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As J.C. Sherritt prepares to tackle the next chapter of his post-playing football career, the former Edmonton Eskimos middle linebacker hopes to be remembered for something more than just being a tackling machine on the gridiron.

He brought down 507 ball carriers in 109 CFL games, but learned early on the importance of being more than a one-trick punishing pigskin pony.

“There was a time,” Sherritt said. “I don’t want to sound too arrogant, but it’s not that big of a deal to me. How I grade out is, how my coach grades me out through assignment, missed tackles, explosive plays.

“Tackles are half a point, you know? It’s not a pick or a forced fumble. But I just learned that tackles don’t necessarily make you a great football player. Maybe you’re hustling great or maybe you tackle well, but if you’re getting 82 per cent or 74 per cent, then you didn’t do a great job.

“So I’m very fortunate with the coaches I’ve had, especially this year with (Eskimos linebackers coach) Travis Brown. His grading system is very precise.”