Training Camp Diaries: Day 3

ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF

The Argonauts were supposed to resume training camp bright and early this morning but after the overnight thunderstorms GM & Head Coach Jim Barker decided to change up the schedule. The Boatmen were supposed to partake in back-to-back practices, or ”power” practices, today as opposed to their usual two-a-days in which an extended break is given between each one. Instead of starting practice at 7:40 a.m. it was cancelled until 1:00 p.m., allowing the team to get in a nice sleep.

Furthermore, out of fear that the players would ruin the wet grass field at UTM, the Argonauts packed up their bags and headed for the turf at St. Marcellinus Secondary School.

While the day was full of changes, one thing remained constant: the heat. The sun was out and the turf was hot as the players warmed up for their first of back-to-back practices. Between drills, players would ride the stationary bike in order to remain loose and avoid cramps. In addition, much to the offensive linemen’s delight, the players were given pitas in between practices to recharge.

Once practice really got started #1 QB Cleo Lemon did not miss a beat. The pivot was firing missiles all over the gridiron. His balls were coming out on time and were extremely accurate. The QBs and WRs went through several drills focusing on timing patterns. Each positional coach was to hold a stopwatch and time how long it took for the ball to be released by the QB, and the receiver was expected to be at a certain spot when the ball was thrown. If that was not the case, the players heard about it from coach Barker. #89 WR Spencer Watt ran several smooth routes and showed off his blazing speed.

One receiver who seemed to be on the end of every reception today was #84 WR Sammy Tranks. The rookie has really come into his own the last few days. He is becoming more comfortable and it is showing. So much so that the defence is starting to take notice. At one point, #28 CB Byron Parker came off the field bewildered at the outstanding performance of Tranks exclaiming, “Wow! #84 [Tranks] isn’t dropping any passes!”

While the aerial attack is taking shape, it is safe to say the ground game is in good hands. #11 RB Gerald Riggs had another outstanding day and the coaches are beginning to watch closely. The Tennessee product has shown an incredible burst and has become more involved in the pass game. He could prove to be quite the complement to #3 RB Cory Boyd. The offensive line had a good day as they continue to work together. Coach McAdoo is doing a great job with the big men, perfecting technique and footwork.

Defensively, #5 LB Ejiro Kuale had a fantastic first practice. The 6’2”, 229 lbs. linebacker is a physical specimen and showed off his athletic ability this afternoon. On a pass headed for a wide receiver ten yards behind him, Kuale was able to jump up and knock it down in what would have been a huge gain. #35 LB Kevin Eiben also had a massive afternoon. The 11-year veteran displayed excellent coverage skills and recorded an interception. In a separate play, Eiben effectively communicated a receiver’s route to #49 LB Greg Blue. Had the players been playing full contact, Blue would have drilled said pass catcher. The defence rallied around the strong leadership of Eiben today.

On the defensive front, #96 DL Alex Buzbee and #95 DE Ricky Foley had two superb outings. Buzbee was able to beat the offensive line’s zone blocking scheme to disrupt several runs in the backfield. Foley was able to intercept a batted ball and returned it to endzone during the two-minute drill. DBs #21 Lin-J Shell and #17 DB Michael Grant also recorded interceptions during the two practices.

Yet the biggest play of the afternoon came when #6 QB Danny Brannagan rolled out and launched a 50 yard bomb downfield to a streaking #32 RB/SB Andre Durie. Durie was able to demonstrate his outstanding speed and hands when he came up with the catch behind the DB in pursuit.

The Argos are scheduled to continue training camp on Wednesday morning starting at 7:40 a.m. for another set of “power” practices. The practices are expected to take place at University of Toronto Mississauga on the upper field (nearest parking lot #1).

Notes: Steven Jyles began to throw more today as the coaches ease him back into drills. Steven Turner left first practice with a tight Achilles and did not return. The team also released OT Cory Brandon on Monday night.