The Montreal Alouettes’ backfield now belongs to Jeshrun Antwi and will remain so until further notice.
The 24-year-old Canadian running back is ready to face the music.
“I’ve said it all week: I have to focus on the little things, the discipline, the execution,” the six-foot, 220-pound footballer said after Tuesday’s practice. […] So I need that when my services are called upon, my readings are precise and that I give the best of myself. If I do that, we’ll have a good chance of winning. »
William Stanback underwent surgery on Monday for the ankle injury sustained in the Alouettes’ opening game on Thursday against the Calgary Stampeders. The Montreal football club has put his name on the injured list for six games, but his absence will be longer than that.
“It’s going to be a long time, but I remain optimistic knowing that he could come back this season,” said general manager Danny Maciocia, refusing to comment further on a possible return to play date.
Antwi was hired in November 2019 by the Alouettes, but due to the pandemic, he only played his first games on the Ambrosie circuit last year. In 36 carries over 14 games, he amassed 176 yards in addition to catching all six passes thrown at him for 46 more yards.
Replacing Stanback in Calgary, he had 98 yards on seven carries and caught three passes for 16 yards.
“There’s a reason ‘Coach’ (Khari) Jones, ‘Coach’ (André) Bolduc and Danny (Maciocia) brought me here,” Antwi said. I can run, but I can also catch the ball and above all, protect our quarter well. No matter what I’m asked to do, I’ll do it. […] I have to make sure we don’t feel (the loss of Stanback) when I play. »
“It’s a big piece to replace, but the system works,” explained assistant head coach and running backs coach André Bolduc. It doesn’t matter who the running back is, the plan remains the same. […] If you look at last year, when (Cameron) Artis-Payne played, he got 100+ yards every time. Look at Antwi: big production last week, 98 rushing yards and 16 passing for a guy who hadn’t practiced with Group 1. Imagine when he’s going to pick up his pace and practice with the first group. The system will ensure that he will be successful like the others before him. »
That Antwi has been around the team since the start of the last campaign makes things easier for Jones and his group.
“It’s huge, because we can continue to do the same things,” he said. When we’ve used it in the past, it gave us confidence. He knows the system well, whether it’s when he has the ball or when he’s used as a blocker. It’s a quality half that has grown over the years. I’m glad he got the chance to show off. »
Fletcher and Worthy as reinforcements
Also, to add depth to the position, the Alouettes acquired Walter Fletcher from the Edmonton Elks on Tuesday in return for a sixth-round pick in the Canadian Football League draft. of 2023.
“We’ve been working on this transaction for two days,” noted Maciocia. He’s had quite the college career and I got to watch all of his games last season. […] We like him a lot: he can run with power, he can block and he has good hands. »
The 25-year-old from Columbia, Maryland, Fletcher played in 11 games in his first season with the Elks in 2021. He rushed for 302 yards on 67 carries and added 177 yards through the air on 22 passes captured.
The arrival of Fletcher is added to that of Chandler Worthy. Used as a receiver by the Toronto Argonauts, Worthy is more of a running back!
“I told the team when I joined that I could and wanted to play in that position. […] In Toronto, I was playing as a receiver because that was where their needs were, but I’ve mostly played as a running back in the past,” Worthy noted. I was born to play this position. I don’t need to think when I’m in this position. »
“It was a nice surprise to know it’s a running back,” Jones admitted. He took a couple of rehearsals (Tuesday) and he did really well. He will mainly be used as a return specialist and if we need him in the backfield he will be called upon. »
Worthy practiced with the second group on Tuesday and expects to play Thursday against the Toronto Argonauts.