Hamilton, July 29, 2011 – Montreal Alouettes running back Brandon Whitaker has shown no ill ease in following the footsteps of savvy veteran and former Alouette Avon Cobourne. Often limited to the practice roster in the past, a watchful Whitaker spent a number of seasons learning from one of the CFL’s most dominant players and has in turn managed to mould himself into an elite tailback. While there are numerous similarities between the two players, both are different at the core.
Here is how two of the league’s most talented players stack up before tonight’s match, when the Alouettes face the Tiger-Cats in Hamilton at 6:30 p.m.
Whitaker
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Brandon Whitaker |
Whitaker came into training camp uncertain about whether or not he would be the team’s starter. A strong pre-season coupled with terrific runs and catches during practices were enough however, to land him the starting gig.
In his first season as the Alouettes’ starting running back, Whitaker has already left his mark on the league. After four weeks of CFL action, he is second league-wide in rushing yards (313) and first among running backs in receiving yards (171) and in receptions (21).
Whitaker has also been pivotal in the passing game, hauling in an impressive 21 receptions and one receiving touchdown. His receiving skills were highlighted in week 3 during a game against the Toronto Argonauts in which he caught 11 of Anthony Calvillo’s 29 completed passes. The Alouettes’ running back accumulated a game-high 120 yards on 16 carries as well as one rushing touchdown in that game.
Whitaker has already rushed for over 100 yards in two games this season and was named the Offensive Player of the Week once.
Here is a quick look at his stats:
Carries: 47
Rushing Yards: 313
Avg.: 6.7
LG: 43
TDs: 1 rushing, 1 receiving
Cobourne
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Avon Cobourne |
Cobourne was reunited briefly with his former Alouettes teammates prior to the start of the 2011 season while attending the Grey Cup Ring ceremony held on June 3 of this year, marking the final time that the two parties would meet without their helmets and shoulder pads on. Cobourne will undoubtedly be looking to have a break-out game against his former team tonight.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats welcomed the addition of Cobourne to their roster with open arms and he is part of the reason why the team is currently enjoying a two-game winning streak. Cobourne brings stability to Hamilton’s running game and his 5.5 yards per carry often sets up quarterback Kevin Glenn with manageable passing downs. Cobourne is third in rushing yards (264) trailing only Whitaker and Winnipeg’s Fred Reid. In a new system, the former Alouette has been less involved in the passing game with 11 receptions for 83 yards in four games but has managed to find the end zone twice. The Alouettes’ defense however, has proven to be stout as usual and is ranked second in the run game having only yielded an average of 89 yards per game.
Considered as one of the league’s best run blockers amongst both his peers and coaches alike, he is a player who prides himself on protecting the quarterback. He will definitely have his hands full tonight however, as defensive ends John Bowman and Anwar Stewart have shown a knack for getting at quarterbacks thus far.
Here is a quick look at his stats:
Carries: 48
Rushing Yards: 264
Avg.: 5.5
LG: 46
TDs: 2 rushing, 0 receiving
Fans can follow Friday’s game, which kicks off at 6:30 p.m. in Hamilton on TSN HD, RDS HD, CJAD, Sirius 158 and CKAC.
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