There is safety in moving C.J. Reavis to a different position — because it seems like he can play anywhere.

“I told them before that they can put me at middle linebacker … they could put me at defensive end,” the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ new starting safety said. “It doesn’t matter. I’ll play it.

“I’m happy to be able to help my team. That’s all I want to do.”

Reavis was so helpful in 2024 that he was named the All-CFL cover linebacker. He remained at that spot for the first 14 games of the 2025 season, before a personnel shortage at safety necessitated a move.

Last Friday in Ottawa, Reavis became the Roughriders’ fourth starting safety in a span of seven games.

Nelson Lokombo, the incumbent starter, suited up for this year’s first nine contests before suffering an ankle injury.

The next man up, Jaxon Ford, injured a knee in his second start.

Kosi Onyeka took over for three games before being released.

“The options got slim, you know?” Reavis said with a laugh, “and I told (the coaches), ‘I can do it if you want me to do it.’

“I think I’m really good at communicating. I’m really good at knowing what’s going on before the play happens. I think it just makes sense for me to go back there.

“I talk a lot, so it all goes together.”

With Reavis at safety, the Roughriders defeated the host Ottawa REDBLACKS 20-13 and improved to a league-best 11-4 — Saskatchewan’s best record at the 15-game mark since 1970.

A victory on Friday over the visiting Toronto Argonauts would enable Saskatchewan to clinch first place and earn hosting privileges for the Western Final on Nov. 8.

As far Reavis, he will play wherever he is needed for a team that has allowed the fewest points in the CFL. He relishes the possibilities at safety, especially as far as interceptions are concerned.

“I told my mom, ‘I get more opportunities to get the ball now,’ which I’ve been wanting all season,” he said.

“I think it’s perfect timing. It’s aligned at the right time. We’ve got Antoine (Brooks Jr.) playing really, really well, so I don’t want him to move, anyway. I’d like him to keep where he’s at.”

Stepping in at cover linebacker in Ottawa, Brooks Jr. stepped in front of a Dru Brown pass and returned the interception 85 yards.

“Pick-six,” Reavis said with a smile. “He’s a baller, man. He’s a hooper. He’s been doing that since he got here last year, so it’s a relief to get him on the field with us.

“Another playmaker … another hooper … and he deserves it, for sure.”

KICKING QUESTION

The Roughriders have yet to decide on a placekicker for Friday’s game.

Brett Lauther, Campbell Fair and newly signed American kicker Michael Hughes all participated in Thursday’s practice.

“We had the kickers swing ’em today, so we’ll sit down and review the tape and make our decision,” Head Coach Corey Mace said.

Hughes, formerly of Appalachian State, practised with the Roughriders for the first time on Tuesday.

“Yesterday, he looked at me and said, ‘Thanks, Coach. What position do you coach?’ ” Mace said with a laugh. “He’s still here, actually.

“No, he’s a great kid. He had a successful college career. We brought him in here just to see if he could be a solution and also as added competition as we push toward the back end of the season and into the playoffs.

“Like always, we’re going to find the best person to put out there at any position, so he’s just another option for us.”