CFL on TSN analyst Matt Dunigan breaks down the quarterback situation for each team heading into the 2012 regular season.
Darian Durant, North Carolina (7th CFL/7th Saskatchewan)
Let's all raise our glasses, or whatever is in front of you, and thank the Football Gods for a new beginning in Saskatchewan. I know Darian is glad to be wiping the slate clean and starting fresh! Having Khari Jones on the staff coaching the QBs is huge for Double D. Being able to speak the same language with someone like Jones who has been there before, will be invaluable for Darian.
Bob Dyce, the new OC for Saskatchewan, has a legitimate STUD to work with in Darian Durant and tremendous knowledge to draw on from Jones.
The O-Line was bolstered this offseason with the additions of Dominic Picard, Brendon LaBatte, Ben Hennan, Chris Patrick and Xavier Fulton. Those additions up front should be huge for an offence that was last in scoring in 2011 and already dealing with injuries to veterans Chris Best and Dan Goodspeed.
Darian is a warrior and positioned for a bounce back season! He better be, as the experience factor behind him is zero. Both Drew Willy, Buffalo (1st CFL/1st Saskatchewan) and J.T. O'Sullivan, California Davis (1st CFL/1st Saskatchewan) have no experience in the CFL other than the minimal playing time during preseason.
Jury is still out on these two young guns and for Rider Nation's sake, I hope it stays that way! Now, I know Drew and J.T. would love the chance to strut their stuff, but that's definitely putting the cart before the horse and or a death wish. The fourth QB in Riderville is Levi Brown, Troy (1st CFL/1st Saskatchewan) and he has just been placed on the nine-game injured list.
Bottom Line is the Riders have to keep Darian Clean!!!