By François Ferland,
MontrealAlouettes.com
Montreal – There`s no doubt in anyone’s mind that with Avon Cobourne’s spectacular offensive performance last week against the Toronto Argonauts that the fifth-year running back is still among the elite players in the league.
Cobourne’s 115 rushing yards and 116 yards through the air were good enough for the second highest yards total of his career, coming just eight yards short of his career-high of 239 yards that he set last season against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats that saw him rush for 193 yards, another career-high. Already equipped with one of the premiere aerial attacks in the league, the Alouettes are seemingly unbeatable when Cobourne proves to be a force in various aspects of offensive coordinator Scott Milanovich’s offence.
An improved attitude
As good of an outing as last week’s 41-10 win over the Argos may have been for Cobourne, one can only expect more from the diminutive ball carrier, as it seems as though his joyous off-field demeanour has been carrying onto the field as of late.
“I’m a perfectionist, I’m always looking to better myself,” he said. “It’s great that I’m seen as one of the best in the CFL, but that doesn’t satisfy me in the least bit. I always work like I’m a rookie, always looking to get better after every game.”
His attitude may in fact be at the very root of his continuous development. Remember fans, prior to becoming one of the great backs the CFL has to offer, Cobourne was rushing downfield as a member of special teams. In 2006, he led the Alouettes in special teams tackles with 21 and also had a 95-yard missed-field goal return.
In 2007, he returned to special teams duties and picked up right where he left off by recording 13 tackles, good enough for third on the team. However, the best part of his game may have been his willingness to do whatever the coaches asked of him. He was even used as a linebacker during training camp.
“I’ve always walked around thinking that I shouldn’t shun opportunities that could turn out to be beneficial for me,” said Cobourne. I’m always ready to do anything I’m asked.”
Down to business
The 2010 season saw Cobourne enter the final year of his contract with the Als, but even at 31 years-old, he doesn’t see himself slowing down any time soon. “I hope to play another four to five seasons, preferably all with the Alouettes,” he declared.
Set to become a father come next February, Cobourne is already preparing himself for life after football. His newly-created business, Pre-Game Enterprises is a company that specializes in t-shirt production – including the Chill-Son line (www.chill-son.com). “My wife Rebecca manages the company and I serve as a representative,” said Cobourne. Rebecca wanted me to give my full attention to the field,” he added.
Cobourne, who manages his own website (www.avoncobourne.com) is just 312 yards shy of the 3,000 yard plateau for his career.
Note: Cobourne now has 12 games of at least 100 yards. He had seven in 2008 and four last year.
