FEAR THE BEARD
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| Hugh O’Neill |
The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today national kicker Hugh O’Neill has signed with the team and international defensive back Woodny Turenne has signed an extension. As per club policy, details of the contracts were not released.
Rider GM Brendan Taman told reporters on Tuesday at Mosaic Stadium that they’ve had their eye on O’Neill for awhile.
“We followed Hugh when he came out of the draft and there were a couple of times that we tried to get him and weren’t able to,” Taman said. “The thing he brings to the table is he has the ability to do all three (kicking duties) so with Chris Milo and him, we’re really covered.
“Last year with Josh Bartel, he was strictly a punter so near the end of the year in that Edmonton game when Chris got nicked, we really didn’t have a field goal kicker. If that game meant a lot, we were in huge trouble so we weren’t going to go down that road again. Hugh’s a good kicker and we’re really fortunate to get him.”
I asked Taman if veteran kicker Chris Milo is worried about his job security.
“I met with Chris yesterday,” Taman admitted. “No, he didn’t show that he’s worried. I think he knows he just has to be as good as he could be. He just has to bounce back and be the kicker we know he can be. His 2014 season kind of mirrored our whole team. He struggled with his consistency but he went through three holders and three snappers so it wasn’t the easiest of times for him. But we have full confidence in him that he can do it.”
As far as the kicking department goes, Taman said they’re hoping to have U of C kicker John Mark in training camp for 2015. He was a Rider draftee last spring. Punter Josh Bartel is slated to become a free agent on February 10 but Taman said due to Bartel’s off-season job, he couldn’t commit to being a part of this year’s team until May.
I like the signing of O'Neill. A good punter who can also kick field goals if Milo is hurt or not playing up to par. Competition is good for Milo and will hopefully see him return to consistency as in 2013.
I hope the next name to come up as a signing this week is Tristan Jackson. He was the CFL's top return man on special teams last year and did a very good job in our secondary. He has got better with experience and is still a young player.
hope he gets rid of the ugly beard !!!!!
Not sure if there was room for another international player but would have liked to see Ricky Schmitt back as a punter?
Good to see competition at the kicker spot. I tried to look up the stats for kickoff yards but didn't find any. I suspect O'Neill may have a stronger leg in that department and has a better Punting average as well as Net Punting average.
BR
Noodle leg O'Neill with a 60yard kickoff average. And that's an upgrade ??
Poley's gotta love this guy!
So we now have two below average field goal kickers. Is this an improvement or wishful thinking that one will be able to do the job?
75% on field goals?? This guy has a brutal leg. A joke of a kicker who also looks like a clown. Nice signing.
Another horses**t poll posted by Mr. Pedersen.
That beard is weird.
John Mark is the future of the kicking department – the kid is GOOD….
"Noodle leg O'Neill" will fit in with all the Noodle Brained fans on this blog.
Duck Dynasty fans would approve.
He played poorly in BC, and they got rid of him. He also was not great in Edmonton. And, now he is here? Is it on the Rider's Code of Conduct that a player has to be clean shaven?
hahahaha winterpeg moron ^^^^^
Both BC and Edmonton had him punting and kicking firled goals. In BC he was covering for Mccallum when he was hurt and couldnt kick field goals. So if the Duck Dynasty player only has to punt and not kick field goals. maybe he will do just fine. Josh Bartel sure didnt do much for us last year. I can see why Kent Austin traded him to the Riders. So if the bearded wonder works out… great! If not then he is released and another punter is brought in.maybe he shouls shave that ugly beard for a fresh start in… Read more »
i couldnt stand that beard when he was in edmonton looks like a bum with that gross beard hope he shaves the thing off his face
i hope he doesnt just to spite you.
Who cares about what a player looks like. Beard or not, if he improves his skill level over last year he can make the team and contribute to Rider success.
Shut up you know it alls. That beard serves a purpose, it's like a wind sock that gives O'Neill an advantage by giving accurate alerts for velocity, direction, sudden bursts of wind gusts. Shut up, shut up, shut up!