The Saskatchewan Roughriders sign three international players on defence today. This move along with other made last week should fill the recently expanded practice roster to capacity.
Denicos Allen
Allen had an outstanding college career capped by a 2013 Big Ten championship in the familiar green and white uniforms of the Michigan State Spartans. There he was a teammate of current Rider fullback Matthew Rea.
Allen signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in mid-May and was released in mid-June during training camp after playing in an exhibition game against the Argos.
Kip Edwards
Edwards is a 6’1, 200lb, physical cornerback who has spent the better part of two years toiling on NFL practice rosters in Cleveland, Buffalo, Minnesota, and Tampa Bay.
Edwards has been brought in to provide depth at a position where the Riders have experienced numerous injuries this CFL season. When you put your ear to the ground in Regina, it also appears fans are not happy with CB Marshay Green. Are the coaches on the same page?
David Hunter
Hunter is a product of the Texas football system to say the least. Born in Waller, Hunter played his high school ball in the small east central town prior to playing for the university of Houston. In 2012, he was signed by the NFL’s Houston Texans.
Hunter’s signing hints at an injury to popular Rider newcomer at nose tackle, Andre Monroe. Time and this weeks soon-to-be released depth chart will tell.
Riders release DB Mark LeGree and rookie QB Blake Sims
LeGree was a productive and versatile member of the defensive backfield when he was called upon. Sims was the odd man out of five QB’s on various lists for the Riders.
Press Release
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have added international linebacker Denicos Allen, international defensive back Kip Edwards, and international defensive lineman David Hunter to the practice roster.
Allen (5’11 – 225) joins the Riders after spending four seasons at Michigan State University. Through 54 career collegiate games, the 25-year-old recorded 278 defensive tackles, 46.5 tackles for loss, and 19.5 quarterback sacks. As a senior, the Ohio native led the Spartans defence with a remarkable 98 defensive tackles on the way to winning the 2013 Big Ten Championship.
Following MSU, Allen signed with the Carolina Panthers in May 2014 as an undrafted free agent going on to training camp and playing in four preseasons games with the team. He went on to spend time on the St. Louis Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squads. Allen attended 2015 training camp with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after signing with the team in May, 2015.
Edwards (6’1 – 200) signs with the Riders after spending two seasons in the NFL. The 25-year-old Missouri product signed with the Buffalo Bills in May, 2013 as an undrafted free agent. After a brief stint with the Cleveland Browns, Edwards joined the Minnesota Vikings practice squad for the remainder of the season. He attended 2014 training camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before joining their practice squad for the season.
Hunter (6’2 – 292) joins the Green and White after spending four seasons in the NFL. The Houston product originally signed with the Houston Texans in May, 2012 as an undrafted free agent, remaining with the team for most of the next two seasons. After spending the back half of the 2013 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad, the 26-year-old returned to the Texans for the 2014 season. Recently Hunter attended training camp with the New Orleans Saints after signing with the team in August, 2015.
The Riders also announced today that they have released international DB Mark LeGree and international QB Blake Sims.
Press Release
