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Jacob Brammer is the next man up for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The 25-year-old offensive tackle will make his first CFL start on Friday as the Riders host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Mosaic Stadium. Kickoff for the game is set 7:30 p.m.
The Richmond, Tenn., product gets the chance due to a quad injury to veteran Jermarcus Hardrick in the team’s 35-20 loss to the B.C. Lions last week.
With the loss of Hardrick, Brammer admits they are losing one of the key figures in the room.
“He’s a leader for sure. He has taken all the young guys in and showed us a lot of his tricks and tips. He has helped a lot in any way we ask for,” Brammer said.
“Just changing up your process, things to mix in with rushers, how to study rushers and stuff like that.”
While the 6-foot-4, 301-pound player has made a career thus far from being a blocker, that wasn’t the only talent he’s shown on the football field.
He was also his high school’s punter.
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“I used to punt with my dad growing up all through little league. I’d get out there and play left tackle and then go out and punt,” Brammer said.
But he would be in the trenches when he went to the next level, spending four seasons at the University of North Texas. He played in 38 games, starting 35 of those contests mostly at right tackle.
In 2021, Brammer was part of an offensive line that helped the Mean Green average 235.4 rushing yards per game — the fifth-best total in the NCAA.
He then went through the transfer portal as he looked to move to a bigger football conference.
“It was a fun time. I did my time at UNT and I felt like I wanted to go play at a bigger spot. Entered there, took a couple visits, and I just wanted to play in the SEC against bigger and better competition,” Brammer said. “It was really just like I was in high school again just getting recruited.”
He elected to join Vanderbilt, where he started 11 games and recorded 718 snaps – all of them at right tackle.
“It was awesome getting to play — especially in the SEC which is one of the best conferences out there and all the competition you see. It was a lot of fun,” Brammer said.
He, and plenty of other former NCAA athletes this year, are also getting a chance to play as their old schools with the release of the EA Sports College Football 25 video game.
“We were on it last night – all of the guys were playing with the dorms,” Brammer said. “That’s how I cut loose and disconnect from football after the work is done for the day. Just get on there and play with the guys for a bit and hang out.”
Brammer went undrafted in the NFL but attended a few NFL rookie mini-camps. It would be the CFL where he would get his next chance.
“I just wanted a shot to play. I had a couple mini-camps in the NFL but nothing worked out. I sat on it for a little bit but decided I wanted to come out and play,” Brammer said.
He earned the trust of the coaching staff during the preseason and training camp, with head coach Corey Mace trying him at both left and right tackle.
Brammer has felt part of the room since first coming to Saskatchewan.
“We all hang outside of here and we all hang with each other It’s a big family for sure,” Brammer said.
He’s also received a number of practice reps in previous weeks, something he thinks could help him out.
“They’ve been good. Me and Logan have worked together so we have chemistry together. Those reps have been a lot of help throughout the week for sure,” Brammer said.
“I feel like preseason, I’ve changed a lot for my game. Just not as aggressive – waiting to throw my punches when I need and things like that.”
But as he makes his first start, it could be a big challenge as he could find himself lined up against Winnipeg defensive end Willie Jefferson.
“He has been in the league a long time and has made a killing pass-rushing. He’s a longer guy. We’re going to give him work,” Brammer said.
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