CFL's reigning defensive MVP ready to make his mark again this year

It's going to be tough for Rolan Milligan Jr. to improve on last season's body of work, which included being named the CFL's most outstanding defensive player.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive back led the team with eight interceptions and made 71 tackles in 2024.

But Milligan, who's entering his fifth year with the Riders, says there is always room for improvement.

"My blitzing wasn't great last year," Milligan said. "I missed a lot of sacks when I had opportunities to make them. I dropped a few interceptions that I should have had, so I could be better there."

Milligan said he wants to make sure to take every opportunity that comes his way, whether that's a tackle, sack, knockdown or interception.

"Last year I told coach [Joshua] Bell I ended up missing probably three or four [interceptions]," he said.

"I want to get at least 10 interceptions this year, personally. And then as a group trying to get first place in the west, get the home bye and win the Grey Cup."

The 30-year-old from Lake Wales, Fla., said he has been taking more of a leadership role this year in training camp.

"I'm trying to trying to be a better leader. You know, it's still kind of new to me as far as leading the room," he said.

"I'm just trying to nitpick and make sure I'm doing what I can to help our group and then, overall, help the team be better."

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He said the club is ahead of where it was at this time last year.

"Coming into camp we're not starting from Square 1. So we're implementing different techniques, different coverages that we started doing later in the season," Milligan said. "So now we're just making sure that all of those are on point and then being able to expand that playbook more."

The added depth and veteran-laden roster come with high expectations heading into the new season.

"As a team, we didn't win the Grey Cup, so you know, it wasn't good enough." he said.

"I'm trying to get me a Grey Cup."

Riders training camp continues all week at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon. Then it's off to Winnipeg on Saturday for an exhibition game against the Blue Bombers.