Could Brandon Whitaker Be The First Ever Running Back To Reach 1000 Rushing And Receiving Yards In The Same Season?

In the world of sports aside from winning championships, statistical accomplishments will be the measuring the stick for a player’s career.

Whether it is achieving 40-homeruns and steals in Major League Baseball, scoring 50-goals in 50-games in the National Hockey League, or averaging 30-points a game in the National Basketball Association. Statistics will always be a discussed topic around the water cooler.

In the Canadian Football League, to date no running back has ever accomplished 1,000-rushing and receiving yards in the same season. This feat seems nearly impossible to reach considering how this brand of football is more of an aerial assault with more players on the field than the National Football League.

But if there is one player who could potentially have a chance at reaching this plateau it is Montreal Alouettes own Brandon Whitaker.  

In 2011 the Baylor product had amassed 1,381-rushing yards, and 638-receiving yards. In-fact, his receiving yards was higher than Bakari Grant (Hamilton Tiger-Cats), Akeem Foster (B.C. Lions), and Romby Bryant (Calgary Stampeders).

Let’s consider why Whitaker could have a shot at this these two numbers. He was the only player with a minimum of 200-carries to average six yards a rush. He ranked seventh in the league with 72-reeptions. Automatically his cohorts, S.J. Green, and Jamel Richardson will be paid a lot of attention due to how dangerous they are. Therefore, there could be fewer defenders inside the box spying on Whitaker.

There is no denying that Brian Bratton, and Brandon London will be also benefiting as well. But for an immediate completion Whitaker could very well profit with the underneath yards.

The Alouettes are entering a dark period with upper management not having a president in-place, and overall business not as strong. The on-field product will be looking to regain their old form prior to last season. The value of a running back is immense for an offense. Just ask the Lions who last year relied on Andrew Harris in winning the title.

Whitaker could have a big say on how this offense functions. If he does, it could create a lot of headaches for defensive coordinators across the league that might not be able to stop this vaunted lineup.

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