(Submitted photo/Saskatchewan Roughriders)

By Ben Tompkins

Melfort's Own

Logan Ferland among most outstanding linemen in the country

Nov 1, 2023 | 6:00 AM

A name quite familiar to the northeast area continues to make his name more known across the country, as one of the CFL’s best.

For the second consecutive season, Logan Ferland has been named as the Saskatchewan Roughriders Most Outstanding Lineman, which nominates him for the award league-wide.

“It’s pretty special, I work hard to be where I am and there were a lot of guys deserving of it but obviously, you feel special to get it and it’s just what hard work can do. It’s special to be recognized in the group as it is, and it would be even more special to receive that top award,” said the Melfort native.

“It’s very special for me to be able to play for the Riders, and to do it at a high level has always been a goal of mine. Also to be an inspiration to the young guys in the small towns that just because you’re not playing football in the big cities, doesn’t mean you can’t go do great things.”

Ferland started all 18 games at right guard this season, which set a career-high in games played for him.

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That, along with his versatility, are attributes he values in high regard and tries his very best to achieve on a consistent basis.

“That’s something I really try to hang my hat on, staying healthy and doing the right things in the offseason. I think that really does lead to that continuity during the season and being able to stay healthy,” he added.

“There is a bit of luck involved with injuries, but I do what I can to try and minimize the chance of getting injured. Whether that’s doing the proper style of workouts and eating right or getting enough sleep, I think that all has to do with staying healthy.”

(Submitted photo/Saskatchewan Roughriders)

In Week 3 against the Calgary Stampeders, Ferland was forced to move to left tackle early in the game due to an injury-related adjustment, which the Riders went on to win, 29-26 in overtime.

Meanwhile, in the Labour Day Classic, an injury caused Ferland to shift to right tackle just before halftime, as the line held its own with the Green and White upsetting the Blue Bombers, 32-30.

These are traits the Melfort product learned back in his days in high school as a Comet, which have only gotten better since.

“I did play here and there are on the line in Melfort, and I actually bumped around a lot during my time with the Regina Thunder. I played wherever they needed me, and I think that really added value to myself and to my team,” Ferland explained.

“Obviously, a guy tries to get better every single year and I try to put everything I have into this sport and give back when I can as well. I’m going to do what I can to strive in the best way possible and reach peak performance at the CFL level, if not higher.”

Along the way, the 26-year-old helped open holes for Jamal Morrow, who rushed for 907 yards, while also recording an 83.3 pass-blocking grade in Week 20, finishing as the highest-graded offensive lineman in the CFL.

Ferland is hopeful that one day his success at the Canadian Football League level might even translate to the National Football League level.

“Something that I’ve always wanted to do is get an opportunity to play in the NFL. Whether that opportunity comes this year, next year or the year after that, I’m always gonna try to be as prepared as I can be. That is the ultimate goal of mine and we’ll see what opportunities I’m given,” he told northeastNOW.

The 2023 CFL Awards will be presented on Nov. 16, while division finalists will be announced on Nov. 1.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8