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Riders Add American D-Lineman to Roster Ahead of Busy Pre-Season

By Les Lazaruk Apr 28, 2025 | 2:08 PM

Get ready for a deluge of C-F-L news and information as the 2025 season is practically upon us!

The Saskatchewan Roughriders remained busy Monday as they announced the commitment of American defensive lineman Justin Jefferson to be at rookie camp starting next Wednesday. The 5’11”, 234-pound Chicago product spent four collegiate seasons from 2021 through 2024 at Eastern Michigan. The news comes just ahead of Tuesday’s C-F-L Global Draft and Canadian College Draft. The Green and White have the sixth and 15th overall selections in the afternoon Global Draft, then have the fourth overall choice in the evening’s Canadian Draft and picks in all of the eight rounds, except the seventh. Following are news releases from the Riders…..

DATE:                       April 28, 2025

RELEASE TIME:      IMMEDIATELY

RELEASE:                SR25-047

 

 

RIDERS ADD EAST MICHIGAN DEFENSIVE LINEMAN JUSTIN JEFFERSON

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed American defensive lineman Justin Jefferson.

Jefferson (5’11-234) spent four collegiate seasons (2021-24) at Eastern Michigan suiting up for 49 games for the Eagles. Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, Jefferson registered 121 career tackles, including 14 tackles for loss, eight sacks, two pass deflections, three fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. He had a standout junior season, tallying career highs in tackles (46), tackles for loss (8), pass deflections (2) and fumble recoveries (2).

Jefferson was also a 2024 nominee for the Burlsworth Trophy, which is given annually to the most outstanding FBS college football player who began his career as a walk-on.

The 2025 CFL Draft Day begins with the Global Draft at 9 a.m. (SK) on April 29th where the Roughriders have two selections:
  • Round 1, 6th overall
  • Round 2, 15th overall
Draft Day continues starting at 4 p.m. (SK) with the Canadian draft. Here the Roughriders have seven selections, including fourth overall. The Roughriders seventh round pick was traded to Calgary in exchange for American quarterback Jake Maier.
  • Round 1, 4th overall
  • Round 2, 13th overall
  • Round 3, 25th overall
  • Round 4, 34th overall
  • Round 5, 43rd overall
  • Round 6, 52nd overall
  • Round 8, 69th overall
Four selections in the Roughriders 2024 Draft Class made the Roughriders active roster last season:
  • Linebacker Nick Wiebe (2nd round, 12th overall), one game
  • Receiver Dhel Duncan-Busby (3rd round, 23rd overall), seven games
  • Linebacker Melique Straker (4th round, 32nd overall), 10 games
  • Receiver Ajou Ajou (7th round, 59th overall), 12 games