Double D Responds: February 24, 2010

From Joshua

what is your take on the new management of the 'Riders and how do you think things will change from the past three years? Also, how are the contract talks going and will we see an extention prior to camp?

I am very excited about the new management direction the team is headed in. There is no reason why things shouldn't continue to improve across the board. I really would love to get a contract extention done but there is no rush. It'll happen in due time.

DD

From Ryan

How excited/nervous are you for signings and re-signings? Hope all is well.

I have 100% confidence in the direction the team is headed. So I don't get too nervous about the signings just excited.

DD

From Christopher Irvine

Darian,your the man. GO RIDERS! I was born here in Saskatchewan and just recently moved back in late October after 25 yrs in alberta. What are our chances for a Grey Cup in Edmonton and another West Final in Regina? Without chick.....do we still have a good team to get us back to back Grey Cup?

Thanks for the compliments. I truly believe we have the team to get back to the Grey Cup (and win) this year. The nucleus of the team is still in tact and we're looking to be better than last year. Losing a great player like Chick is tough to overcome but we have the players that can hopefully replace his production.

DD

From Terence

hey man hows it goin ? hope ur havin a good offseason u deserve it bud my question is other then gettin the cup wat r ur personal goals for this upcomin season ?

My main goal for this season is just to be better than I was last year. I want to take what I've learned last year and build on it. If i'm better then there is no reason why we won't be in the Grey Cup in November.

DD

From Shawna

Do you think with Coach Barry running the offense you will see the zone read play being called more often?

I'm really not sure the philosophy Coach Berry intends to bring but i know the success he's had in this league. Hopefully he can come in and keep the ship rolling.

DD

From Paul

What do you think about 3 of our Riders going to the NFL?

I think it's a great oppurtunity for our players to get a shot at the NFL. Growing up in the states people dream about making it to the NFL. So anytime you have an oppurtunity you have to try to make the most of it. You can't get rich in the CFL so if you have a chance to change your life forever financially you have to.

DD

From Kent Ridley

When your playing days are done is coaching in your future?

You got it. Coaching is something I definitely want to do when my playing days are over.

DD

From Angela Iuvale

Darian, will a different OC in the Rider organization have any effect on the offensive scheme this season, and how much input do you expect to have? With Andy and the rest of the receiving corp, we know you guys will be just amazing in 2010. Love ya, Doubles!

From what I'm hearing most of the offensive scheme will remain the same. I'm sure Coach Berry will implement his wrinkles here and there but we'll pretty much keep the same system. Being a year more experienced i hope to have a lot more input into things.

DD

From Rebecca

Hi Darian: Just a couple of questions for you, are you taking in any of the Winter Olympics? If yes, what do you like watching? Also, what do you do in off season? Do you work or are you able to take it easy, so to speak? I live in Calgary and missing going to home games but get to them when you are here.

I can't say I'm a big winter Olympic fan. If i watch anything it's downhill skiing. Although i did watch the US be Canada in hockey. (oops)

DD

From Verna

I am just wondering what are your thoughts around the recent signings that have happenend?

I'm very excited about the signings we've made. The thing I didn't want to see was a lot of change and we're doing a good job of keeping this group together.

DD

From Blake

Has there been any word on dressler being ready for for the the preseason.

From what I'm hearing Dressler will be ready and full go for camp. He's a great player and I look forward to continue building chemistry with him.

DD

From Tanya

What are your plans for the 2010 season and whne will you be in Florida wit yo fine self..(lol) But really whas good for the season??

My plans for the season are just to do everything possible to get a championship back to Saskatchewan. Whatever price that's necessary to pay I'm willing to do so

DD