REGINA — Saskatchewan Roughriders' offensive lineman Daniel Johnson could make his first start in the Canadian Football League on Saturday.
If that should happen when the Riders visit the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in their first road game of the 2025 CFL season, it’ll be the result of the impressive level of versatility Johnson has shown since the start of training camp in May.
The six-foot-five, 307-pound blocker suited up for his first professional game last week when he was listed as the only back-up offensive lineman on the roster. He was listed at right guard but has spent the last week of practice taking most of his reps at left tackle. It’s a different look, but one Johnson is more than happy about.
“It means a lot because they trust me,” Johnson told voice of the Roughriders, Dave Thomas. “I feel like I've gained their trust and I hope I can continue to gain their trust. It's awesome and I hope we can get out there and win.”
Johnson had his first crack at the guard position in training camp and found himself rotating through the offensive line throughout pre-season practices. That took some adjustment, but is becoming a better fit all the time.
“It was a new challenge,” Johnson said and then explained subtle differences from tackle to guard. “I'm a taller guy, so I have to bend lower, I'm in a different area of the pocket, so that's where the change comes. It's learning your surroundings, learning the area, knowing you've got two guys beside you now instead of the one. That's the learning curve.”
One of the players Johnson has lined up alongside is starting left tackle Trevon Tate, who has moved to left guard in order to accommodate the former Indianapolis Colts prospect. As one might expect, Tate — a six-year veteran of CFL trench battles — has been passing on as much information as he can to help Johnson adjust.
“Having Tate there is awesome because he's a vet and he's been talking to me the whole entire practice,” Johnson said. “It's been awesome having a guy like that beside me.”
Injuries will play a part in Johnson potentially getting his first start, while Jacob Brammer appears to have recovered from back issues and was in full action at the Riders’ most recent practice, rookie Payton Collins (knee) — who made his first start at left tackle in Week 1 — did not see action and Braydon Noll (head) had limited reps.
One thing that’s for certain is Johnson will have no shortage of support when he takes the field in Hamilton. With his family hailing from London, ON, Johnson's parents Grace and Langoya in addition to his siblings will be on hand to see him on the field, ideally taking plays right from Saskatchewan’s first offensive series.
“It’s going to be nice to see a bunch of family,” Johnson said. “I get to see my dad, I get to see my mom, I get to see all my brothers, so it'll be great.”
The Roughriders travel to Hamilton to face the Tiger-Cats on Saturday. Catch the pre-game show with Teagan Witko, Justin Dunk and Wes Cates at 2 p.m., including exclusive interviews, while Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder have the game call at 5 p.m. You can hear everything on the 620 CKRM Co-operators Rider Broadcast Network.
