By Jamie Nye

Saskatchewan Roughriders running backs fight for work

Jun 10, 2011 | 4:38 PM

It's like the first lightning storm or the first barbeque, Wes Cates being challenged by youth and speed as the running back of the Saskatchewan Roughriders could be considered another sign of the upcoming summer season.

“Every year there are going to be challenges, it's not like I'm going to come in here and hang out, sip water and expect to be the starter,” stated Cates as the first week of training camp winds down, “They've brought in some good talent but I feel like taking care business so things should work out in my favour as far as the starting job goes.”

Cates looks like the old dog has learned some new tricks in the off-season as he's shown an extra burst in camp. He says he worked on running and agility in the off season and also feels after going through two seasons with no major injuries that he feels fresh for the 2011.

For the third season the competition to unseat Cates as the starting running back is being led by Hugh Charles, who has been a ratio casualty for the Roughriders. Charles feels like all he can do is get into the pre-season games and show the new coach that they need him in the lineup.

“There is a different mindset there. I haven't exactly gotten to know Greg (Marshall) as much as I want to but it definitely sits in the back of my mind that I have a new coach and there may be another opinion than in the past two seasons.”

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Marshall, who's almost conceded Wes Cates will be the opening day back, says for Charles or rookie running back Brandon West to make the opening day roster they'll need to show they are capable to handle the return duties as well. Though Charles is a capable kick returner the team wanted to work on his punt returns in the off season.

“Tristan Jackson has come in as the specialist, so he has the upper hand on all of us returners, but I go back to pre-season where you go and prove yourself when you have that opportunity and to see where you fall.”

Last year, the Roughriders chose Cates and Charles over the newcomer Marcus Thigpen. Thigpen of course ended up in Hamilton and lit up the league on kick returns and set a CFL record scoring a touchdown five different ways (punt, kick, field goal returns plus rushing and receiving). This year, West comes in as the newbie in the group and is definitely capable returning kicks after setting the all-purpose yards record for the Mid-America Conference while he was at Western Michigan.

“I love (returning kicks) because that's the game changer, that's the biggest part of the game. If you lose yardage or take one to the house, that changes the game a lot so as I said I'd take that over offence.”

Despite Charles and West trying to take his job, Cates is still playing the role of mentor, “You can ask him anything and he'll tell you,” explains West, “He isn't worried about another guy trying to take his spot and he's helped me out a lot in the meeting room.”

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