Burks forcing his way into Argos’ backfield

It’s not likely Argos running back James Wilder Jr. is looking over his shoulder at training camp star Brandon Burks.

But Burks, while by no means a shoo-in to make the roster, is forcing coach Marc Trestman into a tough decision with his offensive backfield. The native of Enterprise, Ala., has racked up some impressive yardage in the Argos’ two tune-up games, including a 32-17 setback against Ottawa on Thursday in Guelph.

Wilder, the CFL’s top rookie last season, is locked in as the starter but Burks battling Cana- dians Anthony Coombs and Greg Morris. Martese Jackson and Boom Williams are other options. The final roster decisions will this week.

Most of the star players from last year’s Grey Cup champions did not dress for either of Toronto’s exhibition games, leaving room for Trestman to observe players battling for final roster spots.

Toronto opens defence of its CFL championship June 15 at Saskatchewan, and for now, with the likes of Burks leaving sizable impressions, the Argos look deep enough to take another serious run at the East Conference crown and another Grey Cup appearance.

Burks, 25, entered the Argos camp after missing all of 2017 with a torn-up knee that cut short his NFL stint with Green Bay and the New York Jets.

A graduate of Troy University, Burks signed as a free agent with the Packers after going undrafted in 2016; he cracked the starting 53-man roster, but was released shortly afterward. After signing with the Jets in December 2016, he was promoted to the active roster, but his injury prompted a release in April 2017.

While still battling to regain the form he knows he is capable of, Burks reported to the spring league, which showcases talent to NFL and CFL scouts. The Argos scooped him up, and after two exhibition games, he has certainly turned heads.

The first opportunity came against Hamilton, where Burks broke tackles and rambled for a 27-yard touchdown off a screen. Thursday in Guelph, he had seven carries for 52 yards. Burks has shown the same qualities Wilder displayed when he broke out in his rookie season a year ago. And he may have to follow the same path, excelling on special teams early in the season until he can earn a bigger role.

Burks left Thursday’s game limping from a leg issue, but reports suggest the problem is not serious.