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Mossis Madu is 100 per cent healthy and ready to be a lead back.
For the first time in Madu’s football career he was forced to miss a game because of an injury. A hip pointer held No. 26 of Hamilton’s 25-23 comeback win over Edmonton in Week 13. But Madu is rested, recovered and set to handle the starting running back job for the forseeable future.
Starter CJ Gable went down with a shoulder injury on the Ticats’ first play from scrimmage in that game and never returned. Subsequently, Gable was placed on the six-game injured list.
“I know for right now, I’m the guy,” Madu said.
Madu started four straight games in place of Gable, who was out with a foot injury, from August 16 to September 14. In those starts the Ticats first-year back recorded 41 carries for 183 yards and added 21 receptions for 229 yards – a total of 412 offensive yards in four games. For reference Madu has more rushing and receiving yards in four stats than Gable does in seven games in the lineup.
Playing in an offence where the running back has to be multi-faceted at Oklahoma has helped Madu produce and quickly get assimilated to the CFL game in his rookie season.
“They used the tailback in similar ways: catching out of the backfield and running routes,” Madu said about the Sooners offence. “It made for an easy transition.”
And it just so happened to be another Oklahoma connection that provided a strong reference for Madu when the Ticats were interested in signing him. Offensive lineman Brian Simmons played four seasons with Madu in Norman, Oklahoma with the Sooners.
“The coaching staff asked me about Mossis in the off-season. I actually have aspirations of being a general manager or a scout someday, so I really took it seriously,” Simmons explained.
Simmons gave an honest assessment of Madu’s CFL potential.
“I told them I thought he would be a good compliment to CJ – he’s athletic and really shifty,” Simmons said. “That was my opinion and I felt like he could fit.”
It seems as though Simmons’ opinion has been validated with the way Madu has performed so far.
Ticats players agree Madu has more shiftiness whereas Gable possesses extra power in terms of their running styles with the football in their hands.
Hamilton has drawn up plays tailored to Madu’s strengths, but quarterback Zach Collaros admitted the offence won’t likely change a lot.
“I just want to touch the ball,” Madu said, “get out in space and go to work.”
Expect more open-field magic from Madu.
Leaner Hickman returns
Hamilton is the same city Justin Hickman left, but he returns to a new stadium and a nearly completely overhauled roster since his last season with the Ticats in 2011.
“Peter Dyakowsi, Marc Beswick, Justin Medlock, Brian Simmons – those are the only guys that were here,” Hickman said.
Just four players remain in Ticat colours from Hickman’s first go-round with the team.
“I’m coming back to something completely different,” the one-time CFL All-Star said.
There was never a doubt in Hickman’s mind that if or when he returned north of the border where his destination would be.
“I felt like coming here the first time gave me the opportunity to go down south and play in the NFL, so I felt like coming back up I would give them the first shot,” Hickman said.
“I didn’t think I would end up anywhere else other than Hamilton.”
Even during his two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts Hickman kept tabs on the three-down league. He watched when he had the time on his computer or ESPN. Hickman stayed up to date with the Ticats and all the happenings around the CFL.
“Once it becomes a part of your life it’s hard to let it go,” he said.
During his time with the Colts, Hickman played linebacker and slimmed down to increase his agility and speed for the position.
“Being leaner gave me a little more wiggle. As far as straight ahead speed I’m faster,” Hickman said.
Even his old and new again teammate noticed Hickman’s body change.
“Back then he was a little bit heavier, he has definitely cut down some weight,” Simmons said.
After taking some practice reps against Hickman, Simmons saw all of the technical elements that make him successful as a defensive lineman first hand again.
“It’s the same Hickman that was here before. He has amazing hands. If your hand game is not right with him he will beat you. And if you turn and open your hips he will get by you. I’m glad he didn’t sign with anyone else,” Simmons said with a laugh.
Hickman sat out in Week 13 so he could get a better understanding of Hamilton’s defensive scheme before getting into the lineup.
“It was harder trying to study the defence from the playbook. But once I got out on the field it was a lot easier,” Hickman said.
Sporting a fresh No. 5 jersey, Hickman said to expect the same playing mentality from his first stint with the Ticats.
“I will still be running my mouth a little bit, hit anything in the opposite colour and try to get to the quarterback.”
Back in 2011 Hickman finished the season tied for the CFL lead with 13 sacks. So lots of eyes will be on him to see if he can regain his pass rushing form from yesteryear.
