November 16, 2021

Young Bucks: Walter Fletcher

The Elks continue to wrap up their 2021 CFL season on the road tonight against the Toronto Argonauts.

While the games will unfortunately not mean much when it comes to end of the season standing, the Elks young players have been seizing their opportunities and earning more snaps in 2022.

Next up in the Young Bucks series:

Walter Fletcher 

The second rookie running back Walter Fletcher‘s name is brought up, coach Elizondo’s face lights up.

“He is dynamic and exciting to watch. He’s got another gear,” said coach Elizondo. “He’s one of those you guys you better watch him because he’s going to do something special.”

Elks fans saw a glimpse of what Fletcher could do the last two weeks filling in for James Wilder Jr. The Columbia, Maryland native has ripped off 276 yards of offense in his first two CFL starts. The trademark explosiveness he had shown in both training camp and practice was fully evident with solid gains of 18-yards and 29-yards against the Roughriders back at The Brick Field.

Signed out of Ball State University where he recorded over 1,000 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns in 2019, Fletcher has had to bide his time like most CFL rookies. Standing in his way was the imposing 6-3, 235 lb. frame of James Wilder Jr.

The Florida native has been the shining star of the Elks offence in 2021, but an ankle injury forced Wilder to miss the first game of the Elks three game road trip. For Fletcher, opportunity knocks for the 5-9 dynamo, and his running back room teammate knows he’s ready to rise to the occasion.

 

“He’s a hard worker and he’s humble,” said Wilder. “He’s willing to learn from coaches and veteran players.”

While Fletcher and Wilder’s thunder and lightning style coexists so well that Elizondo kept Fletcher dressed this season despite having limited snaps available, the next week will be a showcase for the young running back.

“I’m excited for him,” said Wilder. “He’s an explosive player that can make a home run run at any moment of the game.”

Previously in the Young Bucks series: Taylor Cornelius

Young Bucks: Taylor Cornelius