Kicking Towards The Future

ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF

MISSISSAUGA – While the offence and defence go through each snap with their jobs potentially on the line, a former league all-star and a kid who can kick the stitches off the ball are alone in the end zone; they’re busy preparing themselves for the upcoming season.

Grant Shaw, the Argos’ second round, eleventh overall pick in the 2010 CFL Canadian Draft competed at training camp last season and was immediately thrown into the fire. He started every game at kicker up until week 10.

In week 11, P/K Justin Medlock was signed and Shaw shared time with the import kicker who had returned from the NFL. Then, in Week 15, the Argos brought back a familiar face to take care of the kicking responsibilities and also to help mould their future at that position.

Argos’ great Noel Prefontaine was acquired by the Boatmen via trade, with the Edmonton Eskimos, for the Argonauts’ 2009 second overall selection DL Étienne Légaré and import DB Damaso Munoz on October 15, 2010.

“As soon as [Prefontaine] got here I tried to listen to him and emulate his approach to practicing, while still trying to keep my own style,” said Shaw. “It’s great to have him around.”

“The good thing is that Grant is a good kid,” 12-year Argonauts veteran Prefontaine said. “He probably has the top one or two strongest legs in the league, what it’s all about for him now is gaining consistency.”

Having a teammate of the calibre of the 7-time division all-star allows an up and coming player like Shaw to learn something new every day. So, what is the biggest thing that ‘Pre’ has taught the youngster?

“I now understand how to manage a practice properly,” said Shaw. “It is clear to me how I should maintain my body and my leg, and what drills I need to push myself for.”

Shaw came into training camp in 2010 as a “utility” player. He had experience as both a kicker and a defensive back during his time at the University of Saskatchewan. For 2011, GM & head coach Jim Barker has made it very clear that Shaw is to focus on being a kicker.

“We have taken him out of defensive drills this year,” said Barker. “We want him spending his time punting and kicking because he has a great teacher in Pre.”

When asked about his veteran kicker both mentoring and competing with the CFL sophomore during camp, Barker simply answered, “…competition brings the best out in everybody.”

The Argos will hold back-to-back practices on Friday morning starting at 7:40 a.m. in preparation for the mock game to be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. Fans are welcome to watch all practices, including the mock game, on the upper field at UTM.