Murray McCormick
The Leader-Post

REGINA -- Wes Cates doesn't mind the competition for his position as the primary tailback with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

In fact, Cates welcomes the push that comes from having players behind him pushing him for his job.

"You always want good competition at every position," Cates said Friday after the Riders completed Day 6 of their main training camp at Mosaic Stadium. "It's always a little bit easier when you look around and you feel like the top dog. That's no way to live your life. You want to be the best you can be. We've always brought in the best talent and I'm proud of the way the backs we've brought in have performed. They have made me step my game up."

Hugh Charles and rookie Brandon West appear to the pair pushing Cates. Charles is headed into his fourth season with the Riders. He's primarily been a backup over those years and feels that Cates has a leg up in the competition for tailback.

"You have to be realistic and know where you stand," Charles said. "I'm not conceding him being the guy, but he definitely has a hand up on the rest of us."

Cates has earned that lofty position. He's headed into his fifth season with the team after being acquired from the Calgary Stampeders during the Riders' 2007 training camp. Since then, Cates has rushed for 4,081 yards on 766 carries and has scored 39 rushing touchdowns and six receiving touchdowns.

In 2010, Cates was named a West Division all-star after rushing for 1,054 yards on 203 carries and 15 touchdowns. He also contributes as a receiver out of the backfield and is among the league's best blocking backs. Despite those proven attributes, Cates isn't assured of being the No. 1 tailback.

"Outside of (quarterback) Darian (Durant), no one is guaranteed a job," said Riders head coach Greg Marshall. "For everybody else, it's as much a competition as we can make it. From watching practice we have three very good tailbacks and it's going to be a very interesting competition for the remainder of camp."

Marshall said the 32-year-old Cates has an edge due to his experience with the Riders.

"He knows the system and what the expectations are," Marshall said. "Still, there aren't any guarantees."

Charles, 25, has shown flashes of his potential in limited duty with the Riders. He rushed for three touchdowns in 2009 and two in 2010. He has grabbed some extra attention by celebrating each touchdown with a backflip. Charles would love the chance to complete more flips in 2011, but understands the situation regarding imports on the offensive side of the ball.

"It's a business and we play Americans on defence and Canadians on offence," Charles said. "I know how the system works. I don't take anything for granted and whenever I get my opportunity, I will step up."

West has produced some early highlights during training camp. The Riders were excited about his prospects before camp started. He has shown speed and an ability to find open space. Like all rookies, he still has to learn the CFL game.

"It's a learning process because you come from college and you're learning new plays while you still have old ones in your head," said the 24-yearold West. "I'm taking mental reps from watching Wes Cates and Hugh Charles out there."

Marshall said Charles and West can increase their chances by contributing on special teams. That means being able to return punts and kickoffs.

"I love that because special teams are a gamechanger," West said. "I take special teams seriously."

Cates said he's even willing to handle those duties if needed.

"I've done a little bit of everything," Cates said "I may not have done it much before, but I feel that I have the skill set to help out in all areas on this field."

Cates is fourth among Roughriders' running backs in career yardage. George Reed is No. 1 with 16,116 rushing yards. Mike Saunders (4,396 yards) is second followed by Bobby Marlow (4,291 yards). The best Cates can do is move up to second on that list, which is good enough for him.

"George was a durable back and he was blessed to stay with the same team for as long as he did," Cates said. "I'm just trying to make my mark any way that I can. Hopefully everyone will remember who was No. 2 down the line."

Courtesy: www.leaderpost.com