The Saskatchewan Roughriders have added Canadian offensive lineman Matthew Derks and import linebacker Ryan Henry to their training camp roster.
Derks spent five seasons at Delaware State, making 34 starts over 41 collegiate games. The 6’4″, 325-pound Ontario product was originally selected by Ottawa in the sixth round of the 2021 C-F-L Draft. He attended training camp with the RedBlacks in 2022 but was later released. Meantime, Henry played 24 games over three seasons at Old Dominion University. The 6’2″, 225-pound backer went unselected in the 2022 N-F-L Draft. Following is the news release from the Green and White…..
DATE: May 1, 2023
RELEASE TIME: IMMEDIATELY
RELEASE: SR23-053
RIDERS ADD CANADIAN OL, AMERICAN LB TO ROSTER
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed National offensive lineman Matthew Derks and American linebacker Ryan Henry.
Derks (6’4-325) was selected by the Ottawa REDBLACKS in the 6th round, 49th overall, of the 2021 CFL Draft. He attended training camp with the REDBLACKS in 2022.
Derks spent five collegiate seasons as a Hornet, returning to Delaware State for his final year of eligibility after the 2021 Draft. He played nine games as a senior and was named to the 2021 BOXTOROW HBCU All-America Team. Derks was also named a 2021 All-MEAC First Team selection, and helped the Hornets achieve the No. 2 ranking in the MEAC in scoring offense (23.5 points per game) and the No. 3 ranking in rushing offense (139.9 yards per game). In total, the Ontario native played 41 career collegiate games, including 34 starts.
Henry (6’2-225) played three collegiate seasons (2019-21) at Old Dominion University. In 24 games, the former Monarch recorded 127 tackles, nine-and-a-half tackles for loss, four sacks, one interception, one pass knock down, and one forced fumble.
In 2021, the Miami native made 10 starts and registered 73 tackles, including four double-digit tackle games, and was named a Conference USA Honourable Mention.
Previously, Henry spent one season at ASA College Miami (2018) and logged 14 tackles, four-and-a-half tackles for loss, three sacks, and one interception.
