SASKATOON — There’s safety in numbers. First 21, now 25.
Saskatchewan Roughriders safety Nelson Lokombo made the switch during the off-season, changing the 1 on his jersey to a 5.
The former University of Saskatchewan Huskies star was part of a digital domino effect that also impacted quarterback Tommy Stevens and defensive back Jaxon Ford.
Stevens, a free-agent signing during the off-season, coveted No. 17 — which Ford had worn for his first two CFL seasons.
Ford was amenable to a change of numbers, especially if 21 was available. His grandfather, Roughriders legend Alan Ford, wore 21 from 1965 to 1976.
Upon hearing from Stevens, Jaxon Ford approached Lokombo, who had donned 21 since being selected by Saskatchewan in Round 1 of the 2021 CFL Draft.
“I took some time, thought about it for a second, and asked my family,” Lokombo said after Tuesday’s Coors Light Training Camp workout at Griffiths Stadium, on the U of S campus.
“It’s something that I have been waiting to get for a while. I was happy to switch my number over to two-five because it means a lot to me.
“It’s a number all my brothers wore. I wore it in high school and college.
“Two-five is kind of our legacy number. Two-five runs in our family, but I’ll be the first to wear it in the pros. It feels good to finally get that number.”
The only reason for the hesitation referenced earlier: Several family members are resplendent in No. 21 jerseys, so the switch was not without complications.
“I’ll definitely have to get some new jerseys,” Lokombo said with a laugh. “But they know how much this number means to me, so they’ll be happy with getting a new package.”
Lokombo’s previous CFL number was the inverse of 12, which he wore for his first two Canada West seasons with the Huskies.
In 2019, he switched to 25 and ended up playing so sensationally that he was named the most outstanding defensive player in Canadian university football.
“That really shot my stock up and showcased what I could do,” Lokombo recalled. “It allowed me to play with more confidence.
“I’ve had some good times with this number, for sure.”
Lokombo didn’t have to wait very long for his number to be called in the Draft. He was selected second overall, only to have what would have been his rookie season shelved by an Achilles tendon injury.
The 5-foot-11, 190-pounder, from Abbotsford, B.C., made his CFL debut in 2022 and patiently, diligently worked at elevating his game — leading up to a breakthrough season.
In 2024, Lokombo started in all 20 of Saskatchewan’s regular-season and playoff games. He was a front-line cornerback in Week 1 before being installed as the starting safety.
“I came in with a lot more confidence last year,” he said. “I started all year, so I know the playbook inside and out.
“I’m able to be out there and dictate what goes on in the back end. It allows me to play more confidently back there and really showcase that I can make plays out there.
“You’re definitely going to see that this year, so I’m excited.”
Lokombo’s biggest play of 2024 was an interception — his first as a professional football player — at the expense of the B.C. Lions in the Western Semi-Final. Lokombo’s larceny helped Saskatchewan win 28-19 at Mosaic Stadium.
After reaching the Western Final in 2024, members of an incumbent-rich Roughriders team have resolved to ascend to the next level.
“The vibe is good,” Lokombo said. “The vets came in already knowing the playbook so we’re able to evolve a little earlier (as a defence) and play around with different things.
“The rookies have been brought up to speed pretty quickly, too, so everybody has been out here flying around and making plays.”
That includes Lokombo, whose anticipation and aggression produced two pass breakups — within a span of three plays — during the 12-on-12 component of Tuesday’s practice.
Initially, it took a second for a seasoned scribe to process that the play was being made by Lokombo. But the “who’s 25?” phase quickly passed.
One thought did come to mind, though: Did Lokombo miss out on a potentially lucrative opportunity? Could he have extracted some compensation from Ford in return for relinquishing No. 21?
“I’m a nice guy,” Lokombo accurately responded. “I let Jaxon off the hook with that one.
“Maybe he’ll get me something later. Maybe I’ll tap him on the shoulder when we’re at dinner and get some appys or something.
“But, naah, nothing right now.”
