Eskimos ink Canadian RB Diedrick

Edmonton Elks
1

FROM THE TSN WEBSITE

Eskimos ink Canadian RB Diedrick

9/9/2005 5:05:40 PM

EDMONTON (CP) - It has taken three years, but the Edmonton Eskimos finally have running back Dahrran Diedrick under contract.

The Eskimos signed the former Nebraska star Friday after taking him in the third round of the 2002 CFL Canadian college draft. But shortly after being selected by Edmonton, the six-foot, 225-pound Diedrick opted to return to the University of Nebraska for his senior year. Diedrick, of Toronto, was the first Canadian player ever recruited by Nebraska and is the only Canuck ever to line up as the starting I-back when the school ran a Wishbone offence.

Diedrick started two seasons at Nebraska, amassing 2,745 career yards to stand eighth in school history. He was the Cornhuskers starting I-back in 2001 when he rushed for 1,299 yards and helped lead Nebraska to the NCAA championship game before losing to the University of Miami Hurricanes.

Diedrick graduated from Nebraska the following year with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Bypassed in the 2003 NFL draft, Diedrick signed as a free agent with the San Diego Chargers before being released prior to the regular season. He ended up joining the Green Bay Packers, spending the season on the practice squad before being released by the club during training camp last year.

Diedrick finished last season with the Washington Redskins, who allocated Diedrick to NFL Europe. Diedrick played for Rhein Fire before re-joining the Redskins, who released him during training camp last month.

I haven't heard too much of this guy but I think we just should of stuck with Goldie. Our O-line is where the problem is. Ron averages 5.5 yards/carry and thats more than a few of the top backs in the league. Just to name a few: Antonio Warren, Troy Davis, Charles Roberts... 5.5 yards is great and I think he's our guy. Just that O-line needs some work.....

That being said, if Diedrick can match McClendons play, he should be the one we go with just because he's a non-import. but man, i hope we run it tonight...... It could hurt us though, Goldie enjoys fumbling and it's supposed to rain... Whatever, Burris will also have his share of turnovers....

Sun, rain, snow, who cares! we're in for an awesome game..... 60 000 loud and proud

2

It won't matter if he only gets the ball 5-6 times a game.

Edmonton's offense is having difficulty because they ignore the running game. The Eskimos have a decent running attack, but they never seem to use it.

Ron Lancaster Jr. needs a firehose enema.

3

Amen!

4

If they give him the carries, this is the running back who got up HUGE numbers in Nebraska. Led by Deidrick, they got to the NCAA Championship Rose Bowls, but lost. Diedrick had over 1000 yards rushing. He is better then Jesse Lumsden because he comes from a tough American college and in a pretty tough conference. This guys a player.. again.. he needs the carries. Comon Danny, Ricky, Ron..

5

Diedrick shold imprve the offense...if he is patient. Goldie is good but he has no patience, he just hits the first opening he sees....Dehrann can hopefullly fill a role where Coach Cioch can trust him in giving him the ball 10-15 times a game

6

Now that the Esks have even more depth at RB, I have a feeling that if the running game doesn't pick up in the latter part of the season here, the club might be hiring a new offensive coordinator in the offseason.

After all, the Esks have adequate personnel to be a threat on the ground, and if rushing yards aren't produced no matter who is playing, it must be the coach.