Hard work has been the name of the game for Roy Finch.

After a tough training-camp battle last season to earn the kick-returning position, Finch kept putting in the work as he went on to have a record-breaking campaign with the Stamps.

The diminutive running back returned 71 punts in 2016 and set a Stamps single-season mark for punt-return yards (993). That total put Finch second among all CFL returners, just behind Montreal’s Stefan Logan (1,162). He also finished fifth among kick returners with 1,060 yards.

And while that’s a great season for most people, Finch is aiming for the top spot in 2017.

“Last year, I finished second and there were a lot of things that I could improve on that could get me to that No. 1 spot,” admitted Finch. “But I don’t really focus on another player, I just focus on myself and getting better each day and focus on the key points where the coaches want me to get better.”

The work hasn’t stopped during the off-season.

After pulling in just two receptions and seven carries for 50 total yards in the 2016 regular season, Finch has been preparing for more reps with the offence this year.

“I knew that coming into the year, that I was going to have a bigger workload,” said Finch. “I just prepared my mind and trained that way over the off-season. I’m just excited to get back on the field and get back into a rhythm. Get my legs under me and be more of a leader for the team.”

Although he’s prepared his body for a larger role in the offence, he still has to face the challenge of getting into the classroom and getting the playbook down.

But he’s determined to prove he’s ready for more opportunities to be a difference-maker on the offensive side of the football.

Photo by Angela Burger

“I feel like I’m very skilled and I’m very confident in my abilities and my talents,” Finch said. “I’m a smart player and anything that the coaches want me to do was far as the film room and installation, I’m going to pick it up and learn it and come on the field and focus on them and do it right.”

With running back Jerome Messam firmly entrenched in the No. 1 tailback spot on the depth chart, Finch is hoping his different style of play and diversified skill-set will help him carve out a role.

“Messam is that vet, I’m still behind him and I’m still learning from him,” said Finch. “He’s always going to be that man I’m learning from. A lot of respect for him as a man and a player. I’m in the backfield doing a lot of slot stuff early. I didn’t do that a lot last year as I was primarily a returner.

“My workload is picking up and I’m excited for the challenge.”