‘Upgraded’ secondary gives Stampeders a fresh look for CFL season opener

The secondary was a primary focus for the Calgary Stampeders during the off-season.

As the 2024 CFL campaign begins, the defensive backfield has a new look, one they hope will have more ball-hawking ability.

“We’ve got some different people,” said Stampeders GM/head coach Dave Dickenson. “It’s a solid group. I think we have upgraded. Now, we’ll just see if we can do it week-in and week-out. Last year, we got knockdowns, and this year we’ve got interceptions.”

Dickenson is confident due to the moves made to revamp the secondary after the team managed just nine interceptions in 2023.

The most significant addition was free-agent cornerback Demerio Houston, who led the league in interceptions with seven in just 15 games last year.

“Just felt wanted more here in Calgary,” said 27-year-old Houston about choosing to sign with the Stampeders after spending parts of three seasons with the highly successful Winnipeg Blue Bombers. “I feel like I’m coming over to make a change, make a difference, and do whatever I need to do to help my team be successful.”

His journey to success with another team begins Friday when the Stamps host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the season opener at McMahon Stadium (7 p.m., TSN, QR Calgary). “I feel like they look to me to be a leader,” said Houston, who is 5-foot-10 and 173 pounds. “It’s a different role for me because I’m used to being in the background in Winnipeg, being quiet. Now here in Calgary, I’m more vocal, and I’m working on that. If they need me to play offense, I’ll do it. If they need me to be more vocal, I’ll do it. Whatever I need to do to help this team be successful.”

What Dickenson & Co. want is a difference-maker — something the North Carolina native and former NCAA Southern Jaguars star has in his skill set.

“Expect big plays, whether it’s big tackles, pass deflections, or — of course — interceptions,” continued Houston. “My personal goal is to do it again and try to excel higher in interceptions.”

With Houston at boundary corner, sixth-year veteran Tre Roberson moves to the other cornerback spot on the wide side of the field. After two successful seasons with the Montreal Alouettes, Rodney Randle Jr. joins the Stamps to play at defensive halfback.

American Branden Dozier returns for a fourth season at safety for the Red & White, providing stability.

Fresh faces are likely to fill the other halfback position, possibly 2024 first-round draft pick Ben Labrosse, and step into the sixth secondary spot when needed, perhaps American Bentlee Sanders.

Their emergence, along with the talents of other new players, allowed the Stamps to release veterans Titus Wall and Brad Muhammad.

“He’s a good returner, too — he’s fast,” said Dickenson of Sanders. “He really showed well in last Friday’s preseason win over the Blue Bombers. Some guys stood out, and he was one of them.” Sanders joins the Stamps after a distinguished NCAA career with the South Florida Bulls and Nevada Wolf Pack.

“Wherever they need me, I’ll play to the best of my abilities,” said Sanders, whose 2022 stat line with Nevada included 82 tackles (five for losses), three forced fumbles, four passes defended, and five interceptions, including one pick-six.

“You might look at me and say, ‘Aww … he’s too small,’” said Sanders, who is 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds. “But when I get on the field, you’re not gonna think I’m that small. I come with some dog, some grit. I just love the game so much. You’ll see my passion on the field every day. My mission was to show these coaches I could still play ball. I’ve been away from the game for about two years, so I need to show them I can help the team in any way they need me.”

Returning to the Red & White secondary with CFL experience are Americans Kobe Williams and Daniel Amoako, Calgary’s Nick Statz, Ontario’s Malcolm Thompson, and Australia’s Bailey Scott-Devine.

Additionally, Montreal’s Kaylyn St-Cyr, another 2024 draft pick, and Americans Kenyon Reed and Tyler Richardson have joined the practice roster, while 2024 draftee Jackson Sombach has returned to U SPORTS’ Regina Rams but remains Stamps property.

“I don’t think we’re quite set on who’s playing yet,” Dickenson said about his secondary. “We’re going to let guys compete. We had some nice interceptions in Winnipeg last Friday. We tackled well, played fast, and covered fairly well.”

“It’s a great group of guys — that’s one reason I came over,” added Houston. “I’m here to help the team reach the ultimate goal, which is the Grey Cup.”