Roughriders' rookie linebacker making an impression

For a guy who hadn't heard of Saskatchewan or the Canadian Football League until just a few months ago, Samuel Eguavoen is having a blast and opposing playershave the bruises to prove it.

Eguavoen has been a bright spot on a Roughriders team that is off to a rough start.

Two straight losses to start the season, but most will suggest it's just a matter of time before this team finds its groove.

• Saskatchewan Roughriders look to bounce back from 0-2 start

How good is 23 year-old Eguavoen? He's good enough.He's put Jeff Knox on the bench.

Knox was the lone defender standing in Saskatchewan once coach Chris Jones was done spring cleaning.

Knox, in his rookie season in 2015, was second in the league in tackles, named the Riders' outstanding player and a West Division all-star.

So far in 2016, Knox is out standing on the sideline while Eguavoen starts at his weak side linebacker spot.

"It's very fun out here, I didn't think it was going to be this fun, I'm like, man I'm in Canada!Never in a thousand years did I think I would be in a different country, but I love it out here, I really do." said Eguavoen, who was born and raised in Texas.

An injury ended Eguavoen'ssenior year at Texas Tech and as result he went un-drafted by the NFL.

He spent last year "working out and working a job" until he noticed an online ad for the Saskatchewan Roughriders open try-out in Dallas.

"I knew nothing about the CFL, I knew nothing about the Roughriders until I went to the camp and it was a whole different game."

He impressed Jones and staff enough to earn an invite to the Riders' mini-camp in Florida and then ultimately training camp in Saskatoon.

Fast forward to week threeof the CFL season and he is still making people take notice.

I'm glad I came here because this is probably the best place for me to be.- SamuelEguavoen, Roughriders linebacker

Friday night in Edmonton, Eguavoen laid out Eskimos' running back John White with a body check that would make Solomon Elimimian notice.

"He can tackle number one, he gets in great position, he's got great instincts, he can man cover and he can pass rush." said Jones after practice on Wednesday.

"He's played pretty well.There's a couple plays he's left out there, but he's played pretty solid defence for us."

Eguavoen is making an impression on Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan is making an impression on him.

"The fan base is crazy just like Texas football, the fans here are ridiculous. No matter where we're at, I see green the whole stadium.I'm glad I came here because this is probably the best place for me to be."