Riders Strengthen Backfield

Saskatchewan Roughrider General Manager/VP of Football Operations Eric Tillman announced today the Riders have acquired import running back Wes Cates from the Calgary Stampeders. In return the Riders sent non-import offensive lineman Rob Lazeo and a conditional 2009 draft pick to the Stampeders.

Cates (6’0 – 215 lbs.) dressed in 17 regular season games and the West semi-final for Calgary last season. He finished the season with 25 carries for 181 yards and two touchdowns. The 28-year old also had 21 receptions for 286 yards and one touchdown. Prior to joining the Stampeders, Cates spent four seasons at the University of California where he set numerous school rushing records and finished his college career with 5,647 total yards.

"It's never easy to trade a man who has given five years of unselfish service, like Rob has to our team,” stated Riders GM Eric Tillman. “He's well liked and certainly leaves with our respect for his many contributions to the Roughriders." 
 
"As most people know, Kent and I place a premium on Canadian talent.  But, in this case, given our exceptional Canadian depth on the offensive line, this was an opportunity to acquire a young man whom we believe is an exceptional talent. If Calgary didn't have Joffrey Reynolds, trust me, Wes Cates would have been a household name in the Canadian Football League last year.  Wes is big, fast, has very good hands and he can also be a significant factor in the return game."

Rob Lazeo spent seven seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders (1998-99, 2002-07). He dressed in 113 regular season games and eight playoff games with the Green & White.