The new defensive line coach for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Del Cowsette, may be at the head of a class inside the defensive line room, but he has no reservations about reversing the roles with his players.
Cowsette was hired by the Roughriders earlier this year after Ben Olson stepped down as the team’s defensive line coach.
The 45-year-old had a friend who had a connection with the Roughriders staff that led to an interview for Cowsette eventually leading him to the job.
“The pieces fell into place.”
Before getting into coaching, the Cleveland, Ohio native played collegiately with the Maryland Terrapins. Cowsette would go on to be drafted by Washington in the seventh round of the 2000 NFL Draft. After spending three seasons (2000-02) in Washington, he would go on to spend time with a few other teams before finishing his pro career in the Arena Football League.
Cowsette feels that he can relate to his players with his experience as a player.
“I understand what they’re going through.”
In 2007, Cowsette returned to his alma mater in Maryland to begin his coaching career. His path would include stops at the University of Albany, Hampton University and Air Force Academy. He also spent a season as the defensive line coach with the Virginia Destroyers of the UFL, helping them win the UFL Championship that season.
Cowsette feels his best attribute as a coach is his ability to teach.
“I try to teach and break down the game in a way they can understand it and react faster, give them tools to help their natural game. ”
With this job with the Roughriders being his first one in Canada, Cowsette isn’t afraid to ask his veterans for advice.
“You learn a lot from the vets, you learn a lot from your players, whatever information they can give me about this game, I’m willing to take.”
The good news is that the defensive line for the green and white has plenty of veteran talent. One of the players that he will lean on for guidance is defensive end Pete Robertson.
“Pete is a leader.”
Defensive tackle Micah Johnson is another player that Cowsette will turn to.
“He’s (Johnson) a true vet, he understands the game, he’s willing to work hard, and he’s willing to have those conservations about ways to make him better.”
During the off-season, Anthony Lanier agreed to a lucrative deal with Saskatchewan, and the Riders defensive line coach thinks Lanier is a special talent.
“Getting anybody with that size and athletic ability and the type of passion that he plays, it’s fun to watch already.”
Stefen Banks signed during the off-season after a pair of seasons in Calgary, where the defensive end collected eight sacks. Cowsette is looking to develop the Savannah State product’s game.
“He’s a guy, who wants to perfect his craft every single day.”
Another player that Cowsette is looking to work with is defensive tackle Charbel Dabire.
“Charbel he’s a dancing bear, he’s got really good feet, he plays low to the ground and he’s learning.”
For years Cowsette has watched the Canadian game from afar, but now that he is involved in the Canadian Football League, his appreciation has moved to another level.
“It’s an exceptional game, like I’m surprised this game has not taken off across the world.”
