DAVID ALTER
Special To Argonauts.ca
David Alter is a reporter and sportscaster for Toronto’s Sports Radio THE FAN 590. David covers the Argos and has covered football at every level dating back to 2003.
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When Dominic Picard signed on with the Argos during the offseason of 2009, both he and left tackle Rob Murphy were counted on to restore some added toughness and help better protect the quarterback. While that role remains the same, Picard has some added responsibility on the Argos’ offence. He’s now designated the ‘quarterback’ of the offensive line.
“I’ve got to make calls up front and make sure the guys beside me know where I’m going so we know where we’re going as a unit,” says Picard. “Last year, it was a little bit different. This time I’m enjoying the play-calling and it’s working for us.”
It’s a title that the centre not only enjoys, it’s also something Picard is used to from his playing days with the Laval Rouge et Or where he won two Vanier Cup championships. He assumed a similar responsibility later on with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. It means more time studying the playbook, which is fine for the product of Sainte-Foy, Quebec.
“It’s fun, I study more, I come in at 8:00 a.m. and I leave at 5:30 p.m. I don’t mind, I love what I’m doing and I want to bring more to the table; I really enjoy it so that doesn’t matter for me.”
Sometimes, those days would get longer, especially during training camp when working with the quarterbacks who had no CFL experience. When Picard arrived in Toronto, he had CFL veteran Kerry Joseph leading the offence. Picard’s added studying – while encouraged from the coaching staff – became a necessity with Cleo Lemon, Ken Dorsey and Danny Brannagan (all CFL rookies) on the roster. Dalton Bell came to the Argos having spent last season in Saskatchewan’s system.
“At first when we started working with Cleo (Lemon) we had to develop some kind of chemistry. We get along pretty well and it has been fun to work with him.”
Head Coach Jim Barker credits a lot of the Argos’ early success this season to Picard’s ability to set the tone for the offensive line, which has helped establish the run game.
“You kind of become a leader based on the nature of your position,” says Barker. “I think Rob Murphy is still the ‘leader’ of the group, while Dominic directs us; he’s the director of the group.”
The left tackle and centre positions exude leadership. It’s why both players were signed together when they became free agents in 2009. As they continue to learn and study, the offence should only get better.