SASKATOON — Liam Hoskins is inarguably the best left winger at Saskatchewan Roughriders rookie camp.
His pigskin pedigree is even more impressive.
Hoskins, who played under-16 and under-18 AAA hockey for his hometown London Jr. Knights, did not take up organized football until his Grade 12 year at Catholic Central High School.
“I was kind of nervous getting into it — not that I didn’t enjoy it,” Hoskins said after Wednesday’s workout at Griffiths Stadium.
“That’s why I ended up getting this opportunity. I enjoy the game and I just wanted to have the opportunities to develop and grow and to make sure I could play this game at a high level.”
Mission accomplished.
After starring for the University of Windsor Lancers, Hoskins was selected by Saskatchewan in the fifth round (43rd overall) of the 2025 CFL Draft.
Hoskins, who was listed as a defensive lineman for Draft purposes, was also deployed as a linebacker in the U Sports ranks. The Roughriders are using him at linebacker while also looking to take advantage of his talents and tenacity on special teams.
“We were impressed with his size and speed, certainly, and his motor is incredible,” Head Coach and Defensive Co-ordinator Corey Mace said.
“We feel, too, that he has positional flex. He can play the defensive end spot. We’re giving him a look right now at linebacker as well to see if he can handle that and he’s doing a pretty good job so far.
“He gives us versatility and we have the ability to bounce him around. But what he’s going to bring to the team and give himself the best chance is going to be on special teams.
“He is a butt-kicker.”
No ifs, ands or buts about it.
“I take a lot of pride on special teams,” the 24-year-old Hoskins stated.
“I love running down the field and just trying to do everything to the best of my ability, wherever I can help the team.”
There was a time when special-teams duty entailed spending time on the power-play or penalty-killing units.
“It was a long path,” he reflected, “and there were times when I kind of had to make a decision on whether to play football (or hockey).
“I’m just glad that everything worked out, because there was a time when I was new in the game.”
The acclimatization process was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the cancellation of a 2020 season in which he would have made his debut in Canadian college football.
COVID also resulted in a shortened 2021 campaign, in which Hoskins played in six regular-season games instead of the regular eight.
A pre-pandemic scheduling format was reinstituted in 2022, when his ball-hawking ability was accentuated. He registered two interceptions — returning them both for touchdowns — an added four pass deflections in nine games.
Over the last two seasons, Hoskins has been a fixture in the opposing backfield, recording seven sacks and 10 tackles for a loss in 19 games.
“The situation I went into in Windsor was a good one, with a great coaching staff and great teammates,” Hoskins said. “I think being in that environment to grow and having that basic athletic ability goes a long way.”
So does a love of the game, which quickly became apparent during his early hours with the Catholic Central Crusaders.
“A big thing is the brotherhood,” the 6-foot-2, 220-pounder said. “The family aspect of it is just amazing — being a part of something bigger than you.”
Now he is attaining bigger goals.
“It has always been a dream to be a pro athlete,” Hoskins said. “It’s great to check that box, for sure.”
There was a time when he dreamed of playing in the NHL for his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs. Then the CFL became the focus.
Suppose, though, that the Green and White could use a left winger for, say, the annual Roughrider Foundation Winter Classic hockey game. Could Hoskins dust off the blades if need be?
“One hundred per cent,” he said with a smile. “I can still skate around a little bit.”
