The Saskatchewan Roughriders have added Canadian linebacker Stephen Smith to their training camp roster.
The six-foot, 220-pound defender has played the last three seasons with the Regina Thunder of the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL). He posted a career year in 2023, logging 89 tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack and one fumble recovery. As a result, he was named the CJFL’s Defensive Player of the Year and a first-team All-Canadian. He also claimed the title of top defensive player and top linebacker in the Prairie Football Conference (PFC), as well as a PFC all-star nod.
Over 29 career games with the Thunder, Smith recorded 233 tackles, one tackle for loss, five sacks, one fumble recovery, two interceptions and one blocked kick.
The Riders also announced that five Americans have been placed on the team’s suspended list, including receiver Dazz Newsome. Also added were offensive linemen Brandon Council, Jerald Hawkins, Jonathan Hubbard, and Sadarius Hutcherson.
The Riders will open their preseason on Monday, May 20 when they host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
