10 questions for Roughriders training camp

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The Saskatchewan Roughriders are back on the field as 2023 training camp is officially underway.  

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After a 6-12 season last year, the Green and White made plenty of moves this off-season, as the team looks to get back on track after the disappointing year. And while general manager Jeremy O’Day and head coach Craig Dickenson are back — in the last year of their contracts — the Riders leadership group on the field has changed dramatically. 

The Green and White officially begin the 2023 season on June 11 when the team travels to Edmonton to take on the Elks in Week 1, but before then, here are 10 positional questions that need to be answered during training camp:

Offensive line 

It’s no secret the Riders offensive line was their weakness last season and O’Day addressed that this off-season with a number of free agent signings. The Riders have seven American offensive linemen in camp to fill the two vacant tackle positions. In the interior, Peter Godber is expected to take Dan Clark’s spot at centre with Evan Johnson, Logan Ferland and Philip Blake competing for the two guard spots. Blake might also be considered at tackle. Less proven Canadians Logan Bandy, Zack Fry and Diego Alatorre Montoya could also add to the competition with good camps. 

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Starting safety 

With the Riders electing to not bring back Mike Edem, the starting safety job is up for grabs heading into camp. Traditionally a Canadian spot, it looks like Jayden Dalke, Nelson Lokombo, Jordan Beaulieu and Godfrey Onyeka will be in the mix, potentially along with 2023 draft pick and Regina product Jaxon Ford. 

Quarterback 

There’s no question about who will start but instead how long will it take for Trevor Harris to adjust to his new team after replacing Cody Fajardo this off-season. Harris is a proven veteran of 161 career CFL games, but he will be adjusting to a new offensive coordinator, a new offensive line and a new group of receivers. Plus, can Mason Fine return as the backup or will one of the others replace him?

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Offensive coordinator 

Kelly Jeffrey is in his first season as an offensive coordinator in the CFL after serving as the Riders running backs coach last season. How does the long-time football man do in his first year running an offense? Can he get on the same page as Harris right away and develop a high-powered attack? 

American receivers 

It’s a completely new-look group this year. With Duke Williams, Shaq Evans and Kyran Moore all gone, the Riders brought in American veterans Derel Walker, Jake Wieneke and slightly less proven Shawn Bane Jr. Who will rise to the top of this group? 

Canadian receivers 

With Kian Schaffer-Baker expected to miss the first half of the season recovering from hip surgery, who will take his spot in the lineup? The Riders will likely start two Canadians at receiver and with Brayden Lenius likely grabbing one spot, will it be newcomer Juwan Brescacin, Mitch Picton or Sam Emilus taking the other? Or could an American receiver force the Riders to adjust the ratio? 

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Defensive backs 

Starters Nick Marshall, Jeremy Clark and Rolan Milligan are all returning, which means three out of the four defensive back spots are likely spoken for. Also coming back this year are Amari Henderson, who played 11 games last year, and C.J. Reavis, who appeared in four games. Now we see who rises to the top and earns a starting job? Could it be one of the two returnees or maybe a newcomer? 

Linebackers  

The linebackers were spectacular for the Riders last season, however Darnell Sankey has moved on to the XFL meaning Larry Dean will move to middle linebacker with Micah Teitz coming back from injury to assume his weak-side position. On the strong side, Derrick Moncrief will look to build on what’s been an outstanding CFL career already. Can this group be as good as the trio that played in 2022?

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Canadian linebacker 

Speaking of Teitz, how will the Riders 2021 Most Outstanding Canadian look in camp after missing all of last season with an injury? The Riders plan on starting a Canadian at this spot so it’s Teitz’ job to lose. How much rust will he need to shake off after a year of not playing?

Defensive line 

With neither A.C. Leonard nor Charleston Hughes returning, the leadership could look different for this group. But Pete Robertson is healthy again, Anthony Lanier is back and free agent signings Micah Johnson and Stefan Banks are now with the team, so any questions with this group seem to have already been answered. The only question is how they get all of these guys, along with first-round pick Lake Korte-Moore, enough playing time.