Jamal Morrow’s smile is so bright that it can light up the darkest days.
In 2022, the Saskatchewan Roughriders running back was the team’s bright spot on offence during the first half of the season. Before being sidelined with a broken hand, Morrow was the team’s top offensive player after he racked up 564 rushing yards and 305 receiving yards in ten games.
Morrow returned to the Saskatchewan lineup at the end of the season and played the team’s final two games.
In December, the running back agreed to terms with the Roughriders ensuring Morrow would be back for a third season as a member of the green and white.
Throughout the opening week of Riders training camp, Morrow’s smile has been on display at Griffith Stadium. The 28-year-old says it’s a blessing to play the game he loves.
“To come out and play football is like a dream.”
Morrow added, “Whether it’s up or down, just maintain even-keeled and have a smile.”
An infectious smile combined with the abilities to play running back and return the ball were the same characteristics as former Toronto Argonaut Mike “Pinball” Clemons contained during his career on the field before he moved to the management side of the team.
“That’s definitely a great comparison, definitely something I’m hoping I can live up to, the play at a high level.”
Returning alongside Morrow at running back for Saskatchewan is Frankie Hickson. In his rookie campaign, the former Liberty Flame finished with 533 rushing yards despite only starting four games. Morrow says the Hickson brings a lot of energy to the Roughriders.
“If I’m not in the game, we know there’s no drop off, we know Frankie is going to take care of business.”
The pair have some similarities, but the Menifee, California product points out that he and Hickson have differences.
“Frankie is more of a downhill slasher, fast, one cut up the field. He makes guys miss so fast.”
Morrow feels his approach at running back is more methodical.
“I’m more slow, kind of patient guy, kind of wait for things to develop. ”
With Morrow and Hickson now established as two of the league’s best running backs after the numbers they posted last year, offensive coordinator Kelly Jeffrey will try and get both players involved in the team’s game plan. The former Washington State Cougar believes there are enough opportunities for him and Hickson to make an impact each week.
“I think we did a good job last year incorporating that.”
Morrow pointed out Jeffrey did a job of finding a way to rotate the running backs as their positional coach and thinks new running backs coach André Bolduc will figure out how to utilize the team’s running backs.
“We’ll see who gets hot, Coach Bolduc he’s been around the game for so long. I mean he had three horses there in Montreal, so he’s use to having talented backs.”
No matter who’s leading the way in the backfield for the Roughriders, you can count on Morrow’s beaming smile every day. It’s only going to get bigger if Saskatchewan is more successful on the field in 2023.
Training Camp Day 8 Notebook
- A few players were back on the field for the Roughriders after missing time last week. Receiver Tevin Jones, defensive back Devin Jones and running back Javian Hawkins returned to action on Monday.
- Earlier in the day Saskatchewan made a couple of moves at wide receiver. The team signed American Randy Satterfield. The New Jersey native originally signed with Saskatchewan back in 2020. He attended training camp in 2021. In a corresponding move, the Roughriders released American wide receiver Jake Herslow who went down with a knee injury last week.
- A highlight from Monday’s practice was deep pass caught by fullback Bruno LaBelle. Quarterback Shea Patterson was in hot pursuit following the pass to offer his congratulations.
- The Roughriders return to practice on Tuesday in preparation for Saturday’s opening preseason game against the BC Lions.
