With rookie camp set to begin on Wednesday, the Saskatchewan Roughriders have locked up the majority of their 2023 CFL Draft class.
On Monday, the club announced the signings of DL Lake Korte-Moore, DB Jaxon Ford, LB Matt Dean, RB Thomas Bertrand-Hudon, OL Evan Floren and LB Nick Thomas.
Saskatchewan also added National WR James Basalyga and FB Morgan Runge to their roster.
Korte-Moore (6’4-262) was selected by the Roughriders in the first round of the 2023 CFL Draft with the third overall pick. He spent four collegiate seasons (2018-22) at the University of British Columbia recording 110 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, two interceptions, eight pass knockdowns, and three forced fumbles over 34 games.
Ford (6’0-199) joins Saskatchewan after being selected in the second round with the 11th overall pick. He played four seasons (2018-22) at the University of Regina. In 29 games, the 22-year-old recorded 130 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, one sack, five interceptions, 11 pass knockdowns, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one blocked kick. In 2022, Ford started all eight games at safety for the Rams and earned U SPORTS Second-Team All-Canadian honours and was named a Canada West All-Star. Born and raised in Regina, Ford is the grandson of legendary Roughrider player and general manager Al Ford.
Dean (6’1-227) was taken in the third round of the 2023 CFL Draft with the 21st overall pick. He spent the past four seasons with York University (2018-22).
Bertrand-Hudon (6’0-227) was selected by the Roughriders in the fourth round, 30th overall, of the 2023 CFL Draft. He spent four collegiate seasons (2019-22) at Delaware State University.
Floren (6’4-303) was the Roughriders seventh round selection, 57th overall in the 2023 CFL Draft. He played four collegiate seasons (2019-22) at Queen’s University.
Thomas (5’10-218) was selected by the Roughriders in the seventh round, 60th overall, of the 2023 CFL Draft. He earned 107 total tackles over four seasons (2018-22) as a University of Manitoba Bison.
Along with their draft picks, Saskatchewan signed Basalyga and Runge.
Basalyga (5’11-188) spent four collegiate seasons at the University of Waterloo. In 28 games, the Thunder Bay native registered 79 receptions for 1,309 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Runge (6’1-216) spent two collegiate seasons (2021-22) at the University of Alberta, prior to his time with the Golden Bears, Runge was a member of the Edmonton Wildcats of the CJFL.
