Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
REGINA – Fresh legs, fresh faces and a fresh attitude are what the Riders are taking with them into Week 16 when they return from their bye.
While the players took the week to relax, the rest of the Roughriders’ organization were busy, making three big-time signings.
Defensive lineman Willie Jefferson, receiver Jeff Fuller and national linebacker Henoc Muamba were all added to the Riders’ roster as Saskatchewan hopes to keep the momentum of the last few weeks going headed down the final stretch of the season.
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Recently signed Henoc Muamba hopes to slot into the lineup this week when the Riders visit Ottawa (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)
With a new head coach and general manager in Chris Jones, and almost a complete overhaul of their roster, the Roughriders started 2016 optimistic they would find a way to be more effective than their previous campaign where they ended 3-15.
But after eleven games, Saskatchewan had won just a single one.
The club showed resiliency and determination, not giving up on a season that looked all but lost. Two losses in Week 11 and 12 showed promise for the team – as they kept themselves in the contests, losing by just three and seven points respectively.
Then, an overtime win against the reigning Grey Cup Champions and a last-second field goal victory over the Tiger-Cats, gave the Riders life as they headed into their Week 15 bye.
“I’m proud of the growth of our football team,” Jones told Riderville.com of his club. “It’s been a trying season for a lot of these guys and our coaching staff. They continue to persevere which tells you a lot about their character and their work habits. I’m proud of what they’ve done and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished over the last couple of weeks.”
Now, with the new signings ready to take the field, the Riders have five games to find some consistency in their group. First is an Eastern swing, where they take on the REDBLACKS, Argonauts and Alouettes before they return West to play in a home-and-home with the BC Lions to finish off the regular season.
Jefferson will suit up in his first game as a Roughrider this week when Saskatchewan heads to Ottawa. As for Muamba? He’ll be ready as soon as he’s called upon.
“It’s been a trying season for a lot of these guys and our coaching staff. They continue to persevere which tells you a lot about their character and their work habits.”
Chris Jones
“It’s just about getting to the playbook and getting comfortable enough,” Muamba told reporters when asked about getting the start this week. “You don’t want to be out there and not know exactly what’s going on. It’s a process and I’m excited for it. I like the challenge and I’m going to put in a lot of work and a lot of hours with the coaches to do the best that I can to get me prepared. As soon as they feel that I’m comfortable enough to play I think they’ll give me the green light.”
At 6-foot-4 and 223 pounds, Fuller will add size to the Riders’ receiving corps, something that the Saskatchewan bench boss liked in the 26-year-old.
“Jeff has a big catch radius,” said Jones of the receiver. “He’s a big kid and he can high point the ball very well. Even when you have him covered really well, he’s got the ability to go up and make a play.”
That’s what Saskatchewan is going to need from everyone on their team as they continue the rebuild in Riderville – the ability to make a play.
And as Muamba puts it, it’s not about missing the playoffs this year, it’s about what’s to come in the seasons ahead.
“You’ve got to look at the future. You’ve got to look at the situation and everything and how to fit (in with the team),” said Muamba when asked about why he signed with the Riders. “Coach Jones and I go way back and I’ve always been a fan of his defensive schemes and his defensive systems. When we were talking with him he told me that he has great plans for myself and he sees me fitting in very well.”
-With files from Riderville.com
