Keying On Size And Strength

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 break down the Argos receiving corps where there is no secret as to what the motto is.
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TORONTO — If one were to analyze the Argos’ receiving corps over the last two seasons perhaps the best way to sum it up would be to refer to it as an ‘extended work in progress’. It has been a trial and error game to find the right blend of size, speed and athleticism that could make up a formidable starting package of between four and six players.

Since the end of the 2007 season, the Argos pass-catchers have slowly been stripped away; lost by trade, by age or lack of production.

With one-time stalwarts Arland Bruce lll and Andre Talbot now entering their first full seasons in Hamilton and Edmonton respectively, the Argos enter the season with a new proven veteran to lean on, Jeremaine Copeland, two blossoming receivers with a significant upside in Jason Carter and Chad Lucas, and a bunch of fresh faces looking to become the next go-to threats on a team that has lacked chemistry at the position for some time now.

There is no doubt that size seems to be one of the primary objectives for Jim Barker and his staff.  Of the 16 receivers on the Argos roster, eight are 6-foot-2 or taller and the average weight of all the receivers is 185 lbs.  It’s a stark contrast to last season when only four players were above 6-foot, 2 inches.

This recruiting tactic should be of no surprise however. Look no further than the receivers that Barker helped recruit with his previous employer in Calgary over the last few years.  The unit that included Copeland, Nik Lewis, Romby Bryant and Ken-Yon Rambo was a group that was not only big but also strong.

Copeland is undoubtedly the most promising addition to the Argos’ receiving corps this year.  The tall, speedy receiver gives the Argos an instant go-to option, and his ability to catch the deep ball allows him to stretch the field and perhaps open some space for his teammates.

Coming off a career-year, Copeland’s biggest strength could be his ability to mentor.  Barring a trade or free agent signing, the Argos will employ one of the younger receiving corps in the CFL and Copeland’s ability to mould both the rookies as well as some of the returnees, such as Mike Bradwell, Carter and Lucas, could prove invaluable.

Lucas and Carter are coming off impressive stints with the Boatmen last year but should benefit from a full training camp after joining the club mid-way through the 2009 campaign.

Bradwell, on the other hand, quickly turns from fresh-faced rookie to a receiver that may be leaned more heavily on.  Because Bradwell attended 2008 Training Camp, he becomes the longest serving Argos receiver on the roster. With non-imports Talbot and Tyler Scott’s departure, Bradwell will look to fill the Argos non-import spots along with a now healthy Matt Lambros, Chad Rempel and Obed Cétoute and versatile rookie speedster ‘Afterburner’ Steven Turner. The Argos also have another non-import prospect on their radar heading into camp in Simon Fraser University product Spencer Watt.  Watt was selected in the third round (18th overall) by the Boatmen in this year’s draft and will look to showcase some of the athleticism that caught the attention of Barker and his staff leading into draft day.

It is difficult to assess who the Argos will field come opening day in Calgary – there are a lot of new faces with a lot to prove.  Inexperience may be a concern for some outsiders but perhaps a changing of the guard at this position could be more of a blessing than a curse.