Micah Johnson returns to the Riders to reunite with Corey Mace

It’s been a reunion on the field between Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive tackle Micah Johnson and head coach Corey Mace.

The two were teammates as Calgary Stampeders, winning the 2014 Grey Cup together before Mace joined the Stamps’ coaching ranks as the defensive line coach. He was Johnson’s positional coach until 2019 when the defensive lineman first signed with the Riders.

A symbol of their bond that has lasted all this time is that Mace’s son shares the name Micah.

“I told him even though our son may be named after the man … you better do your job or we’re going to cut you,” he joked following day two of 2024 training camp at Griffiths Stadium.

But while Mace’s role has changed, Johnson said the dynamic between the two continues to evolve.

“We talk all the time. His maturation process is amazing and real inspiring,” Johnson said.

“In 2013-14, Mace pretty much ran the meeting rooms … he has always been the leader in the room and always been that guy.”

Mace said they have respect for one another in the different roles they’ve held through the years.

“Micah, above anything else, wants to win. He will always listen if he thinks you can get him better.”

Johnson is entering his 11th CFL season, playing with the Stamps from 2013-18, the Riders in 2019 and then rejoining the Green and White in 2021 after a cancelled 2020 season. He spent 2022 with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats before coming back to Saskatchewan in 2023.

While he was productive in 2023, Johnson was set to become a free agent. One of the reasons he’s back for another season in Saskatchewan was due to Mace getting the head coaching job.

“It was a no-brainer. I didn’t want to go to free agency anymore.”

Last season was Johnson’s first time missing the CFL playoffs in his career. The 35-year-old veteran wants to ensure the Riders don’t repeat the same path as last year.

“Going down the stretch last year, we just had to win any of those last six or seven games, so every week we were like, ‘Alright all, throw last week away, come on we can do it,’ so for the season just to end like that, it was sick.

“I think the guys that are here from last year, we have a point to prove.”

Winds blow heavily at camp

With gusts around 40 kilometres per hour in Saskatoon, it had an affect on practice at camp.

But it was a challenge Mace felt the team needed to deal with.

“It was a hell of a wind today. I had to put on a long-sleeve (shirt) just to cut the wind down.

“That’s ball — you have to play in any kind of element. And truth be told, when you’re talking the elements, the ones that are the most challenging are the most important games,” Mace said.

“We will play through anything, so it’s good we got that today.”

Quarterback Trevor Harris had one pass get caught in the wind and nearly was picked off by defensive back Rodney Clemons.

Slotback Sam Emilus had a diving catch near the sideline during one of the team drills.

Linebacker Antoine Brooks Jr. came away with an interception as well during the day.

The intensity is set to pick up on Tuesday with the team putting on the pads for the first time.