- Walter Fletcher doesn’t have the most spectacular statistics as a running back. But it’s by looking at his overall game that we see that the Montreal Alouettes running back has truly risen to the CFL’s elite in his first season as a starter.
- Fletcher has carried the ball just 141 times this season, sixth-most in the CFL, for 764 yards and an average of 5.4 yards per carry. But Fletcher has also been instrumental in the passing game, catching 71 passes for 682 yards and three touchdowns, to go along with his four rushing majors.
- “I’ve had my ups and downs, but I’ve learned a lot,” Fletcher said after practice Tuesday. “I think I gave up some yards, but at the end of the day, Coach [Jason] Maas and Coach [Dave] Jackson made me understand that this was a learning year and that I had earned their trust.
- “From the moment he arrived here, Maas told us that everyone would touch the ball, that no one would be used 15, 20 times per game. At the end of the day, you have to take advantage of every opportunity. I catch the ball well and I am able to create things on the pass,” he continued.
- The 27-year-old American has not only earned the trust of the head coach and the running backs coach: Cody Fajardo had nothing but good things to say about him when asked about his new partner in the backfield.
- “Every time he has the ball in his hands with a little bit of space, the opponent misses his play. […] It’s good for me to know that if my receivers are covered, then I can get the ball to him and he’ll run 30, 40 yards. Look at the number of touches he’s had this season: it’s impressive,” Fajardo said.
- “He’s been a complete half, and that starts with his pass protection and his preparation,” Jackson added. “Mentally, he’s always ready. Physically, you can’t ask for more than that. What he also brings on the field, his dynamism and his versatility, makes him pretty unique in this league. Not only is he very effective on the ground, but what he’s been able to bring in the backfield on the pass is exceptional. It’s been exciting to watch him develop this season.”
- Maas was equally appreciative in his remarks, despite the departure of William Stanback, since the job wasn’t handed to him on a silver platter. Camp included Jeshrun Antwi, who was traded, Sean Thomas Erlington, acquired in free agency, and newcomer Stevie Scott III, who spent most of the season on the practice squad.
- Excellent work
- “I knew there was going to be competition,” Fletcher said. “But I also knew I had a chance to get the starting job. I put my head down, rolled up my sleeves and got to work.”
- “He’s done a great job of being ready in the offseason and even more so during the campaign. He’s done a remarkable job,” praised Maas, who only had to correct Fletcher on his work in pass protection.
- “We’ve only had a few discussions this season, about some of his blocks not being up to par, and it’s only been a game or two. It’s not for lack of work, but because of the execution. For everything else, he’s given everything to this organization. That’s what we expected, but it’s one thing to have expectations and it’s another thing for the player to meet them,” summarized the Birds’ head coach.
- “Pass protection is definitely something that I was questioned about before the season started,” Fletcher admitted. “Over an 18-game season, you’re going to get beat up on occasion; the guys on the other side are paid to play football too! Coach Maas came to me when he felt it wasn’t up to par. The standard here is to make every play. So I went back and watched the sequences, worked on my technique and worked with Coach Jackson in practice.”
- Fletcher has played in 17 of 18 games this season. The missed game wasn’t due to his health; instead, he was asked not to travel to B.C. two weeks ago to stay healthy.
- “Coach” Maas has a plaque in his office with every guy who’s played 18 games, and it’s my goal to get on that plaque. I take care of my body, get massages once a week, and use hot and cold baths. I know the best way to be used is to be available, and I do everything I can to be available,” Fletcher said.
- But the best news in his case is that there is still room for improvement.
- “I don’t think he’s reached his ceiling; we’ve only seen a small glimpse of what he can do, I think,” Jackson said. “His carry averages are already up there with the best [players] in the league. It’s also a way for him to learn, to see how his body is going to react to the workload. He’s played over 90 percent of our games this season; I think that speaks volumes. Now he’ll be able to move forward with confidence.”
Leave a Reply