Benoit Marion is unique among everyone in the CFL who has reached double digits in special teams tackles this season.
He is the only defensive lineman in the group of 19. Everybody else is a linebacker or a defensive back.
“I like to pride myself as an overall football player — an athlete,” the 6-foot-4, 260-pounder said after the Saskatchewan Roughriders practised on Thursday at Mosaic Stadium.
“Yes, I play on the defensive line, but I think I have the skill set that I can do a lot of different things.”
Even on the defensive line, Marion can play end or tackle. He has dropped back in pass coverage when required.
Marion also occupies several roles on special teams, as opposed to being strictly a tackler.
“We ask him to do a lot on special teams,” Head Coach Corey Mace said. “He’s not always just plugged in at one spot, so he’s got to learn a multitude of things.
“Because he’s versatile enough to do it, off of his build and his athleticism, it’s a plus for us to be able to put him in multiple spots.
“He’s got to know it, though, and he puts that pressure on himself. We champion that, and he’s still making plays wherever we put him.”
With 10 special teams tackles — two fewer than Nick Wiebe — Marion is tied for second on the team with defensive back Kosi Onyeka.
“I take a lot of pride in agility, speed, change of direction … all that stuff,” said Marion, a former Quebec Remparts prospect who played hockey until well into his teens before making football his sole athletic focus.
“Yes, it’s important to be strong and to lift, but there’s so much running on special teams in Canadian football, so I’ve always put a big emphasis on that. Just having an athletic background, playing other sports, helped me have that kind of athletic ability.
“I just trust what I see when I’m out there and it’s easy to play with those guys (on special teams). I trust them and they do their job. For me, I run down there and just go make tackles.
“I think I also have a good skill set as a defensive lineman to use my hands, so it’s hard for guys to block me because I’m always practising getting guys off of me. When someone tries to capture me at the line when I’m on the punt team, I can play with their hands, so I have a little bit of that in my toolbox, too. That helps, for sure.”
League-wise, Onyeka and Marion are in a four-way tie for 16th in special teams tackles despite not having played a full slate of games for the 10-2 Roughriders.
Onyeka missed the first seven games while recovering from a knee injury. Marion did not play in the first three games.
“I had a little bit of adversity, starting on the practice roster, but I also knew that with the type of player I am and with the experience, it wasn’t going to take very long to get on the field,” said Marion, 29, who joined the Roughriders last October after playing for the Toronto Argonauts (2021 to 2024) and Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2024).
“When I got my opportunity, I was prepared and ready to make plays. The system we play in with Kent (Maugeri, Special Teams Co-ordinator) and the defensive system are two systems that I’m very comfortable with, so it’s easy for me to just go out there, have fun, make plays, and just hang out with the guys.
“We’ve got a very good group of D-linemen. I think we’re very close, and it’s the same on special teams, too. It’s fun to just get out there. I don’t feel very much pressure.”
Marion has already established a personal best for special teams tackles in a season. The previous high was eight in 16 games with Toronto in 2023, one year after he helped the Argonauts win a Grey Cup when it was last played in Saskatchewan.
Mosaic Stadium will be the site of Saturday’s game between the Roughriders and Montreal Alouettes, who drafted Marion — a hometown player — in 2020.
“Playing in front of this crowd is special, so it’s easy to just go have fun and make plays,” he said.
“I’ve had my personal best (special teams tackles total) so far, but I’m looking forward to the next six games — putting up more numbers and helping this team win.
“We haven’t scored a punt return touchdown. That’s something I take a lot of pride in and that’s what I want, along with getting more turnovers on special teams. There’s always room for improvement.
“Personally, I’m satisfied, but I’m not content. I still want more. I know this last stretch is going to be very big. I have playoff experience and I’ve been to bigger games, so I can’t wait to have the opportunity to be in those games.”
SO CLOSE …
A victory on Saturday could clinch a playoff spot for Saskatchewan, which is atop the league’s overall standings.
Clinching would be nice, obviously, but it is not the emphasis among the players and coaches.
“We just want to win each week,” Mace said. “That’s really it. We’re just trying to be the best version of us.
“I swear to you guys (in the media). You’re going to get tired of me saying it, but it’s the truth. That’s just how the group is wired.
“We’ve got a game this week and we’re just prepping to try to go win that one.”
There is a chance that a playoff spot could be secured for the Roughriders before they face Montreal.
Saskatchewan can clinch before it takes the field on late Saturday afternoon if:
• The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (who are poised to play in Hamilton) and B.C. Lions (who visit the Ottawa REDBLACKS) both lose on Friday.
• Winnipeg loses and the Toronto Argonauts defeat the visiting Edmonton Elks on Saturday afternoon.
• Or, B.C. and Edmonton both lose.
“SHOWING LOVE AND RESPECT”
The Roughriders’ 2025 Plaza of Honour inductees were celebrated by the team’s current players and coaches after Thursday’s practice.
Alex Smith Jr. (assistant coach, 1997 to 2012), Chris Best (offensive lineman, 2007 to 2016) and the family of the late Steve Molnar (running back, 1969 to 1978) met with the players and coaches on the field after the final full workout before Saturday’s game — Legends Night.
“Having Bestie and Coach Smith and Steve Molnar’s family come out, just to be a part of today, allowed us to show our appreciation,” Mace said. “To get honoured like this is a big deal here.
“A lot of the things we have are really, truthfully off the people who paved the way for us, so we’re just showing love and respect.”
