The season of change continues with the linebackers who will look completely different come the Stampeders home-opener on June 7.

Marcus Klund takes over the coaching duties for Bob Slowik, who was promoted to defensive coordinator this off-season. It is Klund’s fourth season coaching in the CFL after having served as defensive backs coach for three years – two with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2022 and 2023, and one with the Edmonton Elks last season.

Coach: Marcus Klund

Vets: Jacob Roberts, Micah Teitz*

Off-Season Additions: Gary Johnson Jr., Derrick Moncrief, Fraser Sopik*

Rookies: Kelechi Anyalebechi, Alex Howard, Trey Kiser, Marquel Lee, Sam Mathews

Departed: Micah Awe, Cameron Judge*, Adam Konar*, Darius Williams

* Denotes Canadian

MIKE, WILL, AND SAM

Heading into the 2025 season, the Stamps are without their starting MIKE and WILL linebackers. For two years in a row, Micah Awe and Cameron Judge ruled the middle of the defence together, something that hasn’t happened for the Red and White since Alex Singleton and Maleki Harris in 2016 and 2017. For seven seasons, either the middle or weak-side saw someone new take the starting spot each season.

This year, the slate is wiped clean again.

So, who takes over those two starting jobs?

Micah Teitz played all 18 games in his first season as a Stamp in a backup role to Awe. But he also has experience playing the WILL position where he made 17 starts for the Riders in 2023.

Fraser Sopik traditionally lines up on the weak-side and made 12 starts for the Toronto Argonauts last season in that spot.

Do the Stamps go double Canadian this season?

The Canadian Fraser Sopik with the punch out to force a Winnipeg turnover to open this one! #CFLGameday on @TSN_Sports 🇨🇦 & @CBSSportsNet 🇺🇸📱: Stream on CFL+ pic.twitter.com/RrBLlAzuoS

— CFL (@CFL) July 27, 2024

Next, we’ll take a look at the SAM spot, which is essentially a defensive back position but for the sake of this preview we’ll loop it in with the linebackers.

When the free agency window opened Dickenson and Co. brought in eight-year CFL vet Derrick Moncrief. With the absence of Branden Dozier, it could be expected to see Moncrief fill the SAM linebacker role this season. Global DB Bailey Devine-Scott also made four starts at the strong-side position last year and can fill in when called upon.

Look away @victorcui 🫣

@hotboy_shoemane does a double jump for the pick!#CFLGameday | @sskroughriders pic.twitter.com/ztUTGlsoVP

— CFL (@CFL) June 19, 2022

Two Rookies To Watch

Additionally, the Red and White have brought in five rookies to compete for jobs at camp this spring, including Marquel Lee who joined the club last fall and suited up for two games at the end of the season.

• Trey Kiser – Kiser played three seasons (2021-23) at South Alabama where he tallied 178 tackles including 21.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, three knockdowns and one fumble recovery. In 2024, he signed contracts as an undrafted free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Giants before his subsequent release.
• Sam Mathews – Mathews played 34 games over three seasons (2021-23) at Texas A&M, recording 38 tackles including 2.5 for loss, one forced fumble and one interception. Prior to his final season, the Aggie alum was named the team’s 12th Man and given the honour of wearing No. 12.