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“People aren’t going to think we’re just going to run it because we’re afraid to throw it. We’re going to be doing both because our receivers and everybody, it seems like they’ve got it down already and there aren’t a lot of mental mistakes like how a lot of teams are when you have a new system or a new quarterback and players.”

Where Gable may benefit most is having a more traditional drop-back passer now taking snaps, as opposed to the fleet-footed Mike Reilly, who tended to tuck and run if a play broke down.

Instead of being an extra blocker, Gable sees himself shaking the block and becoming an outlet in such situations.

“Yeah, I’m definitely going to get out to try and catch a ball if I see him running around,” he said. “He also can run, though. People don’t know that. Don’t get surprised if you see him take off.

“But mostly, he’s going to dump it off, so I’m going to be out there.”

And, chances are, the ball will follow.

“If he’s open,” Harris said. “That’s just kind of where I go if plays are breaking down and try to just get outside the pocket. There’s quite a few people who have really good instincts for that stuff.

“We’ve worked scramble drill a couple times and he’s one of those guys who knows what he’s doing and he seems to have a plan.”

Whatever strategies the Eskimos employ throughout the season, Gable can expect to play a big part.

“Anytime you have a thousand-yard rusher or you have a back that’s capable of running the ball like C.J. does, he can carry the load,” said Eskimos head coach Jason Maas. “Between him and your O-line, they’re excited about running the ball and, obviously, a running game is everybody’s best friend, not only the quarterback’s.

“So I think watching Trevor play over the last three years in this system, the running game helps. He does a lot of great things in the running game, with his Sally RPO (run-pass option) game, play action, so it sets up beautifully for him in this offence.”

Email: gmoddejonge@postmedia.com

On Twitter: @GerryModdejonge