CARRYING THE LOAD: With Powell out, Williams will start at running back as Redblacks open season


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When Devonte Williams came into the Ottawa Redblacks training camp a month or so ago, there were no promises, no givens.

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In 2021, he earned a spot on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ practice roster, then was released in late September. He came into Ottawa’s camp second or third on the depth chart at running back—behind presumed starter William Powell. On Saturday, Williams survived the Redblacks’ final cutdown—with running back Byron Marshall among the 24 players released.

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Now, in the Redblacks’ first game of the CFL regular season — Friday in Winnipeg — the 5-foot-9, 170-pound Williams will draw the starting assignment behind quarterback Jeremiah Masoli — with Powell (Achilles) still not ready for action.

“You have to come in and prepare as if you’re starting,” said Williams Monday following his team’s practice at TD Place. “You just keep working and never give up on yourself. Just wait for the opportunity and hopefully it arises — when it does, you have to take advantage of it. You can never really lose confidence in yourself. I have the same mindset every single day.”

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“Devonte had a very good training camp with us,” said Redblacks general manager Shawn Burke. “It was an excellent competition for that American spot between him and Byron. (Head coach/offensive co-ordinator) Paul (LaPolice) likes a bit more of a scat back, a little more explosive back. William is getting closer and closer, it’s probably frustrating for him. But at the same time, he’s doing all the right things. When he’s ready, he’ll get an opportunity to showcase himself. (Friday) Williams has his opportunity; he’s seized it and we’re comfortable with him being our guy going into Winnipeg.”

Williams joined the Redblacks following a college career split between Indiana and Southeastern Louisiana. In his senior year, he started 11 games, rushing 136 times for 599 yards and eight touchdowns. He also returned nine punts for 126 yards. And now, in a few days, he’ll be again carrying a football in a game that matters.

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“It’s hard for me to sleep at night,” he said. “I’m up all night just thinking about it. I’m excited, this is a phenomenal opportunity. We’re building on chemistry day in and day out. Football is the ultimate team sport. So we can’t do anything without all the pieces coming together. We’re looking forward to the opportunity to go to Winnipeg and get our first win.”

It’s full steam ahead for the Redblacks, who draw the defending Gray Cup champs in their first two games of the schedule (the Bombers visit TD Place for a June 17 game). There were some tough decisions to be made when the roster was put together — with longtime Montreal Alouettes receiver BJ Cunningham and last season’s CFL interception leader (with five) Trumaine Washington among those released.

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“At both the receiver and DB groups, we went a little heavy in free agency on purpose,” said Burke. “We wanted to have a great competition in camp. We knew we were going to have to make some tough decisions. There were some guys here I hadn’t worked with in the past and we wanted to get an evaluation on them. Some of them rose to that challenge and held onto their jobs.”

To some fans, Cunningham’s departure was especially surprising. But it was the result of what’s become what should be a very good receiving corps — a group of pass catchers that includes Americans Jaelon Acklin, Darvin Adams, Justin Hardy, who played for the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons from 2015-19, and RJ Harris, who’s been with the Redblacks since 2018.

“We signed Darvin and Jaelon as American receivers in free agency and we got Justin slightly after,” said Burke. “Until you get a guy in the building, you can only project, but Justin’s been excellent since Day 1 of rookie camp. He’s embraced every second of it. It came down to picking the best collection of guys. We want to have a young receiving corps on the practice roster. With (Siaosi) Mariner and (Keaton) Bruggeling, we have two guys who probably aren’t ready today, but they flashed through camp and through the pre-season as well.”

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SECOND AND LONG: The Redblacks injury report Monday had OL Randy Richards (hamstring) as limited, with Nigel Romick still recovering from a concussion … It’s likely Jackson Bennett, a former Ottawa Gee-Gee who played the past three seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, will be the backup running back and get some time with the starting unit … Look for Terry Williams to be the team’s primary punt/ kickoff returner in Game 1 … Some jersey number changes for#redblacks: Alonzo Addae is No. 20, Hakeem Bailey (24), Dino Boyd (64), Keaton Bruggeling (87), Justin Hardy (18), Money Hunter (4), Anthony Mahoungou (85), Uzoma Osuji (57), Tevaun Smith (17), Deshawn Stevens (98) and Hunter Steward (67) … Starting receivers Monday were Shaq Johnson, Nate Behar, Justin Hardy, Darvin Adams and Jaelon Acklin … Players put on shoulder pads for the team’s first padded practice of the year Monday. Each CFL team is allowed 12 padded practices this season.

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THE END AROUND: The first Redblacks QB Club of the season is Tuesday — from 5-7 pm — at Buster’s Bar and Grill in Kanata. Appearing will be QB Jeremiah Masoli, receiver Jaelon Acklin and GM Shawn Burke … Among the CFL players released on Saturday were locals Frednick Eveillard (DE, U of Ottawa, BC Lions), Nate Hamlin (DB, Carleton, Edmonton) and JP Cimankinda ( RB, U of Ottawa, Edmonton) … The Ed Laverty Skills and Drills Event (it’s free) will be held Saturday — from 3-7 pm — at TD Place, rain or shine. With former pro and amateur players in charge of the different stations, players between the ages of 6-18 (no experience necessary) are invited. Participants will get a T-shirt, sports bag, MVP medal, pizza dinner and snacks. To register, check out the Community section at ottawaredblacks.com.

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