Victor Anderson knows the sting of giving up your spot due to injury.  That's why he's so respectful of filling in for Brandon Whitaker versus the Edmonton Eskimos Friday night (hear it live on www.cjad.com starting with the Countdown to Opening Kickoff at 8:30PM).

Anderson was Big East Rookie of the Year back in 2008---the first University of Louisville Cardinal so honoured, for his 1,000-yard rushing season.  Injuries slowed him down in 2009 and 2010, though.  He needed shoulder surgery.

The 2011 season brought another emotional challenge.   Defensive teammate Anthony Conner suffered a career-ending neck injury during a game against Rutgers.   After a rousing speech to his teammates, Anderson scored a dramatic long touchdown run...walking the walk after talking the talk.

Now 2 weeks after scoring his first TD in the CFL as a pro, the 5'8" 185-pounder subs in for Whitaker, with a college resume' that includes some swinging out of the backfield as a receiver and some kick-return work.

Check out the video clip here:  http://vimeo.com/34330460 (Anderson's plea to his teammates and the TD run are from 1:30-1:50 mark)  and then listen to a CJAD 1-on-1 with Anderson conducted on the eve of his first CFL start.