Today’s positional preview will look at the running backs for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Running back is the one position on offence that shouldn’t see too much change from 2022 with the returns of Jamal Morrow and Frankie Hickson.
Saskatchewan did lose fullback James Tuck to Montreal during the winter.
Here is a look at the Roughriders running backs.
Running Backs
Jamal Morrow
In 12 games last season, Morrow accumulated over 1,000 combined (receiving & rushing) yards. The Washington State product was one of the Roughriders top offensive players in the first half of the 2022 season before suffering a wrist injury in August.
Along with helping the Roughriders on offence, Morrow has made contributions in the return game during his time in Saskatchewan.
In December, Morrow agreed to a new contract with the Roughriders.
Frankie Hickson
The second half of Saskatchewan’s dynamic duo at running back, Hickson enjoyed a solid rookie season finishing 6th in the league with 533 rushing yards.
Like Morrow, Hickson spent time helping the Riders special teams in 2022.
The former Liberty Flame had a season-best 129 rushing yards against the BC Lions on August 26.
Kienan LaFrance
A veteran of over 100 games in the CFL, LaFrance returns for his fifth season as a member of the Roughriders during his career.
The former Bison was called upon to fill in at running back due to injuries on September 30 against Winnipeg.
B.J. Emmons
The 25-year-old joined the Riders last October and spent time on the team’s practice roster. He spent time in the NFL on the practice squads of the Seattle Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Javian Hawkins
The former Louisville Cardinal spent time on the Los Angeles Rams practice roster in 2021, when the Rams won Super Bowl LVI.
Jace Jordan
In his final season (2021) at West Georgia, Jordan led the Wolves with 446 rushing yards.
Rodney Smith
A former Minnesota Golden Gopher, Smith spent time on the rosters Carolina Panthers, Detroit Lions and Tennessee Titans (2020-21).
Thomas Bertrand-Hudon
Saskatchewan’s fourth round choice in last week’s 2023 CFL Draft.
Fullbacks
Albert Awachie
Established career highs in numerous categories in 2022 including games played, receiving yards, rushing yards and special teams tackles. Was also a big part of the Riders blocking scheme.
Bruno LaBelle
Saskatchewan’s third round choice in 2021, the former Cincinnati Bearcat played in 15 games last year.
Morgen Runge
The former Alberta Golden Bear signed with Saskatchewan earlier this week.
