Mitchell Blair
The defending Grey Cup champions have several question marks swirling around them as the start of the 2014 season nears. One of those questions surrounds running back and who will take the spot of Kory Sheets.
The Grey Cup MVP is trying his luck in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders, and while his future south of the border is not known, the green and white are putting their money on a couple of guys hoping one can come through and give the team the running game it had last year.
One of them is 27-year-old Keith Toston. He may have the inside track on being the starting tailback June 29 when the Riders open the season against Hamilton in a Grey Cup rematch. Toston was arguably the best of three running backs the team used in their pre-season opening 21-17 win over Ottawa carrying the ball for 58 yards on just three carries including a 38 yarder where he ran over a REDBLACKS defender while chugging his way down the field. The Texas native likes what he has done so far during camp and one game.
“I think I’ve done alright,” Toston told reporters on Tuesday afternoon. “I’m just trying to learn this game, get better every day and push the other guys who are playing my position.’
Despite having a good contest against Ottawa, Toston won’t consider himself as the man to beat going into the final pre-season game against Edmonton Friday night at Mosaic.
“I don’t think like that. “Toston said. “Gameplay does play a big part, but one game doesn’t make or break you as far as I’m concerned. I thought all of us played pretty well when given a chance so I think the job is still wide open.”
Head Coach Corey Chamblin agrees with that statement and says at this time no one is in the driver’s seat. He is looking for someone to take the bull by the horns against the Eskimos and show the coaching staff they are deserving of being the number one tailback to start the season.
“I’m looking for one of those guys to step up and take that spot,” Chamblin professed. “What I mean by that is – and I told the guys – ‘Don’t be average.’ I want to see somebody special at that position. I’m not exactly looking for what we had last year and in the years past. I’m looking for what they bring to the table and what makes them special.”
Another guy looking to turn some heads against the Eskimos is Jermaine Thomas. The 24 year old has yet to find a steady football job after graduating from the Florida State Seminoles after the 2011 season. Like many others, he is hoping to make a name for himself in the CFL.
“I made a couple of errors last game, but I think I’m getting better each and every day.” Thomas concluded. “I know there’s a starters job here and I would love nothing more than to fill that job. The competition is tough though as there’s some talent there, but that just stokes my fire to compete.”
Thomas, who says he compares himself to NFL Hall-of-Famer Eric Dickerson with his running style, is looking forward to Friday’s game against the Edmonton.
“I don’t know where the coaches have me slotted in right now, but I’m hoping to make some big plays on Friday.” Thomas said. “I think the coaches have seen me adapt to the Canadian game in practice and I think they see I’m getting better and better every day. If the opportunity arises to shine on Friday, I hope to take advantage of it.”
After being unable to find work with an NFL team upon leaving Florida State after a four year career that left him 12th all-time in rushing, the 24-year-old knows this could be his last chance to have a future in the game he loves. He says that desire is what fuels him as he continues on in Riderville with his aim to be here for a while.
“If I could do this forever, I could,” Thomas says with a sigh. “I don’t want someone to tell me I can’t play this game anymore for a long time. Knowing this could be my last shot makes me work that much harder. Every time I touch the ball I want to make a play. I don’t want to give up this dream and I’m confident I can play. I wouldn’t have come up here if I thought I couldn’t do this.”
Whether or not Toston or Thomas wins the running back battle is yet to be known and when all is said and done, both could find themselves on the opening 53 man roster. Both will be looking to help their team to a win Friday at 7 p.m. against the Eskimos while doing those one or two things that will hopefully cast a positive light on the coaching staff.
It will be one of many battles worth watching as the Riders form that group that they hope will lead them down the path to a repeat championship.
