January 31, 2012

Riders add pair of receivers, release two others

Riderville.com Staff

REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today that they have signed a pair of import receivers to the roster – Jason Chery and Taj Smith. Financial details of the signings were not released. The Riders also announced they have released import receiver Freddie Barnes and non-import offensive lineman Alexandre Gauthier.

Chery (5’11 – 189 lbs) most recently spent time with the Hartford colonials of the UFL.

Prior to that, the 26-year-old spent time with the Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers who originally signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2009. Chery played four years at Louisiana-Lafayette where he finished his college career with 106 catches for 1,379 yards and 11 touchdowns. He had 46 carries for 521 yards and five touchdowns.

Also had 80 kickoff returns for 1,607 yards and one touchdown.

Smith (6’1 – 198 lbs) was most recently a member of the Indianapolis Colts prior to be released in September, 2011. The 28-year-old was originally signed to the Colts’ practice roster in September, 2008.

He appeared in five games for the Colts in 2010 where he played mostly on special teams and added four tackles, two forced fumbles and a blocked punt. His first taste of the NFL came when he signed as an undrafted free agent with the Green Bay Packers in early 2008. He appeared in one pre-season game where he caught two passes for 23 yards.

Smith spent two seasons at Syracuse where he tallied 56 receptions for 1,049 yards and eight touchdowns. Also added ten carries for 84 yards and one touchdown.

Barnes signed as a free agent with the Riders in August, 2011 and appeared in one game for the team while spending the remainder of the season on the practice roster.

Gauthier signed as a free agent with the Riders in February, 2011. He started all 18 regular season games for the Riders at left tackle.