B.C. Lions linebacker James Yurichuk will get his chance to start in Sunday's game at Saskatchewan. In this file photo: Hamilton Tiger-Cats receiver Arland Bruce III runs with the ball past B.C.Lions defensive end Ricky Foley (L) and linebacker James Yurichuk (R) during the first half of their CFL football game in Hamilton, July 31, 2009. REUTERS/Mike CasseseMike Cassese/Reuters
The long audition is over for linebacker James Yurichuk.
Like an understudy who patiently waited in the wings, Yurichuk is ready to take centre stage for the B.C. Lions. The Brampton, Ont., native will replace injured middle linebacker Solomon Elimimian when the Lions play the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Sunday in Regina.
For Yurichuk, a former first-round draft pick, it will be his first start with the Lions.
"I've been preparing for this moment for a while," the 24-year-old graduate of Bishop's University said Friday. "I am going to do the best I can when I'm out there."
This is Yurichuk's third year with the Lions, who took him fourth overall in the 2009 CFL draft. He's been a tenacious special-teams player and now has a chance to show his skills with the rest of the starting defence.
"These are opportunities," said Wally Buono, B.C.'s coach and general manager. "I've been there when I was a player.
"I know James has been very anxious to get an opportunity. When he's played a role in our defence he's done a very good job. James is a very good football player. I think he will do a very good job for us."
At 6 foot 2 and 222 pounds, Yurichuk is about two inches taller and three pounds lighter than Elimimian, who is tied with Saskatchewan's Jerrell Freeman for the CFL lead in tackles with 82.
Elimimian, who hurt his right ankle in last weekend's win over Calgary, is an explosive player. He uses power and speed to make plays. Yurichuk knows that's a hard act to follow.
"I'm not going to try and do what Solomon does," Yurichuk said. "I have a good mind out there.
"I try and understand the game as much as I can. I've been watching film every week preparing like I was going to be out there. I think I can bring a physical presence. I'm in the weight room a lot. I'm up for any challenge against any offensive lineman, running back or receiver."
Yurichuk showed his smarts in the fourth quarter of last week's win over Calgary. When Stampeders quarterback Henry Burris fumbled, Yurichuk kicked the ball 24 yards downfield before falling on it on the Calgary 32-yard line.
Yurichuk said watching the rugby World Cup on television helped remind him of the play.
Buono is confident Yurichuk can contain his emotions and excitement against the Riders.
"It's important just to play," Buono said. "You can't do everybody's job. Just do your own.
"Yurri has done enough in the last two years that I'm not concerned about that. He's been a great player for us on special teams. When he's played his role on defence, he's done great of that."
Yurichuk had two defensive tackles last week when he replaced the injured Elimimian. So far this year he has 10 special-team tackles.
"I've done well on special teams or they [the coaches]wouldn't be giving me the shot on defence," he said. "They have been grooming me for this.
"Now I just have to show them what I can do."
After a horrible 0-5 start the Lions have won seven consecutive games and have wrapped up a playoff spot with an 8-6 record. B.C. begins the weekend tied for first place in the West with Edmonton and Calgary.
The struggling Riders (4-10) haven't scored a touchdown in three games.
Saskatchewan's only remaining playoff hope is for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to lose their last four games. The Riders would still need to win their final four games to gain a cross-over spot in the East Division.
B.C. manhandled the Riders 42-5 in their last meeting Sept. 24 but Yurichuk said the Lions are not mentally chalking up a victory already.
"We know what they've done in the past," he said. "They've been to the last two Grey Cups.
"They still have a lot of the same players there. They are capable of beating any team in this league. We're not taking them lightly at all."