LAST SEASON
The Ticats had success running the football last season. Rushing for 1991 yards, the Ticats had the most rushing yards in the East Division and the third most in the CFL. They also added 16 touchdowns on the ground which was good enough for fourth in the league. This season, the backfield will take a bit of a different shape, but still has plenty of talent.
IN:
Cameron Marshall –Signed as a free agent on Feb. 6
Maleek Irons – Drafted in the third round (22nd Overall)
Ray Lawry III – Signed as a free agent Jan22
Jackson Bennett – Converted from defensive back to running back
OUT:
Alex Green – Released May 6
Mercer Timmis – (Free Agent)
John White—(Free Agent)
RUNNING BACK ROOM
SEAN THOMAS ERLINGTON
Should the coaching staff decide to go Canadian, returning Sean Thomas Erlington presents a viable option to see the bulk of the carries. Thomas Erlington, a 2017 eighth round pick of the Ticats, played in all 18 games last season averaging 6.4 yards per carry and finding the endzone once. A versatile weapon, Thomas Erlington also has the ability to play in the slot, should the coaching staff decide to go another direction at running back.
CAMERON MARSHALL
If the coaching staff decides to go with an import, Cameron Marshall looks poised to see the bulk of the carries. Marshall spent the past two seasons with Saskatchewan, before signing with the Ticats this offseason. The 27 year old Marshall has 1,392 career rushing yards and 12 career rushing touchdowns.
MALEEK IRONS
Adding to the Canadian depth is rookie Maleek Irons. Coming off an impressive senior season at Ohio University, Irons was selected by the Ticats in the third round of the 2019 CFL draft. In his final season at Ohio, Irons played in 11 games, ran for 831 yards on 126 carries and added eight rushing touchdowns for the Bobcats.
RAY LAWRY
Newcomer Ray Lawry could also factor in. After having spent last season with the Cincinnati Bengals and the Kansas City Chiefs, Lawry signed with the Ticats in January and will be looking to make an impact in his first CFL season.
JACKSON BENNETT
Yes, that’s running back Jackson Bennett. After being drafted in the second round, 11th overall in 2018, Bennett spent last season playing defensive back for the Ticats. Bennett is a tremendous athlete who has the size, speed and skill to be a factor for the offence. Just how quickly he makes the transition from defence to offence, remains to be seen.
Also in the mix for a roster spot are global players Luis Lopez and Omar Cojolum who were both selected in the CFL – LFA Draft in January. As well as import running back Martez Carter, who spent time with the Washington Redskins and New Orleans Saints last season before signing in Hamilton earlier this month.
No matter which direction the Ticats choose to go, there will be plenty of talent and depth for the coaching staff to work with.
