Murray McCormick
The Leader-Post

REGINA -- The second half of Keith Shologan's sophomore season with the Saskatchewan Roughriders is different than his first.

In 2008, the defensive tackle practised during the week then was left with time on his hands when game time arrived. That has changed since Aug. 4 when Shologan was promoted to starting defensive tackle with the retirement of veteran Scott Schultz. Schultz retired to become a partner in a Regina-based insurance agency.

"When I wasn't playing last year, I had so much free time,'' Shologan said before the Riders' 19-16 loss Friday to the B.C. Lions at BC Place. "I was bored out of my mind because I had half a day where I didn't have anything to do. Now, with the extra film study, the workouts and extra activities the team has you doing ... it takes up a lot of our time. There is a whole different aspect of football other than practice and games.''

Shologan isn't complaining. The 23-year-old native of Spruce Grove, Alta., couldn't think of anything else that he would rather be doing.

"You're working and you're out there having a good time doing what you love to do,'' Shologan said. "That's the whole point of life, doing what you love to do.''

Shologan's love of life can be seen from the stands. His enthusiasm and passion for football seem to come through after most defensive plays.

"Keith is having a lot of fun,'' said Riders head coach Ken Miller. "Last year he didn't play very much, so when the game came around he was going home to their ranch near Edmonton. This season he's had an opportunity to play and he's doing the best that he can. He's excited about the prospects of playing and feels good about that. That keeps him enthusiastic.''

Shologan was selected by the Riders in the first round (fourth overall) of the 2008 CFL draft. After four seasons at Central Florida, Shologan signed with the NFL's San Diego Chargers. He was released during training camp and made his way to Regina halfway through the season.

With the Riders, Shologan bided his time behind veterans such as Schultz and Marcus Adams. The trio started this season rotating at the two defensive tackle positions with Schultz and Adams getting the starts. Schultz's retirement led to Shologan being moved up to starter.

"When you get a chance to go full speed in game conditions that's where you develop more as a player,'' said Shologan. "I'm playing better than I did last year and I hope that I continue to progress.''

Shologan has 17 tackles and three sacks while dressing for 13 games. He contributed on the offensive side of the ball with a touchdown reception out of the Riders' short-yardage formation.

The offensive contributions of the 6-foot-1, 290-pound Shologan are a bonus. The Roughriders are looking for him to bolster the defensive line and follow the tradition of solid tackle play which Schultz established during his nine seasons with the Riders.

"(Shologan) has really filled a niche that I didn't know he was going to be able to fill,'' said Miller. "He has done really well for us.''

Courtesy: www.leaderpost.com