Make that five former members of the U of Regina Rams now in the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ fold.
Prior to taking to the field for their first preparation practice in advance of hosting Winnipeg Saturday, the Green and White announced the signing of three players to the practice roster…including Canadian running back Atlee Simon. He joins guard Brendon LaBatte, long snapper Jorgen Hus, receiver Mitch Picton and punter Jon Ryan as Rams’ alumni with the Riders. Also signed to the practice roster Tuesday were offensive lineman Devon Johnson and defensive lineman Sterling Shippy. Following is the news release from the Roughriders…
DATE: October 1, 2019
RELEASE TIME: IMMEDIATELY
RELEASE: SR19-110
RIDERS TRANSACTIONS
The Saskatchewan Roughriders announce the following roster moves:
SIGNED TO PRACTICE ROSTER:
- American offensive lineman Devon Johnson
- American defensive lineman Sterling Shippy
- National running back Atlee Simon
Johnson (6’7 – 338 lbs) comes to the Roughriders after spending time with NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, originally signing with the team as an undrafted free agent in May of 2019. A standout player at Ferris State in Michigan, the Illinois native was heavily awarded during his collegiate years including being named the 2018 consensus All-America and Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year. He was also a three-time All-GLIAC honoree and earned All-American accolades from the Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association, D2Football.com and the Division II Conference Commissioners Association. Johnson was a four-year starter at Ferris state, making 51 of them during his collegiate career and was part of a 2018 team that led his college to its first ever appearance in the NCAA Division II national championship game.
Shippy (5’11 – 283 lbs) joins the Roughriders after a stint with the Indianapolis Colts. Shippy played four 2019 pre-season games for the Colts recording three tackles. The Alcorn State product had a successful collegiate career and was named to the 2018 AFCA All-America Second-Team and SWAC All-Conference First-Team after leading his team in sacks and tackles for a loss. The 24-year-old was a team captain his senior year and racked up 38 tackles, 8.0 sacks and 14.5 tackles for a loss.
Simon (5’10 – 199 lbs) comes to the Roughriders after initially being selected in the sixth round of the 2018 CFL Draft by the Calgary Stampeders. Simon had a strong USPORTS career and was the star running back for the University of Regina Rams. His five-year collegiate career saw him become the school’s all-time leader in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, and touchdowns scored. Simon accumulated 3295 rushing yards, 22 rushing touchdowns over his time at the U of R. Simon also caught 64 passes for 727 yards and nine touchdowns. His career total of 4134 all-purpose yards ranks second to former Roughrider fullback Neal Hughes in University of Regina history.
