A year ago, Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive back Jayden Dalke’s goal entering training camp was to make the Roughriders lineup. Now he’s on the verge of potentially lining up as the starting safety in the Saskatchewan secondary.
In 18 games last season, the Leduc, Alberta product collected 15 tackles and 11 special teams tackles.
Before the Roughriders began camp this week, defensive backs coach Marcus Klund told the players that the safety job is wide open. From Dalke’s perspective, it’s his for the taking.
“Of course in my brain, I’m going to go for number one and I’m not going to make it easy.”
Dalke is competing with fellow Canadians Nelson Lokombo and Jaxon Ford for the starting position.
Earlier in the day, the Roughriders announced Canadian safety Jordan Beaulieu was one of ten players released by the team. Head Coach Craig Dickenson said the move was the team feeling they have improved at safety with Dalke, Lokombo and Ford.
One thing the three remaining players competing for the safety position have in common is that they all competed for Canada West Football teams, Dalke from the University of Alberta, Lokombo from the University of Saskatchewan, and Ford from the University of Regina. Despite their rivalries at the collegiate level, Dalke believes the trio are working together to make each other better.
“I think we have a really good comradery, we get along together, it’s definitely a fun competition.”
The former Golden Bear added, “I don’t think either of us are trying to sabotage anybody, we want to make sure that we’re improving day-by-day rather than the other guy falling behind.”
Even though Dalke is only in his second season with the Roughriders, he’s already trying to become a veteran presence on the team.
Following the conclusion of the 2022 season, the defensive back was advised by the team that he should spend a significant amount of time running. Dalke took the message to heart and soon found himself in a half-marathon in Edmonton.
“A couple of my friends were training for a half-marathon, so then I was like, that’s running too.”
He also spent time working with the Roughriders Strength and Conditioning trainer, Clinton Spencer this past off-season.
There were some doubts inside Dalke’s mind before he entered the CFL Draft last year. After receiving guidance from his father, Ryan, Jayden decided to recommit himself to football. He said his dad and mom, Shannon provide him with plenty of encouragement.
“They’re both very supportive, everybody in my corner has been there for me. ”
Another person in Dalke’s corner is the defensive coordinator Jason Shivers.
At one point last season, the Roughriders had the option of using an American player on the field instead of Dalke because of the ratio rules. Shivers immediately objected and said he didn’t care about Dalke being an extra Canadian required. The Riders defensive back appreciated the trust he received from his defensive coordinator.
“If he’s (Shivers) got my back, I got his.”
Now Dalke is hoping to repay the support he has received by winning the starting safety job in Saskatchewan.
Training Camp Day 4 Notebook
— The most notable name from the roster moves the Roughriders announced on Wednesday was the release of American offensive tackle Kooper Richardson who started in six games. Dickenson says this was another case of the Roughriders improving at the position. “A tough cut, he’s been a good player for us, just a good teammate but you know, we just felt like we got a little better in camp, we want to give these new guys a look in the preseason.”
— Despite drop issues from the receivers at practice, there were a few solid connections during passing drills. Jake Dolegala fired a dart that Mitch Picton caught in traffic. Kendall Watson was also able to haul in a deep reception from Shea Patterson.
— Nic Marshall displayed his ballhawk skills with an interception off Mason Fine.
— After practice was forced indoors to the Saskatoon Soccer Centre on Wednesday due to the air quality outside, the team hopes to return outdoors for practice at Griffiths Stadium on Thursday.
