Saskatchewan Roughriders slotback Duke Williams during practice on Oct. 19, 2021. (Photo courtesy of the Saskatchewan Roughriders)

By Britton Gray/ CJME News

Duke Williams finding stride, carving out leadership role with Riders

Nov 12, 2021 | 10:25 AM

It hasn’t taken Duke Williams long to become a leader with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The 28-year-old slotback joined the team only a few weeks ago but has been praised by his teammates and coaches for the leadership and veteran presence he has brought to the room.

“Duke has fit in quickly. I think his work ethic is something the guys notice right away,” head coach Craig Dickenson said. “He’s got some street cred because he has played in the league, he’s had success in the league and he’s had success in the NFL as well. I think his work ethic, his willingness to roll up his sleeves and get started, and the fact he was a pretty good football player before he left. I think that’s helped him fit in and helped the younger guys to look up to him a little bit and follow his example.”

Dickenson said it can sometimes take a while for a player to come in and carve out a leadership role on a team.

“Usually those roles happen over time and they happen in training camp. For Duke to come in and in a short amount of time get the respect in the locker room and get the respect of the fellow receivers and quarterbacks, it shows he’s a pretty serious guy and a guy that people look up to,” Dickenson said. “He’s got some charisma to him and he’s got a very good work ethic and I think people gravitate towards that.”

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Prior to spending two seasons in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills, Williams was one of the CFL’s top playmakers with the Edmonton Football Team in 2017 and 2018.
He was the league’s top receiver in 2018, recording 1,579 yards and 11 touchdowns on 88 catches.

Williams pointed out his time in Buffalo with receivers like Stefon Diggs, John Brown, and Cole Beasley as a reason why he was able to come in quickly and become a leader.

“They were leaders to me and me being a room with those guys, it showed me how to be a leader to young guys,” Williams said. “I try to give them the knowledge that I know and I learned so that when I’m not here, it can just sink in and become muscle memory for those guys I’m in the room with.

“I’m used to everyone now. I don’t know everyone’s names but I know everyone’s faces and numbers. I’m good and comfortable now, it’s just about getting better and better as we head into playoffs.”

Williams has appeared in three games for the Riders in 2021, recording nine catches for 139 yards.

He’s coming off his best game yet where he caught three passes for 62 yards in a 19-17 win over the Edmonton Elks. The rematch between the two teams takes place Saturday at Mosaic Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.

“I’m not as comfortable as I want to be on the field yet,” Williams said. “By the time the playoffs get here, I should be playing up to speed. Hopefully, I can get there this weekend.”

Williams also came down with a 38-yard pass in the win, one of the few big plays the Riders offence has hit in 2021.

“Hopefully I’m motivating other players to bring that dog out in them and go get that ball whenever (offensive co-ordinator Jason Maas) gives them that opportunity,” Williams said. “I’ve been trying to lead by example, there’s only so much you can do by talking.”

The Riders’ offence has averaged 21.5 points a game this season — the fourth-fewest in the league this season.

But that number has been going down over the past five games, with the team failing to score more than 20 points since a 31-24 win over the B.C. Lions on Sept. 24.

Despite the struggles, the Riders have a chance to clinch a home playoff game with either a Calgary Stampeders loss to the Lions on Friday or a win over the Elks.

Williams feels the offence is close to breaking through and putting more points up.

“We’re this close to really reaching our peak. We get on each other daily and try to come together and keep coming closer and closer. I hope we reach it at the right time,” Williams said. “I’m not in a rush to reach it but I’m praying we reach it in the playoffs and once we reach it, the sky is the limit after that.”

Notes: The Riders announced it has signed defensive end Nicholas Dheilly to a contract. The Regina-product spent time with the University of Regina Rams, Okanagan Sun and University of Saskatchewan Huskies before getting drafted by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the fifth rounds (46th overall) of the 2020 CFL Draft. He has been put onto the Riders’ suspended list as he completes his COVID-19 quarantine.