Craig Dickenson made a special presentation after the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ most-recent game.
The CFL team’s Head Coach awarded one of the game balls to Kosi Onyeka, who erupted for four special teams tackles in a 34-29 victory over the B.C. Lions on Aug. 20.
The Lions were also the visitors when a Roughrider had previously made four special teams stops — that being Alexandre Chevrier on Aug. 25, 2018.
“It was definitely a good experience,” Onyeka said following Thursday’s practice at Mosaic Stadium. “I’ve got to shout out my coaches and my teammates for always putting me in the right position.
“The way our special teams are, we’re coached to play one to 12. Everyone has a job to do and everyone complements each other.
“If I’m not making a tackle, I’m helping someone make a tackle. If someone isn’t making a tackle, they’re helping someone else make a tackle.
“We just kind of feed off each other. We pride ourselves in being the hardest-working special-teams unit in the league.”
The results of the hard work were evident from the outset of the latest home game against B.C.
On the opening kickoff, Jaxon Ford flattened Lions returner Terry Williams after a 17-yard advance.
T.J. Brunson repeatedly delivered punishing hits, in addition to forcing a Williams fumble that set up a touchdown.
And then there was Onyeka, making tackle after tackle.
“We kind of hang our hat on making big plays on special teams,” he said. “A lot of the special teams guys are on defence as well, so we kind of wear that. We try to be tough and physical.
“We come to work every day and we don’t expect anything different on game day, because practice is where we really get tested. So when we get to the game, it’s kind of easy.
“Coming to work every day and having that mindset really primes us for the game and gets us ready for the game.”
It also sets the stage for post-game plaudits, such as those which result from the receipt of a game ball.
Dickenson also handed footballs to receiver Samuel Emilus (who had five catches for 106 yards and one touchdown) and linebacker Larry Dean (following his 100th CFL regular-season game).
Onyeka received the keepsake after the finest of his 15 games in the CFL.
“He was super-productive,” Dickenson said. “We want to always emphasize production, because that’s what wins you games.
“But he has also shown a lot of growth in terms of where he was when he came in as a rookie and where he is now. He has just been a very valuable member of the team and we felt like that game he had against B.C. was worthy of a game ball.”
After starring for the University of Guelph Gryphons, Onyeka made his CFL debut in 2022. He had one defensive tackle and one special-teams tackle in nine games with Saskatchewan.
After his first seven games this year, the 23-year-old defensive back has nine tackles in each category. Dickenson attributed the progress to effort and toughness.
“He’s starting to believe and he’s taking the techniques that we’re teaching in practice and using them in the game,” the Roughriders’ field boss said.
“He’s playing very hard. That’s the other thing.”
Another important thing to consider: Patience.
“It’s my second year here and, ever since I got here, I’ve just been champing at the bit and waiting for my opportunity,” Onyeka said.
“I always tell the other guys — the guys who are not playing right now — to just wait for your opportunity, because your number’s going to get called at some point.
“There’s injuries and there’s a small roster. It’s smaller than the NFL’s. You’re going to get an opportunity to play, so you’ve just got to stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.
“I feel like I’ve been grinding ever since and hopefully more game balls are going to come my way.”
