MontrealAlouettes.com
MONTREAL – Last fall, Brandon Whitaker was a young running back looking up to his mentor Avon Cobourne in the Alouettes’ backfield. A year later he finds himself on a collision course with the Ti-Cats star tailback with the CFL rushing title and divisional supremacy on the line.
When a running back delivers performances that would make his predecessor proud, you know they must be doing something right. Whitaker had huge shoes to fill following the offseason departure of Cobourne to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, but he continues to make the most of his chance to shine with the Als.
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Whitaker is quick to credit the O-line for his success on the ground this year. |
Perched atop the league’s rushing list with 1,107 on the ground through 14 games, Whitaker holds a 276-yard cushion over his friend-turned-rival.
“I had set aside personal numbers that I wanted to reach before the season, but I definitely didn’t predict anything like this,” said Whitaker who joined the Alouettes as a free agent in 2008 before patiently awaiting his big break. “Being able to reach those numbers this early in the season is a blessing, and now I’m ready to get some more yards.”
Whitaker formed a close bond with Cobourne over their three seasons as teammates in Montreal. Despite the fact that both players now sport different uniforms, there is nothing but mutual respect between them.
“We still talk at least once or twice a week throughout the season,” admitted Whitaker. “Avon wants me to succeed and I wish him the same. The only time that I don’t want him to have a good game is obviously against us. I’m sure he thinks the same way. Besides that, we both cheer for one another all the time.”
The last time they locked horns back on Sept. 11 at Percival Molson Stadium, Whitaker had the upper hand, rushing for 72 yards and hauling in 78 receiving yards and adding a touchdown in a 43-13 rout of the Ticats.
Whitaker isn’t just putting up big numbers these days, he’s also taking some equally monster hits. Despite the punishment he endures, Whitaker refuses to stay down for the count.
“It’s just the drive in me, I guess. I’ve been sitting on the sidelines for three years,” shrugged Whitaker. “I have something to prove on the field and I’m hungry to make a name for myself. I’m doing everything in my power to help this team win another championship.”
A win over Hamilton by two points or more this Sunday would guarantee a home playoff game for the Als and move them one step closer to Whitaker’s goal. Hamilton is 5-3 at home this season but only 2-4 on the road. The Ticats also haven’t won in Montreal since 2002.
If the Als are going to extend the Tiger-Cats’ futility at Percival Molson Stadium, Whitaker understands he can’t do it all himself. The rising star knows how huge a part his offensive line played in his on-field success this year.
“I take care of those guys when they take care of me and make gaping holes for me to run through,” said Whitaker with a huge smile. “I know Christmas is only a couple of months away, so I still have time to get them something nice…maybe some golf equipment, or better yet, food.”
Whitaker isn’t the only one with pending Christmas gifts already on his mind.
“Every time Brandon rushes for over 100 yards, he puts some money in a pot for the O-line,” confirmed centre Luc Brodeur-Jourdain. “So far, he’s gone over the century mark five times this season. At this rate, we’re sure to get something really nice.”
