Riders add 3 to depth chart

Chris Jones and company continue to build up the Riders depth this off-season.

The Riders announced on Wednesday they’ve signed Canadian running back Melvin Abankwah, American defensive back Nick Taylor and American receiver Michael Campbell.

Abankwah was originally drafted by the Riders in the sixth round of the 2015 CFL Draft after four seasons at Saint Mary’s University. In his final season in CIS, Abankwah registered 534 yards and two touchdowns on 112 carries.

Abankwah was one of several players involved in a CIS football doping scandal.

Abankwah played in both pre-season games last season before being released. He spent last season with the Fort McMurray Monarchs of the Alberta Football League.

Taylor is also returning to the Riders after appearing briefly on their practice roster last season. The Riders acquired the negotiation rights to Taylor when running back Jerome Messam was dealt to the Calgary Stampeders. Taylor was released soon after his arrival to pursue an NFL opportunity. Taylor spent most of 2015 with the Orlando Predators of the Arena Football League.

Campbell is a new arrival in Saskatchewan after spending parts of four seasons with the New York Jets and St Louis Rams of the NFL. Campbell was selected by the Riders in December’s waiver draft after spending last season on the Ottawa Redblacks practice roster.