TORONTO — It’s been an up and down season for the Montreal Alouettes, but through everything, the stellar play of running back William Stanback has been a shining light for the team.

Stanback is in his second season in the CFL. The 25-year-old started his collegiate career at the University of Central Florida but finished with Virginia Union University. He signed with the Green Bay Packers and attended their 2017 training camp, but they released him ahead of that season.

He’d sign with the Alouettes in May 2018 and make quick progress in becoming one of the team’s offensive stars.

In the latest edition of The Waggle presented by Sport Clips, Donnovan Bennett had the chance to talk to Stanback about being the new feature back with the Als, spending the offseason in Montreal, and the best places to eat in La Belle Province.

Episode 169: Trouble in TigerTown? + Williams Stanback stops by

EPISODE OVERVIEW: With Jeremiah Masoli out for the season, are the Ticats still the team to beat in the east? And how much heat should Mike Reilly be taking for the Lions’ 1-6 record? Plus, William Stanback stops in to talk food and football in la belle province.

EPISODE RUNDOWN: What city would a rookie want to play in today? (1:00) Year of the backup/ can injury lead to job loss? (12:00); Who should the Argos start in Week 8? (18:00); Is Hamilton still the team to beat in the East? (23:00); Teeing up Riders/Ticats (28:30); How much blame should be put on Mike Reilly for Lions record? (35:00); RedBlacks decisions in Week 7 (38:00); What can the Lions do to address issues in bye week? (44:45); Ottawa/Montreal Preview (50:45); William Stanback Interview (55:00).

“It feels good. (I’m) appreciative of the position I’m in and happy with the role I’ve been given. It feels good being out on the field with the guys,” said Stanback of his early-season success. “This is something we spoke about during training camp and the offseason – where we wanted to get to – and we feel very confident in the season so far.

“We’re keeping the high level of intensity that we bring on the field.”

Stanback’s first season with the Alouettes was a difficult one from a team perspective. The team went 5-13 and there were extra eyes on them with Johnny Manziel making the move over to the CFL.

While splitting touches out of the backfield with Tyrell Sutton, Stanback had 539 yards rushing along with 313 yards in the receiving game. He also took reps as the team’s kick returner.

Following his first campaign in Montreal, Stanback opted to stay in the city during the offseason in order to get out in the community. He worked with the Als’ Ultimate Football program, going to schools and working with kids.

He also had the chance to bond with teammates during that time, getting in training reps and going out for dinner, something he says has helped the group come together to field the product Als fans are seeing to start the campaign.

“We might not have as many veterans as other clubs have, but I feel like, with the tight bond we have, we can go a long way,” Stanback said.

With the majority of his time being spent north of the border, it begs the question: how is Stanaback’s french?

“It’s alright. A little mediocre still but I just know little phrases and terms,” he said. “I don’t know how to speak in sentences just yet but I’m getting better and teaching my girlfriend.”

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Stanback is now the man firmly in charge of carrying the ball out of the backfield for the Alouettes.

He’s currently second in the league in rushing yards with 592 and has punched the ball in four times in six games. He’s also added 161 yards on 15 receptions.

His best performance of the season came in Week 4 against Hamilton. Stanback finished the game with 249 all-purpose yards – 203 of those came on the ground – and three rushing scores.

“Knowing it’s a three-down game, if I know the first play – or second – is a run, I just try to get as many yards and go as hard as I can every time I touch the ball,” Stanback said. “That’s one thing I’ve tried to focus on with my game: getting as many yards as possible.”

Montreal dropped their Week 8 matchup to the Ottawa REDBLACKS in overtime. They’ll have an immediate chance to bounce back, but with the East now looking like it’s up for grabs with over half the season to play, every matchup is pivotal. The Als’ next two games will see them take on a pair of West Division foes in the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Calgary Stampeders.

Stanback will have to bring his A-game to help the Als try and make a run at the top spot in their division, but he’s proven over the first portion of the year that he’ll have no problem doing so.