April marks the final full month of the Canadian Football League (CFL) off-season and the fans are not the only ones who are anxious to get the new season underway.
During the “Craig Dickenson Show” on Monday’s edition of the SportsCage, the Roughriders head coach said he can’t wait to get started.
Dickenson feels after a successful winter, that there is positive vibe around the team’s building.
“You can feel it right now, there’s good energy. I’ve been visiting with the staff quite a bit.”
A main focus for the Riders coaching staff this month is to continue evaluating the potential prospects in the upcoming CFL Draft.
Entering his fourth season as the Saskatchewan head coach, Dickenson feels he’s more eager to get the year started than his initial campaign leading the green and white back in 2019.
“There’s a really hunger this year, there’s a real sense of purpose I think this year.”
He felt that the Riders had that momentum heading into 2022, but is confident in the team’s moves that were made over this past winter will lead to a better record in 2023.
“I think we got a renewed commitment to doing things with excellence and really trying to be as good as we can possibly be and not leaving any stone unturned.”
The CFL Draft will take place on Tuesday, May 2 and 620 CKRM will have full coverage of the entire draft.
Nelson Lokombo
One of the Riders recent top draft picks who is heading into a crucial season is defensive back Nelson Lokombo.
The former University of Saskatchewan Huskie was selected by the Roughriders with the 2nd overall pick in the 2021 CFL Draft.
Lokombo missed his entire rookie season after suffering an injury on the opening day of training camp.
In his first full year as a member of the green and white saw action in 12 games.
Dickenson said that Lokombo showed promise and potential in 2022 but added that the defensive back has to get bigger before the season.
He noted the Riders plan on using Lokombo in a variety positions in the team’s secondary.
“It’s kind of a year for him to show that he’s a guy who can play and play a lot. ”
The 24-year-old is scheduled to become a free agent in 2024.
Jayden Dalke
One of the success stories for the Roughriders in last year’s CFL Draft was defensive back Jayden Dalke.
The former Golden Bear was selected by Saskatchewan in the 6th round (54th overall).
Dalke made the Roughriders squad out of training camp and would go on to play in all 18 regular season games as he established himself as a force on the team’s special teams and became a dependable backup for the defence according to the Riders head coach.
“He plays with great physicality, he’s not afraid to put his head in there and hit you.”
Dickenson said with more experience, Dalke has the potential to take his game to another level this season.
With the starting free safety spot likely to be determined at training camp, Dalke will likely be one of the contenders for the position.
