There were two big signings Monday by the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and depending on what area of the province you’re from, one was bigger than the other!
For folks from Melfort and area and supporters of the U of S football program, the signing of Huskies’ offensive lineman Mattland Riley is the big deal. Riley was the Green and White’s first round selection, seventh overall, in the 2020 C-F-L Draft. He was a four-year Dog, during which he was a two-time Canada West Conference and a U Sports All-Canadian all-star.
Elsewhere in the province, the one-year extension inked by potential free agent import defensive back L-J McCray is huge! McCray was a big-play cornerback for the Riders in the second half of the 2019 season. He has N-F-L experience with San Francisco, Carolina and Buffalo. McCray becomes the 19th player to re-sign with Saskatchewan, turning his back on the open market. Nine other Riders from 2019 could still become free agents on February 9. Following are the news releases from the Roughriders…
DATE: January 18, 2021
RELEASE TIME: IMMEDIATELY
RELEASE: SR21-012
RIDERS SIGN 2020 FIRST-ROUND CFL DRAFT SELECTION MATTLAND RILEY
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have announced the signing of their 2020 first-round selection, offensive lineman Mattland Riley.
Riley (6’3 – 300lbs) was selected by the Riders 7th overall in the 2020 CFL Draft. The Melfort product spent four seasons at the University of Saskatchewan appearing in 31 games for the Huskies, and playing his final season at left guard. In 2019, Riley was part of the offensive line that lifted its running back to an incredible 1,610 yards and nine touchdowns on 195 carries.
He boasts an impressive collegiate career that included being named a two-time Canada West All-Star and a U SPORTS first-team all-Canadian. He also played for Team West in the U SPORTS East-West Bowl in 2018. In 2017, Riley helped the Huskies win the Hardy Cup bringing it back to the University of Saskatchewan for the first time in 10 years.
DATE: January 18, 2021
RELEASE TIME: IMMEDIATELY
RELEASE: SR21-013
DEFENSIVE BACK L.J. MCCRAY STAYS IN RIDERVILLE
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have announced that American defensive back L.J. McCray has signed a one-year contract extension.
McCray (6’0-210lbs) remains with the Green and White after initially signing with the Club in April of 2019. McCray was part of a strong core of Roughrider defensive backs and in his first season made 47 defensive tackles and three interceptions over 13 games played. In addition, McCray started in the 2019 West Final and made five tackles.
Prior to coming the Roughriders, the South Carolinian was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent. He played in 22 games over the 2014 and 2015 seasons and made 14 tackles. After San Francisco, he spent time with the Carolina Panthers and the Buffalo Bills.
McCray played collegiately at Catawba College (2009-2013) where he was named First Team All-South Atlantic Conference in 2012 after making 79 tackles and two interceptions in 11 games played.
