It takes us into an extraordinary confrontation between two running Canadians on Thursday, in Toronto, when the Montreal Alouettes visit the Argonauts.
The absence of William Stanback pushed Albertan Jeshrun Antwi into the starting position for the Alouettes, while the Argonauts entrusted their ground attack to Manitoban Andrew Harris.
Originally from Calgary, Antwi is aware of the opportunity in front of him. This is a great honor. I know there aren’t many Canadians running back in the league, and I take that seriously.
” I am not William Stanback. He is a star player. My goal is, one day, to see my name along with names like Stanback. But, growing up in Canada, I followed the careers of Jon Cornish, Andrew Harris, Jerome Messam, great Canadian running backs. A great honor that I do not ignore. “
Since the return of the Alouettes in 1996, the Canadian running back has never been widely used, despite having solid players such as Éric Lapointe and Bruno Heppell. Heppell had little success at Western Michigan University before becoming a fullback to the pros.
While he’s hoping for Stanback’s return before the end of the season, running backs coach André Bolduc is preparing his squad as if the American will miss the rest of the schedule.
Bolduc believes nothing much can change at the moment and shows full confidence in his young Canadian carrier.
Antwi, there are things he does well. There are new games that I have installed just for him because he is a very good runner. His eyesight is so beautiful. Offensive linemen like it because he doesn’t make mistakes when he makes decisionsexplanation by the assistant head coach.
Exactly, driver Khari Jones is also hoping Antwi can do a good job, while remembering that the Montreal attack doesn’t just depend on Stanback.
If I remember correctly, we had two pass receivers who led the league in touchdowns last season. We have strong quarterbacks and we also have Antwi who can play. That’s why we call it a teamsaid Jones.
Last year, Antwi started the final game of the season in Ottawa and made three fumbles, the latter of which resulted in the Alouettes in the game. The young man remembers this very well.
He was determined to take advantage of the opportunities that would be given to him, without overdoing it.
In Calgary as the campaign curtain raiser, he showed his explosiveness in a spectacular 70-yard run. The important thing for him, however, is to protect his quarterback well.
” I’m a halfback who can do everything, but I’m proud to be good at protecting quarterbacks. Vernon [Adams] and Trevor [Harris], they are concession players. I know people often think of running back because of their runs, but I think the reason I was drafted was because I could be good at pass protection. “
One game, three injuries
The game was painful in Calgary, and not just because of the loss.
There was an injury to Stanback. The muscular running back will have surgery on his left ankle on Tuesday and his loss is uncertain. The Montreal squadron wants its return before the end of the season, but we’ll find out more in the coming days.
On defense, defensive back Greg Reid was also injured lower body. In training on Monday, he was replaced by Najee Murray, who is set to be on the injured list for six games with a foot injury. He was removed from said long-term list and his case will be re-examined daily.
The Alouettes also lost service to kick return specialist Mario Alford, who will be replaced by wide receiver-and-half Chandler Worthy.
Source: Radio-Canada
