Some players' impact on a football game can’t be measured by the numbers beside their name in the box score. Albert Awachie is one of those players.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders welcomed their big No. 41 back to the lineup last Friday night against the B.C. Lions. While Awachie didn’t record a single offensive statistic, his return gave the Riders something they had been missing for six games: his physical presence.
Awachie suffered an ankle injury in Saskatchewan’s Aug. 1 game in Edmonton, forcing him to the sidelines for six games. His return came at an important time for a Riders offence trying to find their identity late in the season.
“It just felt good to support the team, be back out there and try to bring the physicality the best way I can,” Awachie told SportsCage.com.
And physicality is exactly what Awachie brings.
The former Toronto Varsity Blues receiver has developed into one of the CFL’s most physical fullbacks. At a size that can make him look more like an offensive or defensive lineman than a former receiver, Awachie gives Saskatchewan a different dimension.
Riders coach Corey Mace was certainly happy to see him back.
“Wach (Awachie) is one of my favourite stories,” Mace said. “He comes out as a receiver out of college. Now, people could mistake him for a D lineman or an offensive tackle. He’s a behemoth. He’s a huge man, and he plays physical. We love those kinds of things around here. It was great to have Albert back.”
The Riders ran for 90 yards against B.C. While Awachie didn't get credit for any of those yards, his presence was part of the equation.
For a fullback, the job often involves doing the dirty work: blocking, opening holes, protecting the quarterback and creating opportunities for others.
It isn't always glamorous. It doesn't always show up on the stat sheet. But it can change the way an offence operates.
Awachie knows his role, and after spending six games on the sidelines, he was happy to be back contributing.
“I feel it was a step in the right direction,” Awachie said. “I think we're trending upwards.”
The time away from the lineup wasn't easy, but Awachie continued to approach his rehabilitation with the same physical and mental intensity he brings to the football field.
“The intensity doesn't peak off or anything like that,” he said. “It stays high even when I'm in rehab and trying to work back at it. I'm trying to come back stronger.”
His goal isn't simply to return to the player he was before the injury. He wants to be better.
“And even if I'm heavier, I want to be faster and be more explosive,” Awachie said. “That way I can be more of a contribution towards my teammates and be more of an X Factor out there.”
That mindset has been part of Awachie's football journey for years.
A walk-on at the University of Toronto, he began his university career as a receiver before also seeing time at defensive back. He suffered a devastating knee injury in 2015 that included damage to his ACL, LCL and biceps tendon. Doctors gave him a 50 percent chance of returning to football.
After 10 months of rehabilitation, he came back for his senior season. That same determination has been evident during his latest rehabilitation.
“It's an all-year grind,” Awachie said. “There's going to be ups and downs. That's just how football is. Not everything's going to be perfect. But even when you're off the field, you just got to keep that grind and intensity because it's going to pay off.”
Now, Awachie is back. There are now four games remaining and lots to play for. He isn't looking beyond the next game. For him, it's simple.
“Statement wins, man. It's still 1-0,” he said. “We're not going to think of one game greater than the other. It's a 1-0 mindset.”
That's the mindset the Roughriders will need as they head into the final stretch. And having Albert Awachie back gives them something that doesn't always appear in the box score. Physicality. Energy. And a big man willing to do the little things that can help an offence move forward.
Sometimes, that's No. 41's impact.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders return to action on Friday night when they host the Calgary Stampeders at Mosaic Stadium. Catch all of the action starting at 4:30 p.m. on the Rider Broadcast Network.
