Fan Favorite Josh Ranek Returns to Ottawa
Published on January 21, 2004 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Ottawa Renegades News Release
OTTAWA â The Ottawa Renegades are pleased to announce that import running back Josh Ranek has signed a one-year contract with a club option for a second season.
The 5-foot-8, 205-pound native of Tyndall, South Dakota, ran his way into the hearts of Renegades fans during a breakout 2003 season in which he became a unanimous selection to the CFL East Division all-star team.
Among the many accomplishments for the versatile Ranek in 2003:
· Became first player in franchise history to break 1,000 rushing yards in one season.
· Ranked fourth in league rushing with 1,122 yards, behind Charles Roberts of Winnipeg, Mike Pringle of Edmonton and Troy Davis of Hamilton.
· Led league's top running backs with a 6.4 yards per carry average.
· Led Renegades with 11 touchdowns, setting a franchise record for most touchdowns scored in one season.
· Scored at least one touchdown in six consecutive games (July 31 through September 6)
· Recorded five 100-yard rushing games, including three consecutive 100-yard games (August 17 @ Saskatchewan, August 29 vs. Montreal, September 6 vs. Hamilton).
· Set a franchise record for yards rushing in one game with 123 on August 17 @ Saskatchewan.
· Ranked second on the club in all-purpose yards with 2,095, just two yards shy of club-leader Demetris Bendross.
· Ranked seventh in the CFL in all-purpose yards.
· Led club with 1,495 yards from scrimmage (ranked seventh in the CFL)
· Ranked second on club with 603 kickoff return yards.
· Ranked third on club with 41 receptions.
"We're delighted to have Josh back with us. Not only is he an outstanding player, but a tremendous person as well," said Eric Tillman, Renegades general manager. "I know this is a happy day for all of our fans. And like us, I know they're looking forward to a very exciting 2004 season."
Amazingly, the 25-year-old posted such great numbers despite spending the first half of the season as the club's No. 2 running back. Ranek did not become the team's feature running back, following the release of Darren Davis, until the ninth game of the season.
Canadian Football League Stories from January 21, 2004
- Fan Favorite Josh Ranek Returns to Ottawa - Ottawa Renegades
- Beaton Takes Grey Cup on Maritimes Road Trip - Edmonton Elks
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