RIDER NOTEBOOK
The Saskatchewan Roughriders are pleased to announce that two players have been chosen to the West Division All-Star team. One player from the Green and White was selected to the West offence while one was selected to the West defence. The West Division All-Stars were selected by the voting members from the West Division markets, the West Division head coaches and the National Chapter.
BRENDON LABATTE (OL): LaBatte just completed his eighth CFL season and fourth with the Riders. The University of Regina product played 18 regular season games at left guard, helping pave the way for the team’s league leading ground attack. This is LaBatte’s seventh consecutive Division All-Star nomination after previously being selected to the West Division from 2012-2014, and the East Division team from 2009-2011 while with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
JEFF KNOX Jr. (LB): Knox has picked up West Division All-Star recognition following an outstanding rookie season. The 23-year-old Pittsburgh native set a Roughriders single season franchise record with 114 defensive tackles. Knox also added 10 special teams tackles, two tackles for loss, two fumble returns and an interception to round out an impressive debut season.
The CFL All-Stars will be announced in early December.
Below lists the complete 2015 West Division All-Stars.
(*Unanimous)
QUARTERBACK – BO LEVI MITCHELL
RUNNING BACK – JEROME MESSAM, ANDREW HARRIS
RECEIVER – ERIC ROGERS, ADARIUS BOWMAN, DEREL WALKER, EMMANUEL ARCENEAUX
CENTRE – PIERRE LAVERTU
GUARD – BRENDON LABATTE, SPENCER WILSON
TACKLE – JOVAN OLAFIOYE, D’ANTHONY BATISTE
DEFENSIVE END – JAMAAL WESTERMAN, CHARLESTON HUGHES
DEFENSIVE TACKLE – ALMONDO SEWELL, MIC’HAEL BROOKS
LINEBACKER – ADAM BIGHILL; DEXTER McCOIL
CORNERBACK – JOHNNY ADAMS, JOHN OJO
HALFBACK – RYAN PHILLIPS, AARON GRYMES
SAFETY – JOSH BELL
PUNTER – RICHIE LEONE
KICKER – RENE PAREDES
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER – BO LOKOMBO
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The Saskatchewan Roughriders have announced fullback Carl Fitzgerald, linebacker Nathan Kanya, linebacker Kyle Norris, defensive lineman Levi Steinhauer, and offensive lineman Matt Vonk have all re-signed with the team. As per club policy, terms of the contracts were not released.
Fitzgerald (6’5 – 250) played 13 regular season games with the Riders after joining the team in July. The three year CFL veteran spent the 2013 and 2014 seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Kanya (6’2 – 234) just completed his fifth CFL season, and first with the Riders. The 28-year-old picked up three special teams tackles in eight regular season games. Kanya has played 71 career games, previously spending time with the Edmonton Eskimos and Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Norris (6’3 – 232) is a three year CFL veteran. The 25-year-old played six regular season games as a rookie after being selected by the Edmonton Eskimos in the 3rd round (24th overall) in the 2013 CFL Draft. He joined the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as a free agent in 2014 where he played 10 games before being plucked off the practice roster and inserted into the Montreal Alouettes lineup.
Steinhauer (6’3 – 235) will return for his third season after originally being selected by the Riders in 5th round (40th overall) of the 2013 CFL Draft. The Moose Jaw native played three regular season games in 2015 before suffering a season ending knee injury. He has recorded 17 special teams tackles in 27 career games.
Vonk (6’4 – 305) just completed his second CFL season, playing nine games as a backup offensive lineman. The 25-year-old product of Waterloo was originally selected by the Riders in the 5th round (38thoverall) in the 2013 CFL Draft.
All five players were eligible to become free agents in February.
what? nothing for Chamblain as coach of the year?????????????
O'Day continues to make the right moves
Weren't these players part of the Canadian depth problem in not being good enough to plug and play? How does this upgrade the Canadian talent? Can Vonk start at tackle?
At least these guys are on the younger side and all have good size. Enough of this building a roster with midgets.
Another year or two, and who knows, maybe some will be starters. We need 20 or 22 Cdns on the active roster, so other than the 7 or 8 starters, the rest will be on special teams or in relief roles.
It'll be training camp that determines who ends up staying.
Me, me, me. Your narcissism is right off the charts Pedersen!
I keep trying to listen to your show, but I keep ending up turning over to the other guys who aren't high on themselves.
Guess what, I am not the only one either.
Garry
Saskatchewan Roughriders and their fan base in for the long haul of team disappointment losing. What's wrong with that franchise? Are they really that stupid as indicated by abysmal franchise four Grey Cup record to date.
Sincerely,
cfl fans of the other 8 teams.
Shame on you Garry! Did you just criticize the great (just ask him) Rod Pedersen! Shame!
If you idiots don't like what Rod writes, what in hell are you here reading it? Go take a flying jump
FACTOID ALERT !
REDBLACKS lead the CFL with nine division all-stars in only year two of existence. Too bad the Hamilton Tiger Cats lead by The Sk. Football God Mr. Kent Austin will win the East Division title plus the coveted 2015 Grey Cup Championship in Winnipeg, thus being cast the REDBLACKS spoilers.
Hey Factoid,
That team of can't win a game without collard greens at qb is gonna be sent to the beach this weekend when the Argos give Kent a lesson in ball.
Condrege Holloway
Not happening fool! Argos SUCK! While your on here Rege, question! How come your not applying for the Saskatchewan Roughriders gm job? Your more than qualified with the prerequisit football knowledge with connections.
Buddy, Hamilton isn't winning this year. Unless Kent decides to put on the uniform and play for the Kitty Cats at QB.