Words by Daniella Ponticelli
Saskatchewan Roughrider Albert Awachie likens his role as fullback to engine oil in a car.
“We try to make things fluid inside the pocket and make sure everything is going,” said Awachie, a fifth-year Canadian with the team.
“It’s a hybrid role and a very demanding position. If you want to play fullback you’ve got to be physical. You’ve got to be a momentum creator and a momentum stopper.”
The Riders high-performance engine oil helped the team fire on all cylinders Saturday, with a dominating 41-20 home win over the Montreal Alouettes.
Fullbacks Awachie and James Tuck opened lanes with consistent blocks, allowing the Saskatchewan run game to shine with 163 rushing yards to Montreal’s 87.
“The run game is what we want to do. It’s what we like to do and then we can be as physical as we can be,” said Tuck, a nine-year veteran of the CFL.
Saskatchewan running back Jamal Morrow led the team in rushing Saturday with 16 carries for 103 yards and one touchdown, followed by Frankie Hickson with seven carries for 57 yards.
After practice Tuesday, Morrow was all smiles praising Awachie and Tuck for their work.
“Both have been absolute tanks, just taking on blocks, play after play after play. Just wearing the other team down,” Morrow said.
“If we can get production like that out of them, the sky’s the limit for this offence. Especially for the run game.”
Roughriders head coach Craig Dickenson was first to praise the team’s run game after the victory Saturday and awarded the game ball to the fullbacks for their success.
“We don’t need the recognition to do what we do. This is a very, at times, loveless position,” said Tuck. “But when we do get the love, it means everything.”
The 32-year-old signed with the Riders in February 2022. His CFL career started with the Montreal Alouettes in 2014, followed by contracts with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2016), the Toronto Argonauts (2017) and the Edmonton Elks (2017-21).
Tuck credits his powerhouse dynamic with Awachie to their collective intelligence in the film room, their physicality and aggression on the field, and team-first mentality.
“With the offensive linemen blocking the way they are, the receivers blocking the way they are, if we can do what we’re supposed to do, we can propel this team,” Tuck said.
Now locker mates and good friends, the fullbacks initially played as USports rivals, in different positions: Awachie as wide receiver and defensive back for his hometown University of Toronto while Tuck, from Aurora, Ont., played linebacker and defensive end for the York University Lions.
As professional fullbacks, the pair works continuously on blocking, play reads and pass protection to ensure quarterback Cody Fajardo stays on his feet.
“Our fullbacks have done a really great job of being physical and playing fast. I’m glad they’re on my team because they really bring the pain,” Fajardo said after practice Tuesday.
“Hopefully we can throw them some passes here down the line and reward them for their hard work through these first four weeks.”
The Riders (3-1) next host the Ottawa Redblacks (0-3) at Mosaic Stadium on Friday, July 8. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.
