Interactions with Jacob Brammer are most enjoyable \u2014 unless you are tasked with lining up opposite him.<\/p>\n
He has been a handful for rival defensive linemen while lining up at right guard for the 7-1 Saskatchewan Roughriders.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m loving it,\u201d the ever-cheerful Brammer said after Tuesday\u2019s practice at Mosaic Stadium. \u201cNot just our group (on the offensive line), but everyone \u2014\u00a0the whole team and the coaching staff \u2014 makes it easy to show up to work every day and really compete with everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
All-star bookends don\u2019t hurt, either.<\/p>\n
Brammer is stationed between the past two recipients of the CFL West Division\u2019s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman award.<\/p>\n
To his immediate left, there is centre Logan Ferland \u2014 the 2024 honouree.<\/p>\n
The right tackle spot is manned by Jermarcus Hardrick, who as a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers was named the division\u2019s top O-lineman in 2023. Hardrick signed with the Roughriders as a free agent on Feb. 13, 2024.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey set the bar,\u201d Brammer said. \u201cIt\u2019s really a matter of showing up to work every day and trying to match them.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe try to push each other every day no matter what. It doesn\u2019t matter who it is. Everyone\u2019s trying to push everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
The key word being everyone.<\/p>\n
Nine different players have started on the offensive line this season for a resilient Roughriders team that has weathered a series of injuries up front.<\/p>\n
The list of starters, to this point, consists of Brammer, Ferland, Hardrick, Payton Collins, Zack Fry, Daniel Johnson, Trevon Tate, Darius Washington and Noah Zerr.<\/p>\n
\u201cEach and every one of them has done a great job when they\u2019ve played,\u201d said Trevor Harris, who leads the league in quarterback efficiency rating (119.7).<\/p>\n
Brammer played college football at North Texas (2017 to 2021) and Vanderbilt (2022) before signing with Saskatchewan on Dec. 22, 2023 \u2014 the 38th birthday of Head Coach Corey Mace.<\/p>\n
Last season, Brammer started two games at right tackle (following a quad injury to Hardrick) and five at right guard (including both playoff contests).<\/p>\n
\u201cI just told the coaching staff, \u2018Anywhere I can play, I\u2019ll play, no matter what,\u2019 \u201d the 26-year-old Brammer said.<\/p>\n