There is plenty of talented defensive linemen currently in training camp with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Defensive tackle Miles Brown is one of the players that solidifies Saskatchewan’s depth at the position.
The 6’2 320 lbs. defensive lineman is back for his second season in the Canadian Football League (CFL) as a member of the Roughriders.
In his first season with the green and white, Brown had a pair of sacks in 13 games.
During this past off-season, the defensive tackle worked on particular details of his game. He said he benefitted from watching footage of him from last season.
“Haven’t had some real film maybe in the last four or five years, I got to get some really good film against some serious competition.”
The defensive line is considered by many to be the strength of the Roughriders. Brown thinks the group will be a force for the team this season but also believes there are no weak links throughout the entire team.
“Every position group is the strength, every body has got to be the strength in order to win a championship.”
Defensive Coordinator Jason Shivers thinks the defensive line is a strong group.
“They’re very aggressive, they like to bull rush and go through people’s faces, I like that. ”
One player that Brown is excited to reunite with this season is Anthony Lanier II.
“He brings a fire to the d-line that not many players can bring.”
Defensive tackle Micah Johnson returns to Saskatchewan this season for his third stint with the team. Brown will be teammates with the three-time CFL All-Star for the first time in 2023, but he is well aware of what Johnson can bring to the team.
“Pretty excited to be around guys like that, veteran experience, guys that know the game, guys that been successful in the game, I’m just grateful for that experience because I’m sure they want to win as much as I do.”
Defensive tackle wasn’t the first position the Cheverly, Maryland product played in football. He attended Sidwell Friends High School in Washington D.C. and played running back. Brown enjoyed his time when he got to carry the rock.
“In high school running back was my favourite position.”
Besides running back, the 25-year-old played linebacker on defence. He also took some snaps at wide receiver, tight end and played one game as a “Wildcat” quarterback.
Along with his experience on the gridiron in high school, Brown was a member of the team’s wrestling team, where he went 23-0 as a junior. Being involved with wrestling helped the defensive tackle with his conditioning as an athlete.
“Being in wrestling shape in my experience has been no other shape. I love wrestling, I love what it does for the body. In terms of football, you understand leverage. ”
In terms of goals of the season, Brown wants to help bring a championship to Saskatchewan.
“I’m comfortable, I’m excited, I’m looking forward to the wins we have, the success we have as team. I’m looking forward to raising a championship trophy at the end of the year.”
Training Camp Day 6 Notebook
-Head Coach Craig Dickenson said on Friday, offensive lineman Jordan Tucker will miss significant time with a knee injury. The extent is still to be determined, but Dickenson said Tucker it will be a while before he returns to the team.
-Wide Receiver Jake Herslow suffered a knee injury during Thursday’s practice and wasn’t on the field on Friday. Dickenson said they are awaiting word from the doctors on his official prognosis.
-Running back Javian Hawkins rolled his ankle on Thursday and his status for tomorrow’s Green and White game is uncertain.
– Quarterback Jake Dolegala was back on the field on Friday. One highlight from today’s practice was Dolegala connecting on a deep pass to running back Frankie Hickson.
-Saturday, the Roughriders will hold their annual Green and White game. Activities begin at noon, the State of Franchise with President Craig Reynolds, General Manager and Vice-President of Football Operations Jeremy O’Day and Head Coach Craig Dickenson and will be hosted by Daniella Ponticelli. The scrimmage takes place at 3:00. Following the game, fans will have the chance to get autographs from the Roughriders players.
