Today’s positional preview will take a look at the secondary of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Like the most of the majority of the Roughriders defence, there are plenty of veterans on the back-end for Saskatchewan.
Nick Marshall, Rolan Milligan and Jeremy Clark all agreed to new contracts during the winter and will be back with the team in 2022.
One of the vacant spots that will be contested during training camp is the team’s starting safety position.
Here is a look at the defensive backs on the Roughriders roster.
Defensive Backs
Nick Marshall
Entering his fifth season on the field with the green and white, Marshall has racked up 15 interceptions during his time with the Roughriders with five of them being returned for touchdowns. Last year, he had four interceptions in 16 games. He elected to re-sign with the Roughriders instead of testing free agency this past December.
Rolan Milligan
A bright spot in Saskatchewan’s secondary in 2022, Milligan amassed 71 defensive tackles, 11 special teams tackles, one sack, one interception, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and a team-high eight pass knockdowns over 17 games. He originally joined Saskatchewan in October of 2021.
The former Indianapolis Colt was rewarded with his efforts this past winter as Saskatchewan signed the former Toledo Rocket to a two-year contract.
Jeremy Clark
The former Michigan Wolverine also joined the Roughriders in October of 2021 and would go on to cement a spot in the starting lineup last season. Clark had 30 tackles along with a forced fumble in 17 games played in 2022. He has spent time playing both cornerback and halfback positions.
Amari Henderson
The 25-year-old joined the Roughriders in July and played in 11 games. Henderson would collected 31 tackles, five pass knockdowns and one fumble recovery in his first season with Saskatchewan. Prior to joining the Riders, spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Minnesota Vikings.
Nelson Lokombo
Saskatchewan’s first round pick in the 2021 CFL Draft will enter this season in a battle for the team’s vacant safety position. After missing the 2021 season due to injury, the former University of Saskatchewan Huskie had 13 tackles, with one special teams tackles, one forced fumble, and one pass knockdown last season.
Jayden Dalke
The former University Alberta Golden Bear is another contender for the safety position. During his rookie campaign with Saskatchewan, Dalke had 15 tackles but also contributed on special teams with an additional 11 tackles. He saw action in 18 games with Saskatchewan in 2022.
Jordan Beaulieu
A third entrant in the battle for the team’s safety position, the former Western Mustang is heading into his second season with Saskatchewan. He played five games with Ottawa in 2021 after entering the league with Edmonton (2018-2019).
CJ Reavis
The former product of Marshall joined Saskatchewan last August and made an immediate impact on special teams with four tackles on special teams in four games.
Godfrey Onyeka
Entering his third season as member of the Roughriders, the 28-year-old had 24 tackles in 2021 with seven additional special teams tackles.
Devin Jones
The 24-year-old joined Saskatchewan in September and spent time on the team’s practice roster. He spent time with the Carolina Panthers during the 2022 preseason.
Austin Joyner
In 2021, Joyner started in five games with the BC Lions and picked up 18 tackles.
Rodney Clemons
The former SMU Mustang signed with Saskatchewan in January. He has spent time with Kansas City Chiefs and Tennessee Titans practice squads.
Julius Faulk
The former Delta State University product spent rookie camp with the Cleveland Browns in 2022.
Leon O’Neal Jr.
Last year, the Texas A &M product signed as an undrafted free agent with the San Francisco 49ers.
Rashard Robinson
A fourth-round selection of the San Francisco 49ers in 2016, he also spent time with the New York Jets (2017-2018), Dallas Cowboys (2020) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2021). The former LSU Tiger had a pair interceptions during his time in the NFL.
La’Andre Thomas
In three seasons with the Memphis Tigers (2017-19) Thomas had 61 total tackles and and a pair of interceptions.
Kendarius Webster
The former Ole Miss Rebel was drafted by the New England Patriots in the seventh round of the 2019 Draft. He joined the Miami Dolphins in 2020 and made five starts. Webster also spent time with the San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets.
Deontai Williams
A former Nebraska Cornhusker, Williams signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2022 and played in three preseason games.
List does not include 2023 CFL Draft Picks
