Drew Willy (right) and Darian Durant discuss things with QB coach Khari Jones. (photo courtesy of riderville.com)

It’s official, Drew Willy will be starting at quarterback for the Saskatchewan Roughriders when they take on the Montreal Alouettes on Sunday at Percival Molson Stadium.

Darian Durant's status has been up in the air all week because of a hip flexor injury that forced him out of the Banjo Bowl last week in Winnipeg.  He has been unable to practice all week and sure enough, when the depth chart came out on Saturday morning, Willy was listed at the top, J.T. O'Sullivan as the back-up and Durant, third.

Head coach Corey Chamblin says he's liked what Willy has done this week in practice and he looks ready for his first career professional start.

“He’s getting confidence in what he’s doing,” said Chamblin.  “He’s excited and it’s just like being at the University of Buffalo for him, he feels like he’s in the mode to where he can sling the ball around.”

Willy also feels he's ready to go, “I’m prepared to play and I’ve gotten a lot of reps this week and I feel good about where we are as a team and the game plan, so I’m comfortable.

“Any time you can get experience on the practice field with the first team, you’re just going to be that much more successful out there on the field.”



Willy hasn't started a game since his senior season at the University of Buffalo and he's looking forward to get a chance to show what he can do.

“It will feel good to be out there with the guys and be able to compete against a quality opponent,” stated the first year CFL pivot.

Even though Willy has been named the starter, the fact that Durant remains on the roster will keep Montreal guessing as to who will be under centre come game time on Sunday.

Durant says he's confident he could play without seeing the field all week during practice, “It’s always good to have (reps), but I don’t think it’s a necessity.  I’ve been in this league long enough and I’ve seen the guys that Montreal has time and time again, and I know what to expect from them.”

Chamblin added that he wouldn't have a problem with playing Durant, but wants the player who gives them the best chance to win on the field, “The biggest thing I want to do is protect our quarterback.  If he feels like his body can hold up to it than I will allow it, but if he can’t fight through than I won’t do it.”

As it stands right now, Willy will be making his first career pro start against the Als, but don't be surprised if Durant is under centre when the game kicks off.

Other roster moves made by the Riders heading into Sunday’s game include adding linebacker Diamond Ferri, wide receiver Greg Carr and offensive lineman Ben Hennan to the roster.  Going off will be offensive lineman Dan Clark, slotback Terrance Jeffers-Harris and defensive lineman Zach Evans.

Chamblin says he’s looking forward to what Ferri can bring to the team against his old team, “If Diamond happens to play against Montreal, I think that he would be full speed and fired up.”

The Riders and Als will hit the field on Sunday morning at 11:00am.

Click here to find out how the Riders defence plans on stopping CFL legend Anthony Calvillo.