Riderville Report May 30
By Greg Urbanoski
We’re a couple of weeks from training camp, but the Saskatchewan Roughriders continue to tweak their roster and send a few messages to their players and fans.
The Riders tweaking began with the cuts of linebacker Maurice Lloyd, Kye Stewart and Darnell Bing along with non-import receiver Kolten Solomon. Lloyd was a surprise, along with Stewart, but the Riders indicated through these cuts they will be going with a Canadian middle linebacker. Right now that is Mike McCullough, with Shomari Williams and draft pick Sam Hurl in the mix. McCullough’s age and relative lack of speed may work against him, but countered by his experience. Williams has dropped about 30 pounds to be quicker playing the MLB position, and Hurl will have the opportunity to specialize on special teams and has enough talent to perhaps be rotated in once he understands the defense.
The release of Solomon, who has size and speed, was not a surprise considering his non-appearance at the Rider mini-camp in Regina. Solomon has had a decent junior career, but he couldn’t handle university ball, and Rider Head Coach Cory Chamblin has served notice he wants players who want to be here. Solomon’s attitude did not win him fans, and with some of the Rider’s Canadian receiver signings, Solomon’s release was to be expected.