REGINA – Size does matter. Just ask Chris Jones, the Emperor of the Saskatchewan Roughriders has a preference for big bodies, and it’s become apparent his mission is to make the Green and White a more imposing team.
You won’t find larger Rider players than on the offensive line. You know, the big men, the hoggies, the road graters (because they pave the way).
Heading into Tuesday’s CFL draft the Riders had four players they were considering with the first overall selection, and in the end they decided offensive tackle Josiah St. John out of the University of Oklahoma was their guy and size was a factor.
“He’s the biggest, best athlete. He was our highest ranked guy on our board,” said Jones, when asked about the number one pick. St. John is a mountain of a man at 6’6, 309 lbs and has the ability to play both tackle and guard.
The Riders then added another OL in the sixth round grabbing Alex McKay from the University at Manitoba. He too can play multiple positions.
“You build your football team with linemen, and you have to make sure you go after those in drafts,” Jones explained. “I don’t care what draft it is, and I don’t care what league you’re in, you have to have great offensive lineman.”
Since he was hired on December 7th, 2015 Jones has done what he can to add more size to the Riders’ O-line.
December 18th, 2015: Saskatchewan acquires Jarriel King (6’5, 315 lbs) from Toronto for DL Andre Monroe.
February 9th, 2016: Saskatchewan signs free agent Andrew Jones (6’4, 299 lbs)
February 10th, 2016: Saskatchewan sends a 4th round pick and a neg. list player to Toronto for Bruce Campbell (6’7, 317 lbs). Campbell retired later in the offseason due to personal reasons.
April 1, 2016: Saskatchewan signs Tre’Von Armstead (6’7, 311 lbs).
May 2, 2016: Saskatchewan trades two neg. list players to Edmonton for Thaddeus Coleman (6’8, 320 lbs).
May 10, 2016: Saskatchewan drafts Josiah St. John (6’6, 309 lbs) and Alex McKay (6’5, 285 lbs).
We won’t know what impact, if any, these new additions will have until the Riders start the regular season on June 30th, but you can bet Chris Jones and company are hoping it’s a big one.
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