DOEGE ON THE START

The Roughriders held their day-before walkthrough on Thursday as they prepare to host the Calgary Stampeders Friday evening at Mosaic Stadium.  Rookie QB Seth Doege will make his first pro start for Saskatchewan against the first-place Stamps.  Here are his comments:

ON THE START

SD:  I’m just excited about the opportunity.  Feel like the team and the coaches have a lot of confidence in me and I’m just excited and I’m ready to attack it.  The guys are ready to play this game.  It’s a big week for us and it’s fun to be under the lights Friday night.  We’re just ready to compete.

WHEN HE LEARNED OF THE START

SD:  Wednesday after practice.  Cham called me into his office and we had a really good talk.  We talked about the difference in field position in games and not trying to win it on every play.  Being smart with the football, and making plays as well.  It gave me a lot of confidence and I’m ready to play the game.

This is my first pro start so it’s high up there (in his career).  I’m really excited about it.  I’m just excited about competing with the guys in that locker room.  In training camp I felt I really wanted to make this team because I want to be part of something special because I felt it in there.  We can be a special football team and we can get this thing going.

ON TINO SUNSERI’S REACTION

SD:  Tino’s such a good teammate.  He’s never thinking about himself.  He’s probably frustrated and disappointed just as I would be.  He encouraged me, he’ll have my back and tell me what he sees just like I did.  He’s not going to let this circumstance define him who he is as a quarterback.  He’s going to continue to push me.

HOW DID HE EARN THIS OPPORTUNITY?

SD:  Throughout the year, just on scout team, making throws and quick decision, showing off athletic ability and then in the film room, showing I’m paying attention and I know this offense.  I can take over if they needed me to and I think that gave Cham and the coaching staff a lot of confidence in me.

WHAT IF SOMEBODY TOLD YOU WHEN YOU WATCH THE 2013 GREY CUP THAT YOU’D BE STARTING FOR THAT TEAM IN 2014?

SD: I wouldn’t have believed you.  That was just so far ahead of it.  It’s kind of crazy now thinking about that game because I watched it and thought ‘These guys are really good’.  It’s amazing now to be a part of it.

**The Riders made seven roster changes for the game including Dan DePalma replacing Taj Smith at wide receiver and Levy Adcock replacing Xavier Fulton at left offensive tackle.  REC Ryan Smith, DB Mark LeGree, DT Derek Walker, DL Chancey Aghayere and DL Brandon Boudreaux also come onto the roster for RB Will Ford, DB Woodny Turrenne, OL Matt Vonk, DL Hilee Taylor and REC Chaz Schilens.