Next Game
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Mississauga – The Toronto Argonauts knocked on the door of import LB/DS Derrick Ballard, CB Samuel Joseph and DB Lin-J Shell and signed them all to contracts.
Derrick Ballard will find some old friends on his new sideline, and hopes they can recapture their winning ways. A World Bowl champion under Bart Andrus and Richard Kent, Ballard experienced some of his most productive football for three seasons as both a cornerback and a safety for the Amsterdam Admirals. Ballard distinguished himself in Europe by recording the longest fumble return for touchdown in NFL Europa history, 95 yards, and winning the World Bowl in 2005.
Samuel Joseph played two seasons and 17 games as a corner at Louisiana State University (LSU). He transferred there from Colorado where he started as a true freshman. Joseph went on to attend training camp with the San Francisco 49ers and was released as a final cut. Joseph’s brother, Vance, just completed his second season as an assistant secondary coach with the 49ers.
Lin-J Shell (pro: Lin-JAY) graduated from Jacksonville University and made an unlikely entry into the pros via the Orlando Predators (AFL). He participated in Orlando’s open tryout and beat out 300 other participants to earn a roster spot. He quickly advanced from backup to starter and shifted between the AFL and NFL Europa. Shell has been a consistent performer on the defensive side of the ball, totalling over 200 tackles and 5 interceptions in each of the last two seasons in the Arena League.
The Toronto Argonauts also announced today that WR Keith Stokes has been released.