It’s rare for a player to jump from junior football to the CFL, and it’s even more uncommon for that player to stick around in the pros. c is one of the elite few who has demonstrated staying power in the CFL.
The former Saskatoon Hilltop signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Tuesday, kicking off his second stint with the green and white.
“Lots of emotions, all of them good,” said Newman. “I’m super happy to be back in my home province, playing for my home team.”
READ MORE: Graig Newman leaves Bombers for rival Roughriders
Newman played his first two full seasons in the CFL with the Riders, winning a Grey Cup in 2013. He then signed with the Blue Bombers, spending two years in Winnipeg before coming back to Saskatchewan.
“He came in at the top of the board as far as special teamers are concerned,” said Riders head coach and general manager Chris Jones
Newman is honored that the coaching staff thinks highly of his abilities on special teams, but he still wants to expand his role this season. The-26-year-old DB wants to make his presence felt on defence in 2016.
“I think every player that plays in the CFL wants that chance of starting on defence,” said Newman, “Especially if you are Canadian you want to prove all of the skeptics incorrect that we can also start and make plays in this league.”
Newman won’t be the only Canadian looking to earn a starting job in the Riders defensive backfield. Saskatchewan already has six national defensive backs on its roster, and more could be en route prior to the start of training camp, which is under four months away.
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