‘I think I’ve had five different offensive co-ordinators, five different O-line coaches, maybe five different head coaches’
“I’ve been playing seven years. If you don’t count COVID (which caused a cancelled CFL season in 2020), this is my sixth year playing pro football. I think I’ve had five different offensive co-ordinators, five different O-line coaches, maybe five different head coaches.”
OK. OK. Point taken..
After playing collegiately at Rice and being the third overall draft choice in 2018, Godber played four seasons with the B.C. Lions before signing with Saskatchewan as a free agent.
During Godber’s two seasons with the Roughriders the offensive line has been in constant upheaval.
To stop the spinning doors at tackle, the Roughriders this season lured free-agent Jemarcus Hardrick away from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and recruited a promising rookie in Trevor Reid. While Reid has become an improving stalwart at left tackle, Hardrick — who quickly became a team leader — recently suffered a potential season-ending knee injury.
Hardrick is one the six-game injury list with veteran lineman Philip Blake, who suffered his second major injury in two seasons after being projected as a starting guard who could also play tackle if necessary.
Blake’s spot has been filled respectably by Ryan Sceviour, a former all-star with the Calgary Stampeders, who began this season as a backup. Off the practice roster came new backup Zack Fry, a second-round draft pick in 2022.
Rookie Jacob Brammer stepped into Hardrick’s spot snd was playing exceptionally well until he got carted off the practice field this week. That meant Brandon Council was needed.
Council played 12 games for the Roughriders in 2023 before taking a job at his alma mater, Auburn, where he recruited student-athletes and explained how they can benefit from the NCAA’s new NIL (name, image, likeness) policy.
“They preach family back there (at Auburn),” said Council. “Just like here. They’re still waiting on me when I’m done, so that’s the definition of family.
“I answered the ball here because the guys here are family. I built a bond with them last year and it was good to see them, lining up next to them against, calling them my brothers. They’re always gonna be my brothers.”
Council had been on Saskatchewan’s suspended list because he wasn’t at training camp. He rejoined the Roughriders after Hardrick’s injury. Now he’s listed as Saskatchewan’s starting right tackle.
“Zach Fry has stepped up and did a great job,” said Godber. “Jacob Brammer and Trevor Reid have been great. Brandon Council was here last year, so we know him.
“Maybe it looks like we’ve had a lot of changes and to fans it’s like, ‘Oh, where did this guy come from. Did he come from nowhere?’ We’ve kind of known them for the last year or two.”
All the shuffling has meant Logan Ferland, a junior Regina Thunder product and the other O-line mainstay beside Godber, has frequently shifted in-game from guard (beside Godber) to tackle (on the outside edge of the offensive line).
The Roughriders are also approaching their fifth game with backup quarterback Shea Patterson replacing Trevor Harris, who now seems destined to return Aug. 16 against the Montreal Alouettes. Tailback A.J. Ouellette and slotback Kian Schaffer=Baker are also among the missing starters.
OK. OK. Enough, before Godber started naming all his offensive co-ordinators and everyone he has played with this season and during his whole career …
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