Canadian Football League fans are fast becoming participants in Fantasy Football, and enjoying every minute of it. I’m a fan of the NFL’s Redskins and CFL’s Alouettes, and while I’ve played plenty of seasons of NFL fantasy football, I’ve only played one or two seasons of CFL fantasy football. However, those high scoring CFL games always lead to a lot of fantasy football points. Choosing a team for a fantasy football roster is somewhat tricky. There are fewer teams in the CFL, and fantasy football owners must make prudent picks and fast. One of the most important picks is at the running back position. So, who are the top 5 CFL fantasy football running backs?
How good was Arkee Whitlock of the Edmonton Eskimos?
Arkee Whitlock was a rookie for the Edmonton Eskimos in 2009. Regardless, he grabbed the starting running back position and had a phenomenal 2009 season. Whitlock ran for 1,293 yards and added 44 receptions for 392 receiving yards. Whitlock had 13 touchdowns in 2009, 12 on the ground and 1 receiving. For fantasy football owners looking for the next best up and coming CFL running back, then Whitlock is a must have.
Will Fred Reid remain the starter for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers?
While Reynolds is big, Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Fred Reid is much smaller standing 5 feet 8 inches and weighing only 185 lbs. However, in the CFL, size at the running back position is not an issue, as long as that back can make moves, avoid tackles and is fast. Reid is all those things and more, and finished his 2009 campaign as a Blue Bomber by rushing for 1,371 yards and 7 touchdowns. If Reid is available in the later rounds of the fantasy draft, then owners need to grab him.
Will Joffrey Reynolds lead the CFL in rushing again?
Joffrey Reynolds is a big bag at 221 lbs and is an excellent running and receiving threat out of the backfield of the Calgary Stampeders. In 2009, Reynolds ran for 1,504 yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, and added 36 catches for 431 yards. Reynolds is an all-around threat in and fantasy football owners should grab him if available.
Is Alouette Avon Cobourne the CFL’s best all around running back?
While each of these listed above are impressive, none are better than Avon Cobourne of the Montreal Alouettes. The 5 foot 8 inch running back ran for 1,214 yards and added 56 catches for 458 yards. His 15 touchdowns included 13 on the ground and 2 by receiving. Cobourne is easily the greatest all-around running back in the CFL, and he is only getting better. His 2008 season saw him catch 64 passes for 607 yards. When Alouettes quarterback Anthony Calvillo needs to find an outlet receiver, Cobourne is his first choice. For fantasy football owners, Cobourne is the best all around running back in the CFL.
