CJ Reavis and Rolan Milligan Jr. are stars who rate each other as being from all over the world.

“Before every game, at some point before he goes on the field, he’s in my ear,” says Milligan Jr.. “He keeps telling me, ‘You’re the best in the world.’

“He’s the only one who does it – over and over again. He expects me to be the best in the world, so I don’t want to disappoint him.

No such worries.

Milligan Jr., who had a CFL-best eight interceptions during the 2024 regular season, was named the West Division’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player.

He was also a recent All-CFL selection, having been recognized as a defensive halfback and special teams player. Seven other Saskatchewan players, including Reavis at cover linebacker, were part of the division’s dream team.

Reavis and Milligan Jr., alone, form a true tandem.

“He tells me to bring the juice and do what I do best, which is play fast, run to the ball, be physical and make plays,” Reavis said. “I think we feed off each other.”

While dining out against opposing offenses, Reavis and Milligan Jr. both had career seasons in the CFL.

Reavis recorded a team-high 89 defensive tackles – fifth best in the league – and four sacks in 17 regular season games. He finished sixth in the CFL in total defensive plays (106), one spot behind Milligan Jr. (111).

“With their playmaking ability, they both had incredible seasons,” said head coach Corey Mace.

“In general, the DB room is a tight-knit group. If one guy makes a play, everyone is looking to make a play and join in the fun. It’s great to see and we’re happy to have these two guys be a part of it.

Although Reavis made the All-CFL team as a cover linebacker, his responsibilities are primarily those of a defensive back.

“He attends all the DB meetings,” notes Mace. “He’s a DB first.

“In our defense at this position, you have to be able to do a little bit of everything. He proved he could do it.

“He’s had an exceptional year and I know he’s just looking forward to continuing to do what he’s doing.”

Reavis and Milligan Jr. each made four defensive tackles as Saskatchewan beat the British Columbia Lions 28-19 last weekend in the Western semifinals.

Milligan Jr. added the Roughriders’ third interception of the day as the Green and White advance to Saturday’s Western final against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (5:30 p.m., TSN, CKRM).

As the most important game of the season approaches, Reavis is counted on to be a catalyst.

“Energetically, Reav sets the tone and keeps everyone moving,” says Mace.

Reavis is certainly a source of motivation for Milligan Jr.

“He’s been my guy since I got here,” said Reavis, a third-year Roughrider. “During my first year, I just noticed he was a guy I could relate to.

“He played in the NFL, he’s a hard worker and he’s a really talented guy. He just does all the right things. That’s what I want to model myself after.

Milligan Jr. joined the Roughriders late in the 2021 season after spending time in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys (2016), Detroit Lions (2017 and 2018), and Indianapolis Colts (2018 to 2020). ).

Reavis also has NFL experience, gained with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2018) and Atlanta Falcons (2019, 2020).

The two players have much more in common.

They both played linebacker and defensive back with the Roughriders.

Furthermore, each of them rose from adversity in a robust manner.

Milligan Jr. was named the Roughriders’ MVP, MVP and Special Teams MVP after a toe injury ended his 2023 season in his fourth game.

Reavis has emerged as a key player after recovering from two Achilles tendon injuries he suffered over a six-month span in 2022.

“Just seeing all the work he’s done so far, from the two Achilles a few years ago to the rep split last year, I have to talk to him about keeping the feet on the ground,” Milligan Jr. said.

“He’s very passionate, so I try to keep him locked in and focus on, ‘Once you get an opportunity, take advantage of it.’ » That was my big message for him.

“He and I exchange these two messages for each other.”

These messages were fully and gratefully absorbed by Reavis.

“When I was sharing rehearsals last year, he always told me to lock in,” Reavis says. “He said, ‘Your time is coming. When your time comes, go out and play.

“He got me to the point where I am now.”