Kyle Myers
Ticats.ca Staff
“There will be competition at every position.”
That’s been Head Coach Kent Austin’s mantra since the first day of mini-camp, and believe me, he means it. Austin has brought in a slew of talent in the form of rookie free agents and draft signings, and competition at virtually every position on the Tiger-Cats is fierce.
Running back is no exception.
With the release of Martell Mallett prior to training camp, the running back position is one which rookies will have a great chance to step into and make a significant impact this season.
However, Chevon Walker is intent on retaining his position in the Ticats depth chart. Walker used his blazing speed to start the 2012 season with a bang, compiling 300 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns in the first two weeks of last season. Along with Avon Cobourne, Walker made up much of the Ticats rushing attack in 2012, and he sees an opportunity this season to improve on that success.
“I’m ready. There’s a new energy here with this coaching staff and I’m excited to work hard for this team,” Walker said after practice Monday. “I’m healthy, and I’m ready to go.”
Walker will have some competition: C.J. Gable, Donte Harden, and Lindsey Lamar are all backs with the speed and the skill to make an impact in the CFL. Walker himself praised the versatility and ‘completeness’ of the other backs in camp. But Walker is the only back currently on the roster with pro football experience, which could give him an edge over some of the other running backs.
Still, Walker certainly isn’t under the impression that the starting role will simply be given to him.
“I can’t say anything about that,” Walker said when asked whether he believed he would be the starter on week one. “All I can do is come out here, work as hard as I can, and hope for the best. I can’t speak for the coaches.”
Regardless of Walker’s modesty, many expect him to take most of the snaps for the Ticats, due in part to his versatility as a rusher and a pass catcher, and his aforementioned speed. The ex-track star ran a 4.24 second 40 yard dash during a workout last season, and his ability to make defenders miss in the open field makes him one of the most electrifying players in the CFL.
But nothing is a guarantee in this league, especially on a team with virtually an entirely new coaching staff. Walker will need to earn his position on this roster, but with the skills he possesses, capturing a feature-back role in Hamilton is certainly a possibility.
Entering a new era in TigerTown, Chevon Walker is in a position to solidify his role at the heart of the Ticats offence. The offensive unit has quite an act to follow after leading the league in several offensive categories last season, but with a healthy Walker in the backfield and the plethora of weapons in front of Henry Burris, the future looks bright for the Tiger-Cats.
