With Argos training camp just around the corner, argonauts.ca will be preparing fans for the start of the 2009 season by breaking down the competition at each position as the Boatmen reload with a new coaching staff, new mentality and personnel. 

In a year that is likely to bring change at almost every position on the football field, it is somewhat bizarre that the one position that has gone over quite a bit of turnover in the last five years is the one that perhaps has the most stability.  With the exception of Dominique Dorsey, all of the running backs and fullbacks from 2008 will join the Boatmen at training camp. 

Splitting reps with Dorsey last season was the powerful and shifty Jamal Robertson who came over from the Saskatchewan Roughriders in a trade for CB Leron Mitchell. Robertson impressed in his first year with the Double Blue, finishing with a team-leading 645 yards and 6 TDs on 117 carries.  Robertson was thrust into the starters roll after projected starter Tyler Ebell suffered a season ending injury in training camp just prior to the Argos first pre-season game.  Robertson’s impact was felt immediately, scoring two touchdowns in the Argos’ season opener to help lift them over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

After a productive first season with the Argos, Robertson is expected to push hard for the starting tailback position under a familiar coaching staff.  It shouldn’t take long for Robertson to get comfortable in the Argos’ new offence however.  The former NFL Europa Offensive MVP played under head coach Bart Andrus with the Rhein Fire in 2002.

As mentioned, it was Ebell’s unfortunate injury in training camp last season that forced him to miss the entire 2008 campaign.  Despite not suiting up, his dedication did not go unnoticed.  Ebell spent the entire year with the Boatmen at their training facility, rehabbing his injured achilles tendon and after a long road to recovery, seems to be ready to show the coaching staff what made them want to acquire him from Edmonton in the first place.  In his rookie season with the Eskimos in 2007, the UCLA and Texas- El Paso product racked up 1,171 all-purpose yards (650 rushing and 521 receiving) coming out of the Esks’ backfield.  Ebell and Robertson could be one of the most intriguing battles for a starters roll heading into camp.

Once again, there is no shortage of Canadian resources in the Argos backfield heading into ’09.  Veteran fullbacks Bryan Crawford and Jeff Johnson return for their fifth and tenth CFL seasons respectively.  Johnson’s ability to block effectively, provide positive yards on offence and lead on special teams gives the Argonauts options that very few teams can find in one non-import contributor. 

Despite entering his third CFL season, Andre Durie’s potential still seems endless.  The former York standout has been hampered by injuries in his first two seasons with the Boatmen but when called upon has showed flashes of the old running back that was once one of the OUA’s premier talents.

The Argos are also bringing Da’shawn Thomas back to training camp. He’s a young (22), speedy back that was very impressive in 2008 training camp. He spent all of the 2008 season studying on the practice roster.  Phillip Brock was signed as a WR/RB will likely see more time at the wideout position when camp gets underway. He was a standout for the AF2 Peoria Pirates as their Offensive MVP in 2008.

On a team that has seen 12 players start at running back at some point in the last four seasons, stability in the backfield could be just what the doctor ordered.