SASKATOON — Alex Gubner is a fine fit for a team that is coached by someone who registered an interception as an NFL defensive lineman.
Gubner, a rookie defensive tackle with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, had a team-high four picks for the University of Montana Grizzlies in 2019.
“That’s incredible,” marvelled Head Coach Corey Mace, who made an interception of his own while toiling in the trenches for the Buffalo Bills in 2009.
“It’s kind of a gift and a curse, because I already know that Micah Johnson has been begging to drop in coverage. He might be on that train, too.
“Playmakers are playmakers. They find ways to do it. Creating turnovers and possessing the ball yourself from a defensive line standpoint doesn’t happen very often.
“To have four in a season, as opposed to a lifelong career, is incredible. Hats off to him. He’s a heck of a player.”
That has been evident two days into the Roughriders’ rookie camp, which is to conclude Friday at Griffiths Stadium.
The last time Gubner was classified as a rookie in any context, he notched the aforementioned four interceptions as a redshirt freshman.
“We had an unorthodox defence at Montana, so they had me dropping out and in spy coverage,” the 6-foot-3, 285-pounder recalled. “The quarterbacks couldn’t see me.
“I had four, yeah, but it was kind of crazy. Not a lot of return yards, though, but it was cool.
“And then I never got another one in three years.”
But he continued to make life miserable for opposing offences, providing a persistent push and dominating in general. He was named to four All-America teams as a senior.
Last year, he was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent and spent training camp with Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and associates. A CFL contract with the Roughriders was signed on Dec. 13th.
“From everything I’ve been told and seen, the Riders have the best fan base,” said Gubner, 25, who hails from West Hills, Calif. “I’ve heard about all the merchandise they sell.
“It seems like it is the sport in the province and they represent the province. The University of Montana kind of represents that state.
“We get 30,000 fans each game, just like the Riders. They get a packed house. It’s kind of cool to be in a similar environment.”
COREY’S COMMENTS
Mace singled out a few players for commendation following Wednesday’s session.
Principal among them was second-year Roughrider Antoine Brooks Jr., who is classified as a defensive back but can also play linebacker.
“He was with us all year last year,” Mace noted. “He had a good camp. We jumped him around. He has played a few places in the back end. We gave him a look today in a new position and he was still making plays on the ball and doing good stuff in the run game as well.
“He’s just showing his versatility not only physically but also mentally. Being able to handle multiple positions is tough. He did a good job today.”
When asked about Wayne Ruby Jr., an early-camp standout, Mace added a second receiver to the list.
“With him and Ty James, those are guys coming in for the first time,” the Roughriders’ field boss said. “You see how fluid they are in their routes and how they understand the waggle. They are both sure-handed guys. Those are two guys who stood out (Wednesday) and we’ll look at the tape and see what happened (Thursday).”
PLAYS OF THE DAY
Some highlights from Day 2 of rookie camp …
• Ruby Jr. made a diving grab and demonstrated an excellent burst of speed to cap off another play, having found a seam in a zone.
• The most picturesque pass of the day was from Jack Coan to Drae McCray, who got open on a deep corner route. Coan threw a flutter-free football despite the windy conditions. McCray, listed as a receiver, is also a reputable returner.
• Defensive back Eddie Heckard turned heads with a near-interception and with excellent pursuit on a hitch screen play.
• Other near-interceptions: Brooks Jr., who dressed for one regular-season game in 2024, and defensive back Robert Javier.
• Kendy Charles stuffed a running play. Fellow defensive lineman Aaron Patrick continued to impress.
