Courtesy Regina Leader Post:

Saskatchewan Roughriders tailback Wes Cates ran away with the 2007 Grey Cup on just one good foot.

Imagine what he can do with two.

“I really think I can be one of the top guys in this league,” offered Cates, 29. “I don’t feel like there’s really any limitations in my game. I can run, I can catch, I can block. As long as I’m healthy, you guys are going to see a lot from Cates.”

The third-year CFLer was no slouch last year after being acquired late in the preseason from the Calgary Stampeders, with whom he was wasting away behind all-star Joffrey Reynolds. Cates quickly took advantage of the opening in Saskatchewan, initially splitting time with Henri Childs before taking over as the exclusive starter.

Barring injury, Cates is expected to retain the No. 1 job in 2008 despite competition from ex-NFLer Quentin Griffin.

“Nothing has changed,” confirmed Riders head coach Ken Miller. “He is our premier back, our feature back, and right now there isn’t anything with his situation that would dislodge him from that.”

Cates was on pace to surpass the 1,000-yard mark last season when he suffered a hairline fracture in his left foot on Oct. 14. He finished the regular season with a team-high 866 rushing yards in just 14 games while adding 45 receptions for 452 yards.

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