Football season is back and I thought it would be fun to write about it. Maybe I will even make a trip out to Saskatoon before Roughriders training camp is over because "in the trenches" is a bit disingenuous for this title.

Mosaic Stadium_0_0.jpg I'd take these seats again as Mosaic Stadium is just over 10 days away from some pre-season action!

It was pretty much only the rookies on hand last week for the start of training camp in Saskatoon.

A few veterans were on hand to get in some extra work, one of them being brand new Roughriders quarterback Trevor Harris who must have been eager to get practicing under the lively Saskatchewan skies. His eagerness has shined through to start main camp as well.

A big season from the veteran pivot Harris will be vital for success on offense this season.

But for a team that wants to be known for running the ball according to head coach Craig Dickenson at the start of camp, a revamped offensive line will be the main focus as the Roughriders look to get back on track in 2023.

The team's most outstanding offensive lineman in 2022 Logan Ferland, along with Evan Johnson, and Logan Bandy all have starting experience from last year. New faces with nice contracts in defending Grey Cup Champion Philip Blake, and the top free agent centre on the market in Peter Godber should have a fast track on starting jobs. 

These names and several more will be competing over the next couple weeks to determine the best fits for the Roughriders offensive line in 2023, as there is honestly no indication until the first preseason game of what the front five could look like come opening day.  

Fan favourite Dan Clark was not re-signed for the 2023 season, as that move alone sets the tone for how the Roughriders feel heading into the trenches this year.

The unit will no doubt miss Clark's veteran experience but getting a new look line had to be in the cards this offseason after allowing 77 sacks in 2022.

14 OL are still on the roster after cutdown day. Just Tuesday the Roughriders signed an LSU product who was cut from an NFL camp recently and has something to prove.

With only so much room in the trenches, some good talent will be leaving the team regardless after the offseason frenzy of offensive line signings.

Expect a Saskatchewan Roughriders check-in every Wednesday until the start of the regular season on June 11 in Edmonton!

Listen to some radio clips featuring Roughriders offensive lineman Logan Ferland* this week below:

*Comments from Ferland came at the conclusion of the 2022 season

Related Stories