Moncrief embraces different positions in Riders’ defence

While he has turned into one of the CFL’s best strong-side linebackers, Derrick Moncrief is excited to get some reps at safety this season.

Moncrief played safety throughout college with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Bulldogs, Auburn Tigers and Oklahoma State Cowboys.

“It’s just my natural position. I love being around the ball and trying to confuse quarterbacks,” the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ linebacker said. “It’s fun. (Safety) is my favourite position and the first thing I ever played. I love it.”

In Riders defensive co-ordinator Jason Shivers’ scheme, Moncrief could line up at any linebacker spot, at defensive end or at safety.

“It’s always good just to move around and make plays for the team. We have a hell of a front,” Moncrief said.

The defence will look to build off an impressive performance in Saskatchewan’s 30-13 Week 1 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats last Saturday.

The Roughriders had eight sacks and five turnovers in the win. Moncrief had one of Saskatchewan’s interceptions as well as four tackles.

The Riders will take on the Edmonton Elks on Saturday at Commonwealth Stadium. Kickoff for the game is 7:30 p.m. The Green Zone pre-game show begins at 5:30 p.m.

“It’s going to be a physical game. They’re going to come out in all three phases and play hard football. We just have to be ready to take the first punch and we’re going to have to be ready to counter and play fast and physical through all four quarters,” Moncrief said.

After trying his luck in the NFL, Moncrief returned to the CFL in 2021 as a member of the Elks, playing in nine games and recording 23 tackles and four sacks.

During this past off-season, Chris Jones returned to the CFL from the NFL to become Edmonton’s head coach. Jones was the coach who brought Moncrief to Saskatchewan in 2017, and he played three seasons with the Green and White.

“We had a couple conversations (about staying in Edmonton) but I always wanted to be (in Saskatchewan). Like I said in the off-season, this is my home and I’m just glad to be here,” Moncrief said.

While the Riders emerged with a win last week, not much went right for the Elks against the B.C. Lions.

Edmonton lost 59-15 while giving up four sacks and throwing four interceptions, three by Nick Arbuckle and one from Tre Ford.

“It’s going to be a different team come Saturday night. We can’t look on last week and how they played. They’re going to come out physical and they’re going to come out ready so we’ve got to be ready to take the punch,” Moncrief said.

“Every game has a life of its own and we just have to prepare for kickoff.”

Duke Williams ’50/50′ for game

While head coach Craig Dickenson said slotback Duke Williams’ ankle felt better Thursday, Dickenson is still not sure if the talented pass catcher will play Saturday.

Williams injured his left ankle during Wednesday’s practice.

“He didn’t practise (Thursday). He came out during walkthrough and moved around a little bit. It’s probably 50/50 right now, to be honest with you. He’s going to treat it tonight and see how he feels in the morning,” Dickenson said.

“We always need Duke but can we win without him? Yes, but if we have him, it increases our chances. If he feels like he can go, we will dress him. If he can’t, we won’t.”

Williams caught five passes for 58 yards in the season-opener.

“He brings CFL experience, he brings NFL experience, he’s an all-star and one of the top receivers in the league. Just having him out there and his presence out there, it means a lot,” quarterback Cody Fajardo said.

“When he has good energy, everyone has good energy. You saw him after the touchdown do a springing backflip and that’s what rejuvenates the team and gets the guys going.”

If Williams can’t go, Dickenson said they have a couple of players who could go in his spot, including Mitch Picton and rookie Sam Emilus.