Running-back Stanback gets shot at redemption
Released by the Green Bay Packers at the end of training camp in 2017, and wondering whether the phone would ring again, William Stanback worked as a delivery guy for a courier service.
He worked out and went to combines, understanding that if he was out of sight, he’d be out of mind. That’s how it is for running backs in the U.S., where they often come by the dozen.
“Coming here to the CFL, it humbled me. It gave me another opportunity to pursue my dreams in this game,” said Stanback, who will start for the Alouettes Friday night against Toronto because of an injury to veteran Tyrell Sutton.
“I feel, right now, I’m at the front door of redemption.”
The Als haven’t possessed a tailback in the mould of Stanback for some time. At six feet and 233 pounds, he’s a punishing runner who will go through a defender rather than around him. That’s why he won the backup job, over Amir Carlisle, coming out of training camp.
Stanback believes a play in Montreal’s opening exhibition game at the end of May, in Ottawa, might have solidified his bargaining power. He was the lead blocker on a kickoff return, led with his head against the first Redblacks player downfield, and was concussed, delaying his audition process.
“But if you watch the film, it shows the intensity that I brought on that play,” said the 24-year-old from Hempstead, N.Y. “I felt the coaches were probably looking for something like that.
“I’m just thankful for not getting cut and still being here to participate and fight with these guys. We’re going through adversity, but it’s only going to build character.”
Sutton isn’t the only casualty going into this week’s game. For a second consecutive day on Wednesday, quarterback Johnny Manziel wasn’t at practice. He’s still recovering from his concussion and will miss a second consecutive game, although head coach Mike Sherman maintains Manziel’s making progress and might be cleared for on-field workouts by Thursday.
“Every day there’s more progress with light sensitivity and work ... throwing the football, doing some aerobic activity and getting his blood pressure to rise a bit,” Sherman said. “When will he be full time? I’m hopeful (Thursday) but we’ll see.
“He doesn’t seem to be suffering from light sensitivity. They ’re just being precautionary. They just tell me they’re sticking with the protocol. He’s doing better every day. I texted him (Tuesday) night. He said he felt great. Everyday there’s an improvement.”
Stanback played two seasons at the University of Central Florida before he failed multiple drug tests and was dismissed from the only Division I school that offered him a scholarship. He resurfaced at Virginia Union and rushed for 1,299 yards in 2016, only to go undrafted.
“I guess my past put me in this situation where I couldn’t be trusted. That’s understandable,” said Stanback, who never has been reluctant to discuss past transgressions. “I did things over and over to where I shouldn’t be trusted. It’s all on me. I blame myself.
“I wanted to show teams I’m not the guy from 2015. I’m a totally different guy, older and wiser. I just wanted to have one chance. When I saw everyone else getting drafted from schools you never heard of, it makes you feel down. It put me in this isolated predicament.”
Stanback said the Als called him periodically throughout 2017 but claimed he wasn’t sure how the system or process worked in the CFL. Translation — he was holding out hope for an NFL opportunity. Working as a delivery man undoubtedly proved to be humbling, Stanback quickly realizing Montreal was his one, and only, hope to play professionally.
He has five carries this season for 56 yards but has been used extensively of late returning kicks. He has 17 for 429 yards (25.2-yard average).
“I like him because he can run back kickoffs, run over, around and through people,” Sherman said.
“I’ve had some great backs in my day. This guy ’s the best pass blocker I’ve ever seen. He puts people on the ground. He’s also a very good screen runner. I think with the ball in his hands he’s contact, plus three (yards), plus four (yards). He’s a very significant force.”
Now that Stanback will be a regular contributor on offence, Sherman must contemplate to what extent he’ll be utilized on special teams. Sherman said staff will be prudent, knowing Canadian rookie Ryder Stone also is available. Regular return-specialist Stefan Logan, on the six-game injured list, has resumed practising, but remains a week away from eligibility.
Along with myriad issues facing Sherman, a new one resurfaced at Edmonton when the Als were penalized 14 times for 129 yards. Any player who takes a foolish or unnecessary penalty is fined by the team; the amount of the penalty determined by Sherman and general manager Kavis Reed.
“Last game was an anomaly,” Sherman said. “The ones we had last game were selfish. I think it was through frustration, which isn’t an excuse. You still have to play the game the right way. There were some retaliatory penalties, which you can’t do. You have to be able to walk away.”