Courtesy Hamilton Spectator:

A series of preseason status reports on CFL teams

Today: The Saskatchewan Roughriders

The Saskatchewan Roughriders expect some 80 players in training camp but it’s the one who won’t be there that continues to be the talk of the province.

Riderville was still basking in the glory of the club’s third Grey Cup victory when GM and vice-president of football operations Eric Tillman pulled off one of the biggest blockbuster trades in decades this March.

Tillman shipped the starting QB and the league’s most outstanding player, Kerry Joseph, to Toronto for offensive lineman Glenn January, defensive lineman Ronald Flemons and a pair of draft picks.

Joseph’s trade even overshadowed the off-season departure of head coach Kent Austin, who left to become the offensive co-ordinator at his alma mater, Mississippi. He has been replaced by Ken Miller.

So it’s little wonder that the quandary at quarterback was the central theme as the Roughriders hosted a teleconference yesterday.

The Riders will enter the season with CFL journeyman Marcus Crandell as their starter. Battling for backup spots will be former North Carolina starter Darian Durant, Iowa product Drew Tate and former Eskimo backup Steven Jyles.

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