Rookie Running Backs Eager For Action

Simon de Boer

Ticats.ca
Justin Dunk

There is no question as to who will see the bulk of the workload at running back for the Tiger-Cats heading into the 2011 CFL season. However, the question of who will back up Avon Cobourne needs to be answered before the regular season kicks off on July 1.

It’s a two-horse race between two tailbacks with distinctly different running styles.

Glenn Milner has had a consistent training camp and adds size to the Ticats backfield with his 6-foot 220-pound frame.
“I bring more of a down hill running style, hit the holes hard and bring that power to wear a team down, something that the Ticats probably haven’t seen in a while,” Milner said after a single practice session at McMaster.

“Milner is a bull, he breaks tackles, he’s a real north-south runner and he wants to punish people,” offensive coordinator Khari Jones said.

In the other lane, Terry Grant has improved steadily each day of training camp but he is smaller in stature than Milner, weighing in at 190-pounds and his style is somewhat similar to the man he is hoping to backup.

“I consider myself as a fast, explosive back, somebody who can take it to the house every time I touch the ball,” Grant said.

“Avon and I could be a one-two punch, two quick backs in-and-out trying to wear the defence down.”

“Grant is more of a slasher he can make people miss in a small area, he’s quick as a cat, but he also runs hard and hits the hole hard,” Jones said.

The battle between the two import running backs has been a close race during training camp, but the pre-season games will ultimately prove which back will win the right to back up the two-time Grey Cup champ.

“It’s very big for both of them. Both have different qualities that we know can work in this league. Now it’s just time to see them in the game and see how they react to game situations and see if they can make plays when we give them the opportunity,” offensive coordinator Khari Jones said.

Each player knows how crucial it is to perform well — on offence and special teams — in the pre-season contests in order to land a spot on the final Ticats roster.

“I need to separate myself, I want to show the coaches something that they can use to compliment Avon,” Milner said.

“Special teams are key, Coach has been saying a lot of guys make the team off special teams.”

“They’re trying to see who can get the job done with no assignment busts,” Grant said. “Coach is always saying if you make special teams you make the team, so that’s my goal is to go out and perform out there on special teams.”

Adapting quickly to the speed and flow of a game for the first time this year will be key for both runners on Saturday against the Argonauts.

“The speed of the game is going to come to you, SEC speed is pretty fast, out here is a little faster,” Grant, a product of Alabama said.

“The first series always seems like the longest and the toughest and then you get your second wind,” Milner said.

In terms of playing time for each back heading into the first pre season game at Toronto, Jones wants to get Milner and Grant an equal shot to show what they can do when the lights come on.

“Maybe one plays one half, one plays the other, we’ll play it by ear. I would like for them to be able to get a rhythm in the game and if they make a mistake see how they react the next play,” Jones said. ““For a guy like Milner the game is really important because you can’t fully see what he is able to accomplish in practice because he needs that contact.”

“Both of them will get a lot of opportunities. The most complete of the backs has a great chance to make the roster.”

MULTIMEDIA