It’s never easy to replace a running back with a resume like that of Andrew Harris, but the Lions acted quickly in the opening hours of free agency by signing Jeremiah Johnson and Anthony Allen. The return of Chris Rainey and Shaquille Murray-Lawrence, along with the emergence of youngster J.C. Coleman has made the backfield race one of the more intriguing thus far at Hillside Stadium.
The man guiding the unit has had nothing but glowing reviews. “We’re pretty deep right now,” said running backs coach Adam Blasetti. “Jeremiah and Anthony are not only explosive but they bring a lot of leadership to a relatively young group. I am very pleased with what we have in camp so far.”
Johnson, despite only playing in ten games, led the CFL with nine rushing touchdowns while with Ottawa in 2015. So far, he looks to be full healed from the foot injury that caused him to miss the REDBLACKS run to the Grey Cup. He has impressed the coaching staff not only with his running, but his ability to catch balls, something Harris was able to provide, and block.
Allen has also proved to be a duel threat after racking up three touchdowns on 48 receptions over the last two seasons in Saskatchewan. His NFL experience with the Baltimore Ravens can also prove to be beneficial. He acknowledged the competition with Johnson as something both can benefit from in camp. “Everybody knows it’s wide open,” said Allen. “While we’re out there it’s about having fun and we’re trying to make the decision tough for the coaches. Whoever wins, wins.”
Rainey has had a productive couple of days after a hand injury kept him out of contact drills to start camp. The speedy returner has shown flashes of the brilliance he showed following his mid-season addition in 2015. Although he did see much action in the backfield, the coaching staff will leave no stone unturned in Kamloops.
Coleman has done his part to make the competition more interesting. The Virginia Tech alum, and 2014 Military Bowl MVP, was excellent during the three-day mini camp and is now taking advantage of those extra practices. Although he lacks the size at 5’6 and 192 pounds, Coleman makes up for it with his speed and can also catch.
Murray-Lawrence looks to be improved with one season under his belt. He has taken occasional snaps on second-team offence and will once again be a factor on the kick return game. Although they may be inclined to start an American at Running Back, the UNLV product will no doubt have a role once again.
As far as the fullbacks go, Rolly Lumbala looks like he hasn’t skipped a beat as his ninth camp continues. Number 46 is also tasked with mentoring seventh round pick Nate O’Halloran, who looks the part. Neil McEvoy said on draft night they feel O’Halloran could complement Lumbala and perhaps fill that role down the road.
Auston Johnson has switched to fullback after attending mini-camp with the linebackers. The son of former Lions and Stampeders all-star Alondra Johnson, looks to have made the transition well through eight days of practice.
As the old adage goes, if you can prove your worth on special teams then you will likely have a spot. What happens next is up to the player.
Any way you slice it, the number of capable bodies is a good problem for Blasetti and company to have. “When you replace an all-star, it’s always difficult. Luckily the organization brought in not only some quality athletes but quality people.”
Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com