It’s fair to say they passed with flying colours. We are, of course, referring to the tough test handed to the coaching staff when it came to replacing the great Andrew Harris in 2016. With both Jeremiah Johnson and Anthony Allen being added within hours of free agency opening, it immediately became one of the biggest competitions from last year’s camp. The good news? Both backs embraced it and both played key roles in helping the Lions lead the CFL in rushing yards. Come playoff time Johnson was ultimately the guy and Allen was not re-signed. So the burning question this year in Kamloops has been: how do they divvy up the snaps this time around?

Assistant Running Backs Coach Mike Lionello claims it is a wonderful dilemma to have.

“It’s great. Everybody is competing hard,” said Lionello over lunch on Friday.

“JJ (Johnson) is leading the pack, as he should be. Shaq (Murray-Lawrence) has been great, Chris (Rainey) has been amazing and Josh (Harris) is learning playbook. He could be special. Tuesday in Calgary should be interesting.”

Like every training camp there are always a couple of unknowns who can make an impact. Harris and receiver/running back Tyler Davis have turned heads in the first week. One potential X-Factor could be Rainey. The league’s most electrifying returner would no doubt make the backfield all that more daunting for opposing defences. The only tricky thing is how much is too much when it comes to the rain man?

“Absolutely, the more he can do the better,” explained Lionello.

“He’s so athletic. At the same time, he can’t be the focal point. Once he is on the field he is one and teams know that.”

It would be a lot more concerning if they didn’t have all of these questions and possibilities. If they can be at or near the top of the league in most rushing categories once again, it no doubt takes a lot of pressure off Jonathon Jennings, his excellent band of receivers and the offensive line.

“That is absolutely the goal,” added Lionello.

“It’s a whole team effort. Receivers blocking down field gives us more yards. The possibilities are endless.”

They certainly are. Especially when you consider the offensive line has looked strong from day one of camp.

Breaking Down The Running Backs

Returnees

Jeremiah Johnson, Rolly Lumbala, Shaquille Murray-Lawrence, Nate O’Halloran, Chris Rainey

Newcomers And Where They Came From

Dakota Brush– selected in the fifth round (61st overall) in last month’s CFL Draft, Brush excelled as wide receiver in his four year career at Mount Allison. HIs breakout season came in 2015 when he hauled in 39 catches for 490 yards and a touchdown. When evaluating the fullbacks, Brush has proven to be a nice complement to Lumbala and O’Halloran.

Tyler Davis– a former German League standout with the Kiel Hurricanes and Munich Cowboys, Davis has proven to be a Swiss Army Knife in both the April OTA and main camp. He was a defensive back in college and played wide receiver overseas. The fact he can play three different positions leads us to believe he can earn a roster spot when camp breaks.

Josh Harris– the most experience newcomer in the backfield, Harris has migrated north after spending parts of two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He had nine carries for 16 yards before being released to start 2015. The Wake Forest product could be valuable if the club elects to give Johnson the odd week off. Harris was originally signed to the practice roster as part of last year’s NFL expansion period in October.

The Elder Statesmen

Lumbala Strong. Rolly has proven to be one of the club’s most valuable Canadian draft picks of the last decade. He enters season number ten and will once again be valuable in short yardage situations, blocking and field goal protection. The ultimate team guy shows no signs of slowing down. Murray-Lawrence is now second in terms of service and will also be counted on for his versatility on special teams.

The Big Question

Can they build off the 2017 greatness? It is no doubt a very tough act to follow and it could hinge on starting someone other than Johnson every couple two or three weeks, but as much as this offence can be potent, they also want it to be balanced.

It Could Happen In 2017

Johnson is just 395 rushing yards shy of 2,000 for his career. If Lumbala plays all 18 games that would be seven consecutive seasons he has not missed a contest. Game number 15 will be the 150th of his career.

Quotable

“You want the guys to actually experience the heat. Our guys are doing a great job. Josh Harris is getting the offence down pat. Dakota is becoming a great route runner. As for Shaq and the other guys, those guys are bringing what they have to the table. Everything is really good right now and we want to keep that going.”- Johnson on how the young guys are progressing through camp.

Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com