Watch above: Two returning running backs are battling for the number one spot with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Kim Thue reports from training camp.
SASKATOON – Since Kory Sheets departure for the NFL following the 2013 Grey Cup, the Riders have been in search of a new number one running back. A season ago, four different players started games in the Riders offensive backfield.
At the start of 2015 training camp, two of those men remain.
Anthony Allen returns after racking up 930 yards in 14 games in 2014. Even with those impressive stats, just like his rookie season, Allen has to prove himself all over again.
“Anytime you play professional sports you can’t dwell on what happened in the past. You can only go towards to future,” says Allen.
“I can’t be like ‘Oh, I was the second leading rusher last year.’ No, I can’t think like that. I got to make myself better to make my team better and hopefully make my position better and we’ll win the Grey Cup.”
READ MORE: Roughrider’s Scott McHenry back to full strength
The 26-year-old Allen is battling for the number one running back position with Jerome Messam, who showed glimpses last season of the man who won the CFL’s Most Outstanding Canadian Award in 2011.t McGillvray / Global News
It was Messam’s inability to stay healthy and on the field last year that prevented him from having a larger role, which in turn, became his focal point during off-season workouts.
“I’m doing more to take care of my body. Less weights, more stretching and more running,” admits the bruising running back. “It’s a long season so you want to be able to last and go through all the games.”
Head coach Corey Chamblin has high hopes for his 30-year-old Canadian running back, who has started camp taking reps with the first team, ahead of Allen.
“Jerome is a good player,” says Chamblin. “In the past I think he’s just been average in what he’s done and I’ve told him that. At this point I’m looking for a breakout year from Jerome Messam.”
If Messam is to win the job, he’ll have earned it. Chamblin has made it clear nationality won’t factor into the battle.
“We have enough guys with Canadian status that nobody gets a leg up. The best football player will play.”
Chamblin will continue to keep a watchful eye on Messam and Allen as the battle for the starting running back position wages on throughout training camp.
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