Franklin, Elimimian, Reaves Come To Riders As CFLFA Begins

The Roughriders have signed American linebacker Solomon Elimimian to a one-year contract extension.

Elimimian (6’0 – 225 lbs) returns to the Roughriders after a strong CFL season that saw him named a West Division All-Star. The 33-year-old middle linebacker played in 15 games earning 88 defensive tackles – the third highest total in the CFL – and also added four sacks and one forced fumble.

The ten-year CFL veteran has had an incredible CFL career so far that includes being awarded the CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie in 2010, Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2014 and 2016 and became the first defensive player in the modern era to win Most Outstanding Player in 2014.
Elimimian is a four-time CFL All-Star (2011, 2014, 2016, 2017) and a six-time CFL West Division All-Star (2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019). He is also a Grey Cup Champion winning the trophy with the Lions in 2011.
In 118 career games, Elimimian has collected 833 defensive tackles, 22 sacks, eight interceptions and eight forced fumbles. Additionally, he’s surpassed 100 defensive tackles three times in his career (2014, 2016, 2017) and holds the CFL’s single season record for most tackles in a season (2014).

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The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed American quarterback James Franklin to a one-year contract.

Franklin (6’2 – 235 lbs) joins the Roughriders after spending the previous two seasons with the Toronto Argonauts. The 28-year-old pivot played 27 games for the Double Blue, throwing 2,836 yards on 187 passes and scoring 11 touchdowns. He added 448 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. As the primary short yardage quarterback in 2018 Franklin scored 14 rushing majors – and led the CFL in that category.

Prior to his trade to Toronto, Franklin spent three seasons in Edmonton – winning the Grey Cup with the team in 2015. Over his time with the Eskimos Franklin completed 116 passes for 1449 yards including 12 touchdowns and just one interception. He also rushed 18 times for 145 yards and an additional TD.

Franklin attended the University of Missouri for four seasons (2010-2014) playing in 42 games and throwing for 6,962 yards and 51 touchdowns. He rushed for an additional 1,729 yards and 21 touchdowns. In 2011, the Texas native was named MVP of the 2011 Independence Bowl. In 2014, he led the Tigers to a win at the Cotton Bowl.

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The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed National defensive lineman Jordan Reaves to a one-year contract extension. 

Reaves (6’4-225lbs) returns to the Riders for his third season in Green and White after an injury at training camp sidelined him for the 2019 season. 

A gifted special teams player, the 30-year-old played in 17 games for the Club in the 2018 season making 12 special teams tackles. The Winnipegger initially signed with the Riders in 2016 and went on to play in five games that season registering two special-teams tackles. Prior to arriving in Saskatchewan, Reaves spent the 2015 season on the Blue Bombers practice roster. 

The well-rounded athlete played five collegiate seasons on the Brandon University Bobcats men’s basketball team before shifting to football. He participated in 2015 Edmonton Regional combine earning the fourth fastest time in the 40-yard dash (4.69 seconds), tied for third in the three-cone drill (7.06 seconds) and had the third longest broad jump (10’0.50”).