Riders Sporting Rebuilt D-Line

The Riders defensive line goes head-to-head.

The defensive line was one of the glaring holes on the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2011.  They finished third last in the CFL in sacks with just 34 and that contributed to their 5-13 last place record.

The Riders went out and addressed the need for help along the line during the offseason by making a big trade for 2011 CFL sack co-leader Odell Willis from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.  They’re hoping Willis teamed with the returning Brent Hawkins -- he missed all of 2011 with a shoulder injury -- will provide more consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks this season.

"We’ve got a lot of explosion on the ends, just the trade for Odell Willis right now looks amazing and hopefully he makes something happen in the year," said defensive tackle Keith Shologan, who was one of the few bright spots on a defence that gave 482 points.  "He’s an athlete and a half and he’s just going to turn things around.  He will cause some things that will help out the rest of us."

Shologan and fellow tackle Tearrius George started to become a force in the middle last season and their continued development will be a big key for the team as they look for a bounce back season.

"We just never became a conhesive unit and we didn’t have any explosion," explained Shologan.  "When (George) got in at the end he made some things happen, but we just never had a consistent group of guys working together."

Head coach Corey Chamblin says he’s excited about what he’s seen out of the revamped defensive line so far, "I told Richie Hall that I wish I was the defensive coordinator because he's got a front. I said 'just don't screw it up!' because those guys are pretty good.  I'm excited about those guys, how quick they get to the quarterback, as long as they stay disciplined, stay onside and don't get into the dirty stuff, I think they're gonna be pretty good."

There has seemed to be a renewed energy in the defensive line group throughout training camp.  Shologan says Willis has provided the biggest spark with his nonstop motor, "He makes practice very exciting and it’s getting us into an energy level so hopefully it’s more like a game and it will bring up our mental reps because if we fly around during the practice then we’ll be able to fly around during the game and not have to think because we’ve already done it on the practice field."

The new look defensive line will get its first shot together in game action on Friday night when the Green and White hosts the Calgary Stampeders at the renovated Mosaic Stadium.  Kickoff is at 7:00pm.

Riders News & Notes

-- Offensive guard Brendon LaBatte is back practicing and is expected to make his Rider debut on Friday against Calgary.  The Weyburn native signed with Saskatchewan in the offseason after playing four seasons with the Blue Bombers.

-- The Riders have their final practice before the preseason finale against Calgary on Thursday morning.  They will have a walkthrough at Mosaic Stadium at 10:30am.