The Saskatchewan Roughriders are counting on a healthy 2024 season for former star U of S defensive back Nelson Lokombo.
The Green and White signed the 24-year-old to a one-year contract extension. Lokombo was selected second overall in the 2021 C-F-L Draft by the Riders after winning the U Sports most outstanding defensive player award in 2019 with the Huskies. However, Lokombo has only suited up for 23 of 50 regular-season games over three seasons in Saskatchewan due to injury, managing 18 defensive tackles, four special teams tackles and a forced fumble. Following is the news release from the Roughriders…..
DATE: January 29, 2024
RELEASE TIME: IMMEDIATELY
RELEASE: SR24-014
RIDERS’ FORMER 2nd OVERALL SELECTION LOKOMBO INKS EXTENSION
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed National defensive back Nelson Lokombo to a one-year contract extension.
Lokombo (5’11-190) was selected by the Roughriders in the first round, second overall, of the 2021 CFL Draft. The 24-year-old has since played 23 career games and made five starts, notching 18 defensive tackles and one forced fumble. Lokombo also contributed on special teams where he tallied four special teams tackles.
A gifted college athlete, Lokombo’s 2019 season at the University of Saskatchewan earned him the Presidents’ Trophy as the country’s most outstanding defensive player. During that season he made 39 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, five interceptions – two of which he returned for touchdowns, four pass breakups, and one forced fumble. He was also named Canada West’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player, a Canada West All-Star and a U SPORTS First-Team All-Canadian.
In 30 career games with the Huskies, Lokombo made 115 tackles,10 interceptions, six tackles for loss, three sacks, and two forced fumbles. In 2017, the Abbotsford native was named the Huskies’ Rookie of the Year.
