ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
MISSISSAUGA – The question that has surrounded the Argos throughout the entire off-season and into training camp has finally been answered. Head coach Jim Barker announced today that Cleo Lemon will start when the club kicks off the regular season in Calgary next week.
Argos head coach Jim Barker met with the media following the team’s Tuesday morning practice and announced that Cleo Lemon will start at quarterback when the Boatmen open their season in Calgary next week.
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“Cleo Lemon, from day one, has shown us the leadership skills so he is the guy that we are going into Calgary with as our starting quarterback,” stated Barker. “He gives us someone who is a great leader; he is a guy with very good mobility and is still learning the game.”
Barker understands that patience is going to be necessary with all of his quarterbacks but Lemon’s specific skillset could be what sets him apart from the others.
“When things break down, which they often do, Cleo seems to do very well in those situations,” Barker responded when asked about Lemon’s ability to sometimes escape the pocket.
Despite the strong play of QB Dalton Bell in both pre-season games, Barker is confident that he and his staff have made the best decision at this point in time and is ready to live with the outcome. “It’s the best thing for our organization”, he said. “Every decision we make is with winning games and going to the Grey Cup in mind”.
Lemon struggled at times throughout the pre-season but the CFL newcomer understands that despite being anointed the starter, he still has plenty of work ahead of him.
“There are some things that I have to improve on,” Lemon admitted. “I am going back and watching film everyday and, as a player, that is what you have to do. You have to try and improve everyday.”