Men In The Middle

JONATHAN RUBINOFF
Argonauts.ca Staff

With training camp nearing, argonauts.ca will be preparing fans for the new season by breaking down the competition at each position. In the latest edition of Countdown to Training Camp, we take a look at the guys manning the middle on defence.
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TORONTO — Perhaps one of the more challenging but unique situations posed to a Canadian Football League coaching staff is the allocation of import and non-import players.  In most cases, skill is the ultimate deciding factor as to where to play an import over a non-import or vice versa. However, in some cases the decision becomes one of circumstance – a spot at one position may be forced to be filled by a non-import due to the play of an import at another position.

The Argos’ linebacking corps is one of those positions where the allocation of imports may change as training camp progresses. 

Following the release of import middle linebacker Zeke Moreno after only one season, one could make the argument that non-import Jason Pottinger would have the inside track on filling his now vacant position. In that case, Pottinger would be flanked by non-import Kevin Eiben and import Willie Pile.

A veteran of four years and with 72 CFL games under his belt, Pottinger could be a ratio changer should he step-up to take over the starting spot.  Last season marked the first time since 2003 that the Argos didn’t consistently employ at least two Canadians at linebacker, with Moreno filling the gap left by Mike O’Shea.

Pottinger will have some competition, however, from resident Canadians in the form of second-year defenders Kyle Jones, Tang Bacheyie and James Green as well as veteran Raymond Fontaine who has also spent time as a reserve defensive end and special teams contributor.

As mentioned, all it takes is for one or more of the import linebackers in camp to change the makeup of the defence.  To date, the Argos have brought in a few linebackers that each bring a different skill set.

In Greg Blue, the Argos bring in size and toughness from a linebacker that has no reservations in laying out an opposing player over the middle with a bone-crunching hit.  A physical competitor in his days at Georgia University, Blue could add a hard-hitting presence and possibly an intimidation factor that one could argue the defence has been missing the last few years. Since the departure of similar-minded individuals like Kenny Wheaton and Michael Fletcher opponents have been less afraid of going over the middle or pulling in a blind pass.

Experience and leadership may be Leon Joe’s more intriguing attributes, earning playing time with six NFL squads. With a full CFL season under his belt, Alphonso Hodge adds the versatility that football minds look for as he has played meaningful downs at the safety, defensive back and linebacker position in the limited action he saw in 2009.

Once all is said and done, the defence will rest heavily on one of its most veteran leaders in Eiben.  Entering his 10th CFL season, the Delta, B.C. native has not only been one of the most consistent and reliable players in Double Blue over that span, he has been one of the most productive defenders in the entire league over the last decade.  It will be largely up to the Bucknell product to help guide what is likely to be one of the youngest defences this organization has seen in some time.