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Rolan Milligan is proving to be a special talent for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Not only is the 29-year-old defensive back come into Week 8 CFL action as the league leader in pass knockdowns (nine), interceptions (four), and is tied for the lead with 51 total defensive players, he also is the pace-setter for special teams tackles with 11.
Milligan said whatever the team needs him to do, he’ll go out and accomplish it for them.
“That’s what the team is asking and requiring of me so I go out there and try to do it the best I can every time,” Milligan said.
The Lake Wales, Fla. product believes plays on special teams can change the game like offence and defence can.
“Explosive plays returning the ball or being able to keep a team pinned back,” Milligan said. “If we’re punting or kicking off, field position is real big especially with how big the CFL field is itself.”
“Being able to control that aspect of the game is a plus for us.”
A.J. Allen, who is tied for third in the CFL and is second on the Riders with nine special teams tackles, believes Milligan is an elite talent.
“He pays attention to detail in everything he does whether that be special teams or defence or anything else,” Allen said. “It really shows the work ethic and how it’s supposed to resonate and how it’s supposed to look to be a professional football player at his level.”
But is there a friendly competition between Milligan and Allen, who was the Riders’ leader in 2023 with 19 special teams tackles?
“One trillion per cent,” Allen said. “I’m trying to catch up to him now. It’s different to be able to play at the defensive level he is playing at and also to play special teams at the level he is at.”
Milligan said that kind of mentality comes with being a part of winning teams throughout his football career.
“It’s not about one guy, it’s about what’s best for everybody,” Milligan said. “Having coaches that keep pushing me to do that and other teammates to do that, it’s just something I learned that way.”
Milligan’s play has been a big part of the Riders’ winning ways in 2024, helping get the team to a 5-1 mark.
Saskatchewan takes on the Montreal Alouettes, who sports a similar 5-1 record, on Thursday.
Kickoff for the game at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium is set for 5:30 p.m. Saskatchewan time. The Green Zone pregame show begins at 3:30 p.m.
Kian Schaffer-Baker added to the six-game injured list
The Riders could be without one of their top offensive weapons for the next few games.
Saskatchewan added standout Canadian slotback Kian Schaffer-Baker to the six-game injured list due to a shoulder injury he suffered in last week’s 19-9 win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Slotback KeeSean Johnson will return to the starting lineup in his place with Ajou Ajou still in a backup role despite having 110 yards in relief of Schaffer-Baker last week.
The Riders also moved defensive back Deontai Williams onto the one-game injured list which means Amari Henderson will make his season debut.
For Montreal, they will be without quarterback Cody Fajardo (hamstrings) and Canadian pass-catcher Kaion Julien-Grant (shoulder) as both were added to the six-game injured list.