Charles in Charge: Saskatchewan Roughriders sign American DL Charles Akanno

Photo courtesy: Idaho Athletics

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed American defensive lineman Charles Akanno.

The six-foot-one, 250-pound defender played five seasons at the University of Idaho from 2017 to 2021. In 46 games, he recorded 147 total tackles, 48.5 tackles for loss, 20.5 sacks, 21 pass knockdowns, nine forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries, one of which he returned for a touchdown.

The native of Inglewood, Calif. was named third-team All-Big Sky as a senior in 2021 after making 44 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, four pass knockdowns, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. He finished third in the conference in sacks and sixth in the conference in tackles for loss.

CFL teams are slated to open training camp on Sunday, May 14 with rosters of 85 players excluding non-counters. The Riders will play their first preseason game against the B.C. Lions on Saturday, May 27 at 7 p.m. EDT at Mosaic Stadium in Regina.