Kienan LaFrance to suit up for Banjo Bowl
Running back gets opportunity to show what he can do after Marshall injured
Kienan LaFrance is back where he started.
The third-year CFLer is expected to make his debut as the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ starting tailback on Saturday against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Investors Group Field.
It’s a fitting backdrop for LaFrance, who grew up in Winnipeg and became a star with the University of Manitoba Bisons before he was drafted by the CFL’s Ottawa Redblacks.
LaFrance now has a home with the Riders, who beat Winnipeg 38-24 in Sunday’s Labour Day Classic. The rematch promises to be a memorable one for Saskatchewan’s new No. 1 running back.
“It’s crazy how everything works out,” offered LaFrance, 26. “Any time you get your number called, it’s special. I’m excited to go out there and play. The fact that it’s in Winnipeg is pretty cool, too.”
Although he’s focused on the task at hand, LaFrance admitted it would be “special” to get the start in front of friends and family. Even if they are Bomber fans. “When I was a little younger I was probably cheering with them, but the way things have worked out (in Saskatchewan) is nice,” said LaFrance, who has done his best to fulfil ticket requests. “For sure I have to take care of the family. I have to help a few friends out and everything. There’s going to be a couple people out there (supporting him).”
LaFrance has been patiently awaiting his opportunity with the Riders, who signed him as a free agent in February. He was expected to compete for the No. 1 job but suffered a hamstring injury in training camp and didn’t return until Week 5.
“It has been frustrating for sure,” he said. “It didn’t start off the way I wanted but that’s just part of the adversity (you face). If it wasn’t for injuries and overcoming some adversity I wouldn’t be half the man I am today. You have to love every moment because it doesn’t last (forever). Now the moment is here so I’m going to have fun.”
LaFrance was limited to backup duty until Sunday’s Labour Day Classic, taking over in the second half for injured tailback Cameron Marshall. LaFrance carried eight times for 23 yards and also caught one pass for 15 yards.
Riders head coach/GM Chris Jones said Wednesday that Marshall would be out “at least another two to three weeks.”
That opens the door for LaFrance.
“Any time one of your friends and teammates gets injured, it’s never fun, but all you can do is offer your support,” he said. “Injuries are part of the game. I’ve had to learn that from both spectrums. I just have to take advantage of it.”
LaFrance was touted as a key off-season pickup after his breakthrough playoff performance with the Grey Cup-champion Redblacks. Filling in for injured starter Mossis Madu, LaFrance rushed 25 times for 157 yards and a touchdown in Ottawa’s East Division final win over the Edmonton Eskimos. He followed that up with 11 carries for 42 yards and six catches for 31 yards in the Grey Cup, helping Ottawa beat the Calgary Stampeders 39-33 in overtime.
“I had to embrace the role (in Ottawa) and seeing guys get a chance and still having to sit by and wait,” he noted. “It helps remind me that when you’re persistent and you’re patient your time will come. I think I’ve worked hard for it so I’m ready to embrace it.”
The Riders are eager to see what he can do.
Better late than never.
“We signed him as a guy to come in and be a potential starter,” offensive co-ordinator Stephen McAdoo said. “It just happened to work out the other way. He got hurt during training camp and the other guy played well. Now he has his shot to come in and do the same thing.”
NOTE: Saskatchewan has added international RB Josh Harris to its practice squad. Harris dressed for five games with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2014. The Wake Forest product was recently released by the B.C. Lions, who signed him to their practice squad last season.
“We’ve been tracking him a long time,” Jones said. “He’s a good little player.”