By Jamie Nye

Roughriders ink Nick Graham to new deal

Jan 4, 2012 | 4:22 PM

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have taken care of another potential free agent.

Defensive back Nick Graham has re-signed with the team after his first full season in Saskatchewan in 2011.

The soon-to-be 28-year-old defensive back says there was no reason to wait until February to test free agency.

“I told a lot of my teammates that I didn't want to go anywhere. I loved playing with them. I love Regina, Saskatchewan, the whole province and there wasn't another team that I wanted to play for.”

The team has undergone a facelift since Graham went back home to the United States following the season. Brendan Taman has been named General Manager and head of football operations, while Corey Chamblin has been named the new head coach.

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“In my professional football career I've dealt with a lot of coaches. I'm not one of those guys that has to (wait). I'll play for any coach because it's my livelihood so I'll play hard anyway. The coach that we got, I've heard such great things about him from guys not only in the CFL but the NFL so I think we hired the right guy.”

Graham played in two playoff games for the Roughriders in 2010, so 2011 was more or less his rookie season in the CFL.

He knows there is a lot of room to grow and can't wait to show he can be a shutdown corner.

“The (2011) season started off kind of slow. I gave up a few big plays but I thought as I learned games and got more comfortable that my play got way better. That's what I'm expecting for 2012. I'm training my butt off and I want to come in (to camp) slim and trim and I'm looking to put together a great season.”

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

In 2011, Graham had 54 tackles, two interceptions and five pass knockdowns.

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