Changes are coming to the Saskatchewan Roughriders (6-9) lineup.
Head Coach Craig Dickenson has indicated this week that alterations are likely on the way to help jumpstart a Roughriders team that has lost their last four games.
When considering changes to the roster, Dickenson looks for an instant jolt.
“They need to splash.” said the Riders head coach. “In order to sit a vet and play a young guy, there needs to be overwhelming evidence the young guy is going to give you more.”
Last week, the Roughriders secondary was torched by the BC Lions and QB Vernon Adams Jr., who had 458 passing yards and three touchdowns in the Lions 33-26 victory at BC Place.
Saskatchewan will have options if they want to make changes in the back end of the Roughriders defence, with DBs Deontai Williams (hamstring) and Trumaine Washington (finger) practicing after being sidelined last week.
Another option could be newcomer William Poole III, who spent time working with the defence on Tuesday.
Last month, Poole III was contacted by the green and white.
“Out of nowhere the Roughriders gave me a call and said they wanted to me to help them throughout the season, a quick turn, but now I’m here and I’m looking forward to the opportunity.”
With less than a few weeks of experience with the Canadian game, the Atlanta product must rely on his veteran teammates to adapt to Canadian football.
“From the field depths, the new rules, because it’s a lot of different rules than from down south where I come from.”
An adjustment the defensive back will encounter with Canadian receivers is the waggle. Poole III feels there is a challenge dealing with the extra motion.
“For the first time, it was kind of treacherous but I’m getting the hang of it, the more reps, the more I’m getting better at it.”
Before arriving in Saskatchewan, Poole III spent five seasons at the University of Georgia. He was a part of the Bulldogs squad that claimed the 2021 CFP National Championship. The 24-year-old said he learned a lot about football and life during his time at Georgia. He noted winning the Bulldogs first national title in 41 years was a proud moment.
“Just bringing everything that I learnt at Georgia on to my continued playing career, wherever I go, that’s a lot of things I’m going to take with me.”
Whenever he gets the chance, Poole III believes he contributes significantly to the Saskatchewan secondary.
“I describe myself as very instinctive, very physical, I’m just a guy who likes to go out there and have fun.”
With the Roughriders hosting the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday, It is unclear if Poole III will make his CFL debut until Friday.
Practice Notebook
- A few players were knocked out of Wednesday’s practice due to illness. S Jaxon Ford, C Peter Godber, DB Godfrey Onyeka.
- Also missing were LB Derrick Moncrief (shoulder) DL Demarcus Christmas (knee), WR Tevin Jones (hamstring), DB Jeremy Clark (knee).
- DL Christian Albright was recognized by the CFL’s Honour Roll for the Month of September. In two games, Albright had a PFF (Pro Football Focus) Grade of 89.9. The Roughriders defensive end also had four defensive tackles, one special teams tackle, three sacks and one forced fumble.
