Many Saskatchewan Roughriders fans are excited, and with good reason. They remember what former Rider linebacker and current Indianapolis Colt, Jerrell Freeman, brought to this defence, and they’re wondering. Is this new Rider, Eltoro Freeman, a second coming?
CFL teams bring in American free agents every year. More often than not, those players have graduated from Division I NCAA rosters. Eltoro “the Bull” Freeman did just that in 2011.
However, his 2012 stint with the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens was as quick as his pursuit of a running back. After only five days, he became an un-drafted free agent without any offers.
Despite a BCS National Championship as a member of the 2010 Auburn Tigers on his resume, having to take care of his responsibilities, Freeman worked at a detention centre, a full-time. He simultaneously put himself through intense physical training in order to be prepared if the call came.
It didn’t come. For three years, in which he also spent time as a middle-school teacher, it didn’t come.
Until one day, when Riders head coach Corey Chamblin called. If you are a religious Roughriders fan, you can now thank God that Chamblin did.
If you can’t, for whatever reason, find the faith, then judge for yourself:
My prediction from rookie camp includes “the Bull” making the full 2015 Rider roster and maybe even starting at weak side linebacker. The opportunity is certainly there with the departure of 2014 starter Brian Peters to the Minnesota Vikings in the off-season.
I caught up with Freeman after Thursday’s camp session where he answered a few questions.
KB: What have you been able to learn about this organization and this league that stands out to you?
EF: It’s really no different than down south. The competitiveness up here is extremely good. You can’t for one second think that just because you’re from America you are just going to come up here and dominate. All us Americans are fighting for positions and I have a lot more respect for the Canadians in this league than before. I just can’t wait to be a part of it.
KB: What was your first thought when you were contacted by the Roughriders?
EF: I never had the intention of coming to the CFL. I didn’t think anyone from the CFL had any interest in me. I was preparing for he NFL, but I got an unexpected call from coach Chamblin to give me an opportunity to come to the CFL. I can’t thank him enough for that.
KB: How are you adjusting to the CFL field and game?
EF: Well, there’s a lot of motion and lots of things going on offence, but the adjustment is on defence. If you can see a little you can play fast but if you see a lot you can get yourself out of position. You see a little, know your assignments, and you can play fast.
KB: How did you keep in shape mentally and physically over the past few years?
EF: It’s been frustrating. My reputation is on the line is a motivational phrase that I used for myself going and preparing for this opportunity. I worked out constantly on my own just prepping for this opportunity and thank God, he has presented it to me.
KB: I’ve seen film of your days at Auburn and you were all over the field making stops. What do you think you can bring to this defence having now been introduced to the scheme?
EF: Oh you know, flying around. Making plays in the backfield. Excitement and enthusiasm. I just can’t thank the Rider Nation enough for allowing me to be a part and I just can’t wait to get started.
The Riders’ rookie camp has concluded, and the team will be away from Regina in Saskatoon, Prince Albert, and Fort McMurray for their first pre-season game against the Eskimos. They return to Regina to face the defending Grey Cup champions, Calgary Stampeders, on June 19th for their final pre-season tussle before they make their last cuts.
