Every game, don’t miss Barney Shynkaruk’s Behind the Facemask — a closer look at your favourite Saskatchewan Roughriders.
This week: Roughriders fullback Albert Awachie.
Barney Shynkaruk:
All right, it’s Behind the Facemask, and this week we’re joined by Albert Awachie.
Man, you’re a lot taller and bigger in person than you look from up in the booth.
First question — were you a soccer guy growing up?
Albert Awachie:
Yeah, soccer was my first sport.
I was a striker.
I looked up to David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and all those guys.
I was definitely a soccer player first.
Barney:
So I’m guessing you’re watching a lot of the World Cup?
Albert:
I catch the highlights when I can, usually between studying and everything else.
I’d like to watch more, but right now we’re focused on this football thing.
Barney:
If you had to pick one favourite soccer player growing up, who was it?
Albert:
Probably Beckham first.
There were movies about him, too, so that added to it.
After he left, Rooney kind of took over.
Those were my top two.
Barney:
Do you still play at all? Men's league? Anything like that?
Albert:
No, not anymore.
If I see a soccer ball, I’ll juggle it a little bit.
When I’m back home in Ontario, I’ll head down to the basement and see if I can get to 100 juggles.
Usually it takes me a few tries, but I’ll get there.
Barney:
As I understand it, you split time between Toronto and Colorado growing up, but mostly Colorado?
Albert:
Yeah.
I’m the youngest in my family and the only one born in Canada.
I was born in Toronto, and then my mom got a job as a nurse in Colorado, so our family moved there.
I grew up there through elementary school, junior high and high school.
After high school, I came back to Toronto for university.
Barney:
It was one of your brothers who got you into football, right?
Albert:
Yeah.
My oldest brother was the first one to play football.
He played high school ball and then defensive tackle at the University of Northern Colorado.
Watching him prepare, how he trained, how he ate and how he carried himself really showed me what it meant to be a professional.
He paved the way, and I just tried to follow it.
Barney:
You played at Rocky Mountain High School, but you also played both sides of the ball.
Albert:
Yeah.
Shout out to the Lobos.
I actually also played for our cross-town rivals, the Fort Collins Lambkins, so that was kind of funny because those schools definitely didn't get along.
I played defensive end, running back and even some free safety.
I just loved being on the field.
The funny thing is, my first year playing defensive end was my senior year.
I’d never played the position before, but I ended up earning all-state honourable mention.
We had a really good group.
Barney:
People don't always think about this, but you're playing football at 5,000 feet above sea level in Colorado.
Do you remember what that was like?
Albert:
You almost don't notice it because you grow up there.
I was in great shape back then, too.
But when it gets cold, that air gets sharp.
Your clothes almost feel like they shrink in the cold.
There are similarities to places like Calgary with the elevation.
There are definitely some familiar elements.
Barney:
How did the University of Toronto happen?
Were there NCAA opportunities?
Albert:
Honestly, I never really thought about football that way.
I was just playing.
I actually walked on at the University of Toronto.
I was trying to become a receiver, which I had never played before.
Before that, I even went to Bradenton, Florida, for a CFL receiver tryout with basically no experience.
I was only about 210 pounds then.
I didn't make the team, but a lot of people came up afterward asking how old I was and telling me they thought I had talent.
That really changed my mindset.
I realized I had to prepare like I was competing against American athletes, not just U SPORTS players.
Barney:
Who did you model your game after?
Albert:
There were three guys.
Steve Smith was one.
He wasn't the biggest guy, but he played with unbelievable toughness and blocked like crazy.
Chad Ochocinco was another.
His footwork was incredible, probably because of his soccer background.
Then Brandon Marshall.
He had the size and physical presence that I really admired.
I tried to take a little bit from all three.
Barney:
Have you ever shown the coaches what you can do as a receiver?
Albert:
I think they know.
But we have so many talented receivers here.
I'm happy with my role.
I just know that whenever the ball gets in my hands, I'll try to make somebody miss.
Barney:
Do you have a favourite NFL team?
Albert:
It changed over the years.
When I was a kid playing NFL Blitz, I liked the Tennessee Titans because I liked the colours.
Then it became the Bengals and Panthers for the same reason.
Now I'd probably say Denver because it feels like the hometown team.
Barney:
Last one.
Give Rider Nation a look behind the curtain.
What's the pregame meal?
Albert:
I've been ordering Cora's for quite a few years now.
I usually get a Western omelette, strawberry-banana pancakes, orange juice, and chocolate milk.
That gets me ready to go.
Barney:
Albert, thanks so much for doing this.
You might have people asking you to play soccer during the offseason now.
Albert:
Thanks so much. I appreciate it.
Another edition of Behind the Facemask with Albert Awachie.
