as the Saskatchewan Roughriders take on the BC Lions in CFL action in Saskatoon, SK, June 28, 2025. Photo Electric Umbrella/Liam Richards
There will come a time, ideally soon, when a rival quarterback once again pays a steep price for visiting Reavis Island.
Saskatchewan Roughriders cover linebacker C.J. Reavis would love for that magical moment to materialize on Friday, when Vernon Adams Jr. is to start at quarterback for the Calgary Stampeders at Mosaic Stadium.
“It has been a while since I got an interception,” Reavis observed with a smile. “V.A., if you want to throw me one … please, brother!”
Reavis boasts a lengthy list of accomplishments since joining the Green and White in 2022. Last season, for example, he was an All-CFL selection.
The 6-foot-0, 198-pounder can play the game any way the situation dictates — a major plus when facing a multi-faceted quarterback such as Adams Jr.
“Just as V.A. is dangerous with the ball in his hands every play, guys like Reav can make plays in a multitude of facets — whether they’re covering down, whether they’re blitzing, or whether they’re playing the run game,” Head Coach Corey Mace said.
“You’ve got to be a different kind of player to play that position in this defence. He clearly showed that last year and he’s having a danged good year (in 2025).
“I know what he wants, though. We’ve got to keep working for it, but it’s coming.”
Number 1 on the wish list for the Roughriders’ No. 1 is his second CFL interception.
His first theft took place on Sept. 15, 2023, when he picked off Tre Ford in Edmonton Elks territory to set up a touchdown reception by Shawn Bane Jr.
Reavis added three sacks, three forced fumbles and 59 defensive tackles during his breakout season of 2023.
He followed up in 2024 with 89 tackles (tops on the team), four sacks and a forced fumble.
Reavis generated another turnover on June 28, when he dislodged the football from James Butler just before the B.C. Lions running back hit the Mosaic Stadium turf.
“Coach Mace told us to punch the ball out, so do you know what we did? Punched the ball out,” Reavis said.
He also toppled Butler for a two-yard loss on a reception in a 37-18 victory that improved Saskatchewan’s record to 4-0.
If the Roughriders are to begin a season with five consecutive wins for only the third time in franchise history, controlling Adams Jr. will be essential.
“When he takes off, it’s like, ‘Do you want to chase him or do you want to just stay in coverage?’ ” Reavis said.
“He makes it tough on you, but you’ve got to stay disciplined and stay within the rules of the team. If you stay in the rules, you’ll be all right.”
All is right in the world, generally speaking, for Reavis as his 44th CFL regular-season game looms.
“I’m in a great place mentally,” he said. “Spiritually, I’m in a great place.
“As far as my career, I’m grateful, but I feel I can still be way better. I haven’t reached my ceiling yet. I’m still rising.
“I haven’t had a pick yet, so I’m chasing guys like Milly (Rolan Milligan Jr.) and Tevaughn (Campbell) every week.”
How high, Reavis was asked as a follow-up, is he capable of ascending as a player?
“I’m trying to be Hall of Fame,” he replied. “That’s the ceiling for me.”
WINNING WAYS
Right tackle Jermarcus Hardrick has been on the winning side in 48 of the last 58 CFL regular-season games in which he has played, dating back to the tail end of the 2019 campaign.
His winning percentage over that span of success: 82.8.
Factor in the playoffs and Hardrick is on a 55-12 roll (82.1 per cent).
“It definitely isn’t just me,” he emphasized. “There’s 12 guys out there. I’ve got great teammates and they give me confidence to do my job.”
Hardrick signed with Saskatchewan as a free agent in February of 2024 after being named the West Division’s Outstanding Offensive Lineman the previous November.
He twice earned All-CFL recognition and won two Grey Cups as a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
“I’ve been on winning teams,” he said. “It’s something I’m used to. I’m just trying to get that mindset with everyone I’ve been around.
“We have a lot of guys who have been winners. It’s just something I’ve been a part of. I’ve been blessed to be a part of some good teams and good units.
“I’m just trying to share all the knowledge I have and get better.”
In so doing, the 6-foot-4, 315-pound genial giant has earned the admiration of his teammates and coaches.
“He does it the right way,” Mace said. “He’s chasing the ball in practice. When you’ve got a guy of that stature sprinting 30, 40 yards down the field each snap, that’s a winner. I think everybody sees that and he holds himself to that standard as well.
“Knowing his path and his football journey, he had to kind of claw and scratch to get to where he’s at and he hasn’t looked back since.
“It was a big part of the reason why he’s here and I think we’re better off for it.”
