MontrealAlouettes.com
MONTREAL – The Alouettes announced on Thursday that the team has re-signed all-star running back Brandon Whitaker to a new three-year deal.
Whitaker (5’10”, 200 lbs.) will report to the opening of the Alouettes’ 2013 training camp this Sunday at Bishop’s University, in turn sticking with the only professional team he has known since first signing with Montreal in 2007.
The 27-year-old running back was nearly unstoppable in 2012, posting a collection of brilliant performances including a combined 235-yard effort in the Alouettes’ home opener at Percival Molson Stadium in Week 2 against Winnipeg. The Edmond, OK native accumulated career-high single-game tallies in receiving yards with 137, in receptions with 11 and in touchdowns with three in that contest en route to leading the team in all-purpose yards on the season with 1,225 in just 10 starts.
“We welcome Brandon back with open arms,” explained Alouettes General Manager Jim Popp. “We are just as interested in the well being of Brandon’s health as we are in him returning to the playing field. Approximately a week to 10 days ago Brandon was evaluated thoroughly by our medical staff and also did a voluntary workout for our Head Therapist Rodney Sassi. He was impressive and showed that he is determined to return to the playing field and stay an Alouette.”
The Alouettes’ 2012 rushing leader racked up 631 rushing yards on 123 carries with four rushing touchdowns while also becoming a favourite target for veteran pivot Anthony Calvillo out of the backfield, amassing 49 receptions for 516 yards and five touchdowns through Week 12.
Whitaker’s versatility was on full display last season as he also evolved on special teams, returning two missed field goals for a combined 80 yards.
In 2011, Whitaker led the league in rushing yards with 1,381 on his way to earning his first CFL and East Division All-Star nominations. A two-time Grey Cup champion with the Alouettes in 2009 and 2010, the former Baylor Bear has spent four seasons with the Alouettes, rushing for 2,274 yards and 10 touchdowns over that span. He has also amassed 1,288 receiving yards with 12 touchdowns through the air.
