JONATHAN RUBINOFF
Argonauts.ca Staff
MISSISSAUGA – After three days of rookie practice, the Argos took to the field for the first time with all players strapping on the pads to take part in the first of two-a-days. The Boatmen took to the rain-soaked field and the pace was rabid, to say the least. There was no shortage in energy from this squad.
Argos TV caught up with veterans DB Willie Pile and RB Jeff Johnson and SB Jeremaine Copeland after the club’s first practice. Click here to watch video.
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The Argos coaching staff was boisterous all day long, making sure that everyone on the field knew that football season was officially in the air and there would be nobody taking a play off.
“First day of camp was beautiful. The tempo was like I haven’t seen before [to open camp]”, said veteran RB Jeff Johnson. “The rookies set the pace and they’ve been flying for the last couple of days. I was watching a couple of days ago and it got me excited, and now being back out here it feels great. It was a little bit wet but it re-created that atmosphere and made you feel like a kid again”.
Newly acquired WR Carl Berman stood out, hauling in a few nice receptions, one in tight coverage over the middle and two over top of the secondary.
Speaking of the Argos secondary, those in attendance would have recognized everybody in it but would not have recognized where they were playing.
Veteran Jordan Younger has vacated his usual spot – manning the corner – and moved up to play the SAM linebacker position while Willie Pile has dropped back from the outside linebacker spot to defensive back, primarily taking reps at strong safety.
Pile was originally brought into Argos camp in 2007 as a safety. He later converted to linebacker and says that the transition is not as difficult as one would think, especially with defensive backs coach and former teammate, Orlondo Steinauer in his corner.
“At safety, you’ve got to make your own action”, Pile explained. “I learned that from watching the best. I watched Steinauer do it for a long time and the main thing I’m trying to gain from him is his eyes as well as his understanding of offences. I think I can understand offence the way he does and grasp the defence that is already in place”.
One of the more interesting drills came on special teams with the coaches working with some of the new non-import players on developing an understanding of the no-yards policy in the CFL; a penalty that frequently appears in practice as well as early on in the regular season.
NOTES: P Jamie Boreham has been added to the retired list but is expected to be re-activated in the future…Veteran DB Dwaine Carpenter did not make practice this morning as he had minor issues with his passport. He will report for his first practice on Monday.