantuz wasn’t always so positive about the Roughriders’ 28- 27 loss to the Montreal Alouettes in the CFL championship game last November.“I probably got a little mad for the first month or so,” he said, “then it was, ‘Use it as fuel.’”The 2009 Grey Cup is remembered for Damon Duval’s winning field goal on the last play of the game. His first kick missed, but he got a second chance when the Roughriders were caught with an extra man on the field.“I was just focused on the kick,” Fantuz said. “I didn’t pay attention to the whole play. I just remember being excited and seeing a couple people on the sidelines looking really disappointed, so I knew something was wrong. Then I saw the flag.”

He was more upset about the Roughriders’ play in the fourth quarter than about the penalty. They led by 16 points before the Alouettes rallied.“When I think about it, I get mad at how we changed our style of play and let them climb back in the game,” the McGregor graduate said.The Roughriders won’t have to wait long for a rematch. They play the Alouettes in the season opener July 1 in Regina.“The fans are going to be pretty insane for that one,” the six-foot-four, 220-pound Fantuz said.

The former Western Mustang is going into his fifth season in the CFL.He’s already been to two championship games -- winning in 2007 -- and wants to play for another ring this season.“I’m looking to make it to Edmonton and win the Grey Cup at all costs,” he said.

“On an individual level, I want to get better as a player and improve my game and stay healthy. I’m going to be focused on everything you need to do to keep your body in shape and be a leader on the team.”He missed five games in 2009 with a pulled hamstring and 11 games in 2008 with a broken leg.Those setbacks came after never missing a game in high school, university or his first two CFL seasons due to injury.He’s worked this off -season to strengthen his hamstrings and increase his flexibility.Despite the injury last season, Fantuz caught a career-high 67 passes for 882 yards and four touchdowns. He had five catches for 67 yards and a TD in the Grey Cup.His Roughriders contract is for the 2010 season with an option for 2011.

He’ll have a window next year from Jan. 1 to Feb. 15 to sign with an NFL team. If he doesn’t, he stays with the Roughriders.“That’s kind of my goal,” he said about the NFL. “If I’m healthy and productive this season, I’m going to aggressively pursue that direction.”He could have signed this off -season, but NFL teams were scared away by two straight injury-shortened seasons.“They want to see a productive season and a healthy one,”

Fantuz said. “Then I hope I get my shot.”He’s been busy organizing his first football camp at The University of Western Ontario on May 22-24.He wants to hold camps next year in more cities, perhaps even Chatham

SASK HUSKIE - TAYLOR WALLACE SIGNS

By Kevin Mitchell, The StarPhoenix May 13, 2010
Taylor Wallace's CFL priorities were firmly established at an early age.

"If I didn't cheer for the Riders, my dad would have disowned me. I definitely cheered for the Riders growing up," Wallace, the former University of Saskatchewan Huskies' linebacker, said Wednesday after officially signing a free-agent contract with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

"I would have been happy with any team giving me a shot, but for it to be the Riders is a notch above. I'm excited."

Wallace grew up in Unity and played nine-man high-school football before joining the Huskies.
He's not big -- he played last season at 5-foot-10, 216 pounds -- but earns plaudits for his heart and work ethic.

The undrafted Wallace was runner-up for top defensive player in the nation last season, and was named the Huskies most outstanding player and most inspirational player. He shared the team's award for commitment to off-season strength and conditioning.

He exhausted his eligibility at the end of the campaign.

"(Roughriders' general manager Brendan Taman) said challenging for a spot on special teams is where I'd start, and to go from there," Wallace said.

"I'm not looking for a starting linebackers' spot right off the bat, but even getting a chance to do special teams is a huge honour. That would be a big first step to take.

"It's all on me; there's no what-ifs now. It's going to be my responsibility to sell myself and show them I deserve to be there. I've got my shot and it's all on me to prove it."

Members of the 2009 Huskies team have forged several CFL ties of late.

Kicker/defensive back Grant Shaw and offensive lineman Patrick Neufeld were drafted by Toronto and Saskatchewan, respectively, this month.

Slotback Scott McHenry signed a deal with Winnipeg, and after the draft, the Blue Bombers offered a contract to Huskies' centre Darren Hinds. McHenry has no eligibility remaining, while Hinds has one year left.

Hinds says inking a CFL contract was the realization of a life-long dream, but he has no problems returning to Saskatchewan for one final season with the Huskies if that's how things work out.

"I've got the best worst-case scenario possible," Hinds said. "The worst-case scenario is I end up back here, and I'm pretty happy about that. When I was a rookie, my goal was to win the Vanier Cup. We haven't done that yet, and I'd be happy to come back and have one more shot at that. Short of an injury, I'm either going to be a Bomber or a Huskie, and both of those are unreal options."

kmitchell@sp.canwest.comRead more: http://www.leaderpost.com/sports/Huskie+Wallace+excited+sign+with+Riders/3022348/story.html#ixzz0noSj7Lye