He is, quite frankly, responsible for the biggest western migration since the California gold rush of the 1800’s.
Four years into a CFL career that had even him doubting he’d ever make it as a pro, Darian Durant has spearheaded a Roughriders resurgence that has turned the Red Mile green by prompting a province to follow him here for Sunday’s Grey Cup.
Given the quarterbacking uncertainty the Riders faced six months ago — and most of the last two decades — it’s clear Saskatchewan would not be playing Montreal at McMahon had the 27-year-old not emerged the way he did.
“Oh, no way,” said 15th-year Roughriders o-lineman Gene Makowsky, whose seen his share of quarterbacks dash any hopes of ’Hopper heydays.
“The quarterbacks are so important in this league and he made plays when we needed him. Go back in history and speculate what would’ve happened without him here but our chances go down greatly if he wasn’t behind centre.”
Andy Fantuz agreed the rest of the team’s sizable efforts all would’ve been for naught without Durant filling the gap the size of a combine.
“I don’t think we’d be here, no,” said the slotback.
“He’s the leader of our team, the best player on our team and he has the biggest heart on the team. No matter how bad you screw up he’s the first one to come over, pick you up and say ‘don’t worry’ and throw it to you the next play.”
Maybe that’s because Durant’s had his share of mess-ups, too, as he went from starting four games last year (and winning them all before injury) to starting all 18 this year — the first to do that in 17 years.
“He made some ‘good’ mistakes early,” said Jason Clermont, explaining how coaches worry only if pivots repeat and don’t learn from their miscues.
“But he’ll move on and won’t make them again. It could be dangerous because he only has a few mistakes left and then he’s at the top of the league. Guys like Anthony (Calvillo) take their time, make mistakes and figure it out.”
Calvillo, who took a handful of years to catch on, has thrown huge praise towards Durant, saying his passing and scrambling ability will make him a league leader for years. But perhaps even higher praise came from the man Calvillo is chasing in the CFL’s all-time passing list – Damon Allen.
“Decision-making ability, accuracy and toughness are the three keys to success as a CFL quarterback and thus far he’s shown he’s got all those things,” said Allen, adding Durant possesses an intangible people overlook.
“When I see him play the one thing that comes to mind is that the guys believe in him and that’s the biggest thing ahead of any skill set. That was important for me. When I step into the locker room I want the guys to know I can win a championship. With that you can bypass any other criticism outside the organization.”
And there was plenty of criticism as Rider Nation debated heavily whether Ken Miller was dreaming by sticking with a young quarterback this year he insisted could be a prairie fixture. Second only to Calvillo with 24 touchdown passes, Durant also led the loop with 21 interceptions while improving his starting record to 14-7-1.
“Coach has made me the player I am today because he gave me an opportunity to bounce back time and time again,” said the five-ft.-11, 215 pound leader who watched Steven Jyles replace him during several games before this year before a last-minute win in Calgary secured his gig.
“Of course there were some doubts years ago. Whenever you’re buried deep on a depth chart (he was a third stringer in 2007 and in the practice roster in 2006) you’re worried about what your future holds. But I have a lot of faith in my abilities.”
He had plenty of reason to be confident given a college career that saw him graduate as the University of North Carolina’s all-time passing leader.
“Going through high school and college it’s all about you,” said the well-spoken South Carolinian whose brother, Justin, is a linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“When you come to the pros there are guys who have been established for years and you have to adjust your attitude to having to wait your turn. It was kind of hard at first but I just realized in order to be successful you have to be patient. Very few guys have just walked right in the door and been successful. I paid my dues, waited my turn and I stayed confident and it’s allowed me to be here.”
With a sea of green following him every step of the way.
