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Albert Awachie is in his seventh CFL season and is still experiencing new things in the league.
That includes the fullback getting cut from the Toronto Argonauts on Aug. 6 and promptly signing with the Saskatchewan Roughriders the next day.
“It’s a first time for everything but that’s just a part of the sport. It’s a business out here but I’m very fortunate and happy to be here. I got the call from (special teams co-ordinator Kent) Maugeri early on — really almost before I left the parking lot out there — and I was told I was wanted back and I wanted to be back so I was thrilled,” Awachie said.
The Toronto product had spent the previous six seasons with the Riders before joining the Argos this past offseason.
While he appeared in nine games for the Argos, the team elected to release the 31-year-old.
Luckily for the Riders, Awachie was already in Ontario so he made a quick trip to Ottawa and met his teammates the night before the game.
“I caught a quick flight out there — got there two hours before the team arrived and my bags arrived late. It was alright. It gave me time to think about what my career has been so far and what I want to do forward and make an impact with this team,” Awachie said.
It wasn’t hard for him to pack his old Riders clothes and have them there for the game.
“When I went home in the offseason, I had a different pile of clothes and hangars with all my green stuff so when it was time to pack, it was really easy to spot,” Awachie said.
The Riders ended up tying that game — a 22-22 decision against the Ottawa Redblacks.
Awachie will suit up again this week as the Riders (5-3-1) take on the Montreal Alouettes (8-1) on Friday at Mosaic Stadium. Kickoff for the game is set for 7 p.m.
Awachie said it was a full-circle moment for him to have his career go from the Riders to the Argos and then back to the Green and White.
“My first game (I went to growing up) was watching the Riders versus the Argos,” Awachie said. “It gave me a perspective just of how other organizations and cities are run and how different fans interact with the teams and stuff like that. Coming back here, I felt rejuvenated.”
“I had a quick workout (Sunday) and then after the workout, I walked out of the tunnel and stepped onto the field. I felt the energy. It was a nice hot day but feeling the memories flowing and all the great moments I’ve had here, it was a moment to cherish and I am looking forward to more of them.”
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He said it was a fortunate situation the Riders wanted him back so quickly.
“I try to be humble as well but I put in a lot of work too. I have to pat myself on the back and I have to thank the staff and my teammates here for welcoming me like I never left. I didn’t know what to expect when I came here. I just want to add to the program,” Awachie said. “I appreciate the support I have been getting here and I want to put my best foot forward and do what I can for this program.”
During his six seasons in Saskatchewan, Awachie appeared in 42 games. He was happy to see his former teammates doing well this season.
“It’s a great thing to see. I have been keeping up with some of these boys. Even in the offseason — we are competitive whether it’s in some Madden games, there was always some chirping. I know they are a competitive group and that’s what we expect from each other. Just be competitive and bring out the best in each other,” Awachie said.
Even though it’s a new coaching staff and playbook with offensive co-ordinator Marc Mueller this season, Awachie feels confident he can contribute quickly.
“There are some things that are different but the different things add to my skill-set. Even just in terms of the run-blocking schemes and the footwork relates to what I’ve done in the past years here. I was happy about that — too see that on field and see that’s encouraged,” Awachie said.
And he hopes to help the Riders’ succeed this season after they gave him another chance to continue playing football.
“There’s a belief and a respect and a belief in me. I always have to believe in myself but it helps when the coaches believe in you as well and you want to go harder for the team as well — it’s not just the coaches as well but your brothers out as well,” Awachie said.
“I was ready for it. I’m hungry for more all the time. I’m never going to be shy to be out there — I always want to contribute and I always want to be physical and be a presence so just make an impact.”