Tommy time: Saskatchewan Roughriders’ one-yard wonder

Tommy Stevens, the Saskatchewan Roughriders' third-string quarterback, has emerged as a pivotal figure in their offense, particularly in high-pressure, short-yardage situations. Known affectionately as "Tommy Time," Stevens has transformed into one of the team's most dependable weapons, combining strength, speed, and football IQ to deliver consistent results. In 2025, he converted 33 of 36 short-yardage attempts, achieving a remarkable 91.7% success rate, while scoring five rushing touchdowns. This season, through six games, Stevens has already accumulated five rushing touchdowns on 25 carries and over 100 yards on the ground, further solidifying his role within the Riders' playbook. Stevens' impact extends beyond mere statistics. His unique skill set allows the Roughriders to employ a versatile offensive strategy, blending the threat of a powerful runner with the precision of a quarterback. Offensive coordinator Marc Mueller praised Stevens' multifaceted abilities, noting his combination of physicality and passing skills creates unpredictable challenges for opposing defenses. "He’s a tough runner, he’s big, he’s strong, he’s also fast, but he’s a quarterback deep down right, so he can also throw the ball. So there’s always the threat that we can drop back and pass to them, he can run it," Mueller explained. Running back A.J. Ouellette expressed admiration for Stevens' performance, calling him a "terrifying creature" on the field. Ouellette joked about the possibility of losing his position due to Stevens' dominance, highlighting the quarterback's imposing presence. "Closer of the century for sure," Ouellette remarked. "I don’t know how people attack him. Him carrying the ball, that’s a terrifying creature right there." Head coach Corey Mace described Stevens as an invaluable asset to the team, joking that he might be secretly paying teammates to create opportunities for him. "Tommy is awesome, I think he’s secretly paying players in the locker room to get down to the one-yard line ’cause I’m telling you, I don’t know how this keeps working out for the guy, but we’re incredibly happy to have him," Mace said. Starting quarterback Trevor Harris echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing Stevens' physical advantages and the benefit to the offensive line. "He’s big, he’s fast, he’s faster than he should be for his size, and our offensive line loves it because they know it’s just time they’re going to play nine-man boxes and they’re going to be downhill, and Tommy loves it," Harris noted. Stevens himself reflected on his journey to this point, acknowledging the opportunities he has seized. "I always saw it for myself, I guess," he said. "I thought that I was capable, and didn’t really get these opportunities before, so it was kind of my thought process. I knew I had some left in the tank. I know I didn’t get those opportunities elsewhere and it was welcomed here with open arms and it’s kind of part of the plan, so really happy to make the most of it." His adaptability and determination have made him a key component of the Roughriders' strategy, especially in critical moments. The Roughriders' approach to utilizing Stevens reflects a broader trend in modern football, where versatility and specialization are increasingly valued. By integrating Stevens into their offensive scheme, the team has found a unique solution to challenging situations, leveraging his physical attributes and football intelligence. As the season progresses, expectations are high for Stevens to continue delivering under pressure, potentially reshaping perceptions of the quarterback position in the Canadian Football League.