ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
TORONTO – Coming off a career year, Ron Flemons could have taken the path that many pro athletes venture down following a successful season. It’s one that coincides with an expiring contract and involves testing his luck as a free agent.
Following a turnaround season that saw the Argos reach the post-season for the first time since 2007, Flemons says that there is no place else he would rather be than playing in Toronto. He confirmed that by signing a three-year contract extension (2 years plus an option in 2013) with the Boatmen earlier this week.
“We did a lot of good things last year and we are improving. I feel like Coach Barker and his staff have direction and a plan, and I believe that we can win a championship. I want to do that here and I don’t want to do it somewhere else,” Flemons told argonauts.ca.
“I feel like Coach Barker and his staff have direction and a plan, and I believe that we can win a championship. I want to do that here and I don’t want to do it somewhere else.”
– DE Ronald Flemons after signing a contract extension with the Argos earlier this week
A five-year veteran, Flemons went from being an underrated commodity amongst CFL followers to gaining legitimate all-star consideration after recording career-highs of 54 tackles and 8 sacks. Despite posting career numbers, Flemons says he refuses to hang his hat on last season and is confident that he and his teammates can take their game to the next level come 2011.
“I feel like I need to get better,” Flemons said. “Everyone keeps telling me that I had a good year, and that’s nice, but you are only as good as your last play and your last game. In our last game we didn’t do very much as a team so you can’t rely on last year. You just have to keep improving.”
Flemons’ signing gives the Argonauts more than just an effective pass rusher. It gives stability to a team that has seen its fair share of personnel changes over the last three seasons. Making the signing even more important is the pending status of three linemen that could enter free agency on February 16: Adriano Belli, Kevin Huntley and Eric Taylor.
The always outspoken Adriano Belli was held to limited playing time in 2010 due to injury but played well when he dressed and was an important locker room presence. Interior lineman Kevin Huntley led the team in sacks again last season, and Eric Taylor played inspired football down the stretch for the club.
Regardless of who accompanies Flemons along the defensive line next year, the Texas A&M product is excited with the direction the defence is heading as it continue to strive to be the best.
“We have great communication and everyone works very hard. Guys like Willie (Pile) and Jordan Younger spend the extra time with the secondary and we try to do the same with the d-line. We have an experienced group (along the line) and I think we came into last year with a really good scheme. We now approach it as we have to have the best defence in the league.”
The Argos’ eligible free agent list is now down to eight. For a complete list of potential CFL free agents, click here.