Ryan Dinwiddie Is the Best Option To Serve As Roughriders' Backup

Following the departure of Steven Jyles to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Dalton Bell to the Toronto Argonauts, one of the biggest roster battles heading into the 2010 CFL season pertains to the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ backup signal caller.

Those vying for the second string position are former Blue Bombers’ quarterback Ryan Dinwiddie and CFL rookies Cole Bergquist and Kent Smith .

Entering training camp as the only second string quarterback candidate with CFL experience, former Blue Bombers’ quarterback Ryan Dinwiddie, 29, is the safest selection to backup starter Darian Durant in Saskatchewan for 2010.

Widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in Boise State history, Dinwiddie was a three year starter with the Broncos.

During that time the Elk Grove, California native cemented his status as one of collegiate football’s most proficient passers, while breaking nearly every meaningful Boise State passing statistic.

After finishing his career at Boise State and going unclaimed through the 2004 NFL Draft, Dinwiddie signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as a free agent signal caller prior to the 2006 CFL season.

After serving as Winnipeg’s backup for the duration of his rookie campaign, Dinwiddie made his CFL debut against the Roughriders at the 2007 Grey Cup.

Despite putting on a performance that was, for all intents and purposes, extremely lackluster, Dinwiddie showcased his mental toughness and proved to many that he could someday likely succeed in the CFL.

If it weren’t for Saskatchewan defensive back James Johnson’s three interceptions, the outcome of the game may have been very different.

As the Roughriders’ only quarterback candidate with CFL experience, Dinwiddie is the best option as Durant’s backup.

Despite standing at a less-than-ideal 6'0" and possessing a knack for turning the ball over, Dinwiddie’s Canadian game experience will most likely cement the former Boise State standout as Saskatchewan’s second string quarterback heading into the 2010 CFL season.