Between The Lines: Justin Dunk believes Dawson Hodge still has a future in the CFL

Brett Lauther is back with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, but 3DownNation’s Justin Dunk doesn’t believe we’ll see Dawson Hodge in the CFL again.

Brett Lauther is back with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, but 3DownNation’s Justin Dunk doesn’t believe we’ve seen Dawson Hodge in the CFL for the last time.

Lauther returned to the lineup Monday in Montreal, becoming the fourth kicker to attempt a field goal for the Roughriders this season.

Jonathan Kim was released after the preseason, Alex Hale opened the season as Saskatchewan’s kicker, and the team released Hodge last week. However, Dunk believes Hodge showed enough potential to get another opportunity in the CFL.

Speaking on the SportsCage, Dunk pointed to the difficulty of kicking toward the south end of Mosaic Stadium, an issue that has challenged several Saskatchewan kickers.

“He did get off to a solid start, and really what got him was kicking toward Pill Country at Mosaic Stadium, which has been difficult for Alex Hale, Brett Lauther, really anybody that’s kicked for the Riders at Mosaic Stadium understands how difficult it is to kick that way,” Dunk said.

Hodge struggled in that direction, missing kicks to both sides of the uprights against Calgary October 2 in what would become Hodge’s last game with the Green and White.

“You wonder if the next one he would have had would have gone down the middle, to steal the golf analogy,” Dunk said.

While the conditions at Mosaic Stadium may have contributed to Hodge’s struggles, Dunk believes leg strength could have been another factor in Saskatchewan’s decision.

“If I had to guess the reasoning for why Hale over Hodge, I think leg strength probably plays into that,” Dunk said. “I think the Riders believe that Alex Hale has lost leg strength, and if he can get it dialled in, that he can be a weapon in the kicking game.”

Hale’s status as a Global player also gives Saskatchewan additional roster flexibility, allowing the Roughriders to dress another American at another position. Head coach Corey Mace has often dressed several American defensive linemen, but the team could use that roster spot for another receiver or running back if it chooses.

Still, Dunk doesn’t believe Hodge’s release signals the end of his professional career.

“I don’t think that Dawson Hodge’s career is necessarily going to be over,” he said.

Opportunities could arise elsewhere in the league heading into the off-season. Calgary Stampeders kicker Rene Paredes is retiring after the season, while Ottawa’s kicking situation remains uncertain. Dunk believes Hodge’s CFL experience could make him an option for a team looking for help at the position.

Hodge demonstrated his potential with strong performances in difficult circumstances, including the Banjo Bowl in Winnipeg. He was also perfect on his kicks at B.C. Place in Vancouver. Place in Vancouver.

Dunk believes those performances should not be overlooked because of Hodge’s struggles at Mosaic Stadium.

“You could look at Dawson Hodge and his resume and say, hey, he showed some upside, made some kicks in Winnipeg in a tough environment on the road in the Banjo Bowl, went to B.C. Place in cozy confines admittedly, but still was perfect there in a big game,” Dunk said.

For now, Lauther is back in the fold with Saskatchewan, while Hale’s future with the team remains a storyline to watch. Hodge, meanwhile, will have to wait for another opportunity. But if Dunk is right, the young kicker may not be out of the CFL for long.

And that’s Between The Lines for Sheppard Realty in Regina, specializing in farm and ranch real estate in Saskatchewan. Call Harry, Justin or Devan at 352-1866.