ADAM GAGNON
Argonauts.ca Staff
The day started with a bang when QB Gibran Hamdan announced that he was retiring from football. For Hamdan, it was a very personal decision as he decided that he didn’t have the drive to continue pursuing his career as a player. Hamdan left the Argos’ facility early this morning and began the long drive home to be with his wife, Jenny Grant (granddaughter of Bud Grant).
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Head Coach Jim Barker ensured the final practice of the week was high-tempo by making the team accountable. When the offence lined up offside he commanded the entire unit (whether they were in the drill or not) to sprint the length of the field and back. The members of the unit took their positions and the drills started again. Later on, the defence appeared disorganized so Barker sent them sprinting too. Defensive Coordinator Chip Garber also fell in line and sprinted the distance with his players.
2009 draft pick #45 Brad Crawford, brother of Bryan, had a very good practice today on defence. He keyed in on receivers one after the next, wrapped them up and stalled each for no gains. The defence as a whole was spirited. #29 Ahmaad Smith picked off a pass and returned most of the field before being stopped. Mid-way through the practice, the defence deflected a ball straight up in the air and DE #95 EJ Kuale came crashing down to the ground with the pigskin secured tightly. DB #48 Evan McCollough earned praise from coach Barker for exhibiting excellent cover skills during one-on-one drills.
Quarterback #1 Cleo Lemon seemed to elevate his game at today’s practice. He made crisp throws and good decisions. QB #14 Ken Dorsey found #16 WR Obed Cetoute in the endzone from 20 yards out for nice pass during 12 on 12 drills. RB/FB #44 Peter Quinney had a good day of practice too, showing sound blocking ability and quickness.
Honourable mention should have gone to WR #86 Stanley Jackson who made a one-handed catch, after changing direction, to end Thursday’s practice. It was accidentally omitted from yesterday’s diary.
SPOT THE VETS
LB/DB Alphonso Hodge, LB Willie Pile, RB Jeff Johnson, DE Ronald Flemons, DL Adrian Davis and WR Mike Bradwell joined the ‘regulars’ to watch the rookies today. All, except Johnson, arrived in Toronto today.
Newcomers Denatay Heard and Carl Berman were also on the sidelines taking in practice today. Word has it that Heard was the most popular barber in Saskatchewan before he left, he could be a popular man at tomorrow’s headshot picture day.
Veterans report for camp on Saturday and the entire team is on the field on Sunday for the first two-a-day.