MARSHALL THURSDAY COMMENTS

Here is the transcript of Rider coach Greg Marshall's Thursday post-practice media scrum:

Q.  Can you talk about the hiring of Jerry Friesen as a defensive assistant?

MARSHALL:  We knew coming into training camp with Etch stepping aside that we had a spot we could fill on the staff.  Jerry came here as a guest coach and I've worked with Jerry in the past.  I knew he was a good coach and I wanted to see how he fit into the mix here and interacted with the players and whether or not I could work with him personally.  We thought it was a good fit and decided to make that move.  Jerry will help with special teams and defense.  We'll be keeping him busy.

Q.  Are you close to a decision on your kicker?

MARSHALL:  Let's just say it's not finalized but we're closer.

Q.  Can we read into anything that Chris Milo was put on the practice roster?

MARSHALL:  No that doesn't solidify it.  It might give you an indication but we had to shuffle the roster because we got some new guys and guys coming off injury so it was paper moves.

Q.  Have you been happy with kicker Eddie Johnson's performance in practice?

MARSHALL:  I've been happy with him and also Chris Milo as far as coming out here and getting better with the things they've struggled with.  Going into the final exhibition game I was happy with what they'd been doing in camp so that's why it was such a major disappointment that they struggled that night.  But you can't jump to a conclusion on what happens on one bad night.  We'll see how it works out going forward.

Q.  Are the kickers the second-most important players on your team?

MARSHALL:  Well your kicker, particularly your placekicker, is going to be your leading scorer so it better be a position you're confident in.  Behind the quarterback they have great importance but I wouldn't say second-most.  I don't want to offend anybody in the locker room!

Q.  Has OT Alex Gauthier brought everything you had hoped he would?

MARSHALL:  Alex is a veteran guy that will fill that left tackle spot for us.  We're counting on him being a good, solid player for us.  The one thing about Alex is he may not always look pretty but he makes the block and that's what concerns us the most.  I was with him in Hamilton and Winnipeg and know how he plays.  If he plays to his potential, we'll be happy with that.