Mario Annicchiarico
Edmonton Journal

EDMONTON -- Ain't it grand?

Well, it certainly will be if Arkee Whitlock can hit that magical 1,000-yard rushing plateau, by which most running backs are measured in any football league.

The Edmonton Eskimos' first-year back has 760 rushing yards on 139 carries, for a 5.5-yard average. Very respectable after a sluggish start in Montreal and having missed the first game of the Canadian Football League season.

If he can reach that milestone, Whitlock can become the first member of the Green and Gold to do so since Troy Davis ran for 1,060 yards back in 2006. John Avery (1,448) also managed the feat in 2002 and Mike Pringle went back-to-back in 2003-04 with 1,377 and 1,141 yards respectively.

"Sounds pretty manageable. I think I can," said Whitlock, who needs 240 yards over the next five games. "I think I've been pretty consistent lately, the last few games with 90 yards here and there.

"If I keep that pace I can get it in the next three games. If we execute and do what we need to do up front, it's something we can definitely reach."

In a league that is described as pass-happy, it has definitely been the year of the run. Four CFLers have already turned the trick, with B. C. rookie Martell Mallett leading the way with 1,086 yards. Montreal's Avon Cobourne (1,081), Fred Reid of Winnipeg (1,069) and Calgary's Joffrey Reynolds (1,043) are the others.

Jamal Robertson of Toronto is fifth at 859 yards, with Hamilton's DeAndra'Cobb(790), Whitlock and Saskatchewan's Wes Cates (691) all within striking distance. That means all eight teams have a chance at establishing a 1,000-yard runner in 2009, which would be a first in the CFL.

"There are a lot of guys toting the ball pretty well in this league," said Whitlock, who sat out practice on Wednesday but is expected to play against Mallett and the B. C. Lions on Friday at Commonwealth Stadium. "I'm playing catch-up. I'm on my own pace and I think I'm pretty confident with where I'm at right now.

"But my first goal is to win games. Sure you have a few personal goals and, of course, 1,000 yards is the goal for a back, but it's hard to manage yards in this league."

The numbers are a credit to running backs, but also to the offensive lines, which take as much pride in establishing the mark.

"It's a goal of ours," said Esks centre Aaron Fiacconi. "It shows that you're successful in moving the ball either way. It's a big facet of your offence, we do pretty well in pass protection and we're proving to everyone that we can run the ball, too."

As for the league-wide success, Fiacconi says, good on the CFL.

"That would be pretty awesome. There are a lot of talented running backs in this league and it's not a league known for its running game, but this year there has been a change in that regard.

"Arkee's done a great job all year and Calvin (McCarty) has, as well, when he's been in there. It's just a matter of time, hopefully we can have a few more big outings here for (Whitlock) and push him over the grand mark, which would be pretty special for our group."

But despite its successes, Eskimos head coach Richie Hall thinks the O-line can be that much better.

"I think we've done a good job winning the line of scrimmage battle regarding the pass. I think we can be better and more aggressive during the run," said Hall.

"I've stated from Day 1 we have to run the ball effectively. I've never said number wise, but I always said effectively.

"All of a sudden we get five (yards) here, eight here, seven here, six here, two; to me that's controlling the line of scrimmage."

EXTRA POINT: Esks defensive end Kai Ellis began Wednesday's practice, but quickly pulled out and is now doubtful for Friday. Rookie Greg Peach may move back in after sitting out the last two weeks. Justin Cooper could also fill in.

Courtesy: www.edmontonjournal.com