Rams: Defensive Line

There will be plenty of familiar faces on the defensive line this season, as most of the rotation returns to the group.  

"We are excited with our defensive line unit this season," said defensive line coach Kyle Stroeder. He commends 3^rd-year Toryn Swystun-Bernes and 5^th-year Jacob Dakiniewich for their 2024 seasons.

"They will be forces on the line of scrimmage once again this season," said Stroeder.

Swystun-Bernes has been a mainstay at nose in his first two seasons and had career highs in solo tackles (13) and tackles for loss (2.0) last year. Dakiniewich's 2024 campaign earned him an invite to the 2025 CFL Invitational Combine.

Other key returners include Brad Rodin, Anthony Montas Leipert, and Praise Odogun.

Rodin played in all 11 games last year, finishing with 4 solo and 4 assisted tackles. Montas Leipert brings tons of experience to the group, playing in 10 games last year, finishing with 5 solo and 5 assisted tackles. After coming to the Rams from the Westshore Rebels, Odogun dressed 9 games in 2024.

Maliq Washington – who hails from Tacoma, Washington – and Matthew Zeiler also return and are healthy after missing time due to injury.

Along with a strong group of returning players, the 2025 recruiting class is primed to make an impact.

Ethan Lucke comes to the Rams from the Regina Thunder, where he had a successful career, while George Yobo and Aaron Maseko are both from Calgary, and most recently played for the Okanagan Sun, where they were BCFC champions in 2024.

Additionally, Carlos McArthur returns to Regina after spending a year with Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota. McArthur played high school football for Miller Comprehensive.

Finally, the class includes a strong crew of players straight out of high school. Bennett Anderson (Calgary) and Mike Zalaski (Edmonton) come from Alberta, while Lucian Verity joins the group from Bishop James Mahoney in Saskatoon and was also part of Team Saskatchewan in the 2024 U18 Football Canada Cup.