ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
With the midway point behind them, the Argos are about to enter their most important stretch of the season. As they reflect on a much-needed win over the rival Hamilton Tiger-Cats last Friday night, there is no doubt who the club’s biggest playmaker on offence is. In an organization that has thrived on the passing game with a rotation of gifted receivers over the last half-decade, it is now a running back that is hogging the spotlight.
It is by no means unusual for the feature tailback to be grabbing newspaper headlines following a game, however, given the Argos’ recent challenges establishing a consistent running attack, better yet, a consistent running back, Jamal Robertson is shaping up to be the Argos’ most effective, powerful and versatile runner in six years. On a club that has fielded 12 starting running backs in five years before him, Robertson is putting up numbers not seen in the Argos backfield since the days of Michael Jenkins.
“I train hard in the off-season in order to carry the load and be there for the team when they call on me. It’s great that they believe in me and they have confidence in me”
– Argos RB Jamal Robertson on gaining trust from his teammates
In fact, many would argue that Jenkins’ seasons at the beginning of the decade were perhaps the last time that the Argos’ primary offensive weapon lined up in a place other than behind centre or in the receiving corps.
Even the likes of so-called “high profile” running backs that were one-time starters in the Argos’ backfield, have been effective yet failed to put up numbers at the consistent pace that Robertson has as the Ohio Northern product continues to be on pace to finish the year with over 1,170 yards on the ground.
However, it’s not just his between-the-tackles power or his off-tackle speed that is gaining Robertson recognition from Argos’ brass, it is his ability to make plays out in the flats as a receiver that is most surprising. Already the club’s leading rusher, the 5-foot-9, 216-pound back is also the Argos’ second leading receiver.
Entering Saturday’s matchup at B.C. Place against the Lions, the versatile back has amassed 46 receptions for 405 yards and currently sits second in the entire league in total yards from scrimmage with 1,059.
However, with a stellar first half of the season under his belt, the humble rusher is not taking anything for granted and is relishing the trust he has earned from his teammates and coaches.
“It’s nice when the team can count on you to come through for them. I am just trying to be there for them whenever they need me or whenever they call my number”, said Robertson after the Argos recent win. “I train hard in the off-season in order to carry the load and be there for the team when they call on me. It’s great that they believe in me and they have confidence in me”.