ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
MISSISSAUGA – Maurice Mann was grinning ear-to-ear when he met with the media following his first practice in Double Blue. It was a far cry from what many thought would be a receiver who would be a little bit let down that he was going from being a piece of the puzzle on a playoff team in Hamilton, to a team that has shifted their focus to next year. But if you ask the Argos’ newest addition on offence, he wouldn’t want it any other way.
“I’m excited. It’s a chance to play with some new guys and help build for the future,” Mann said Wednesday afternoon. “I just want a fair shake at it and a chance to be the guy.”
Maurice Mann speaks to the Toronto media following his first practice in Double Blue. Click here to watch video.
A former go-to receiver in Edmonton where he racked up 1,464 yards in just under three total seasons, he was supposed to be leaned upon heavily in Hamilton, but a crowded receiving corps, an evolving offence and a crop of young wideouts left Mann somewhat on the outside.
After a consistent 2010 season in Steeltown, Mann opened up this year with a nine-catch, 120-yard performance over Winnipeg, but a freak injury at the Tiger-Cats’ facility led to a few missed games and eventually a diminished role in the Ticats’ offence.
Mann was the last of three veteran receivers shipped out of Hamilton, along with speedster Marquay McDaniel and former Argos superstar Arland Bruce lll.
It is a rather unusual situation, especially when they all occur mid-season, but Mann is taking it in stride and just looking forward to moving on.
“I’m just happy to be here. Me and [Bruce] are going to have some things to talk about,” Mann said with a smile when addressing the similarities in their departures to another club. “My hat goes off to Arland Bruce because he taught me a lot about the game…everyone has got a fair shake where they are and I’m excited for all three of us.”
A big part of Mann’s newly found happiness in football comes in the way of QB Steven Jyles, a former teammate and friend of Mann who’s relationship goes back to their playing days in Edmonton.
When asked if he was content with the trade, Mann responded by saying, “Yes, because Jyles is here. I have spoken to him a few times and we always wanted to figure out how we could get back to each other and here we are.”
“We have some history, a matter of fact, he caught my first touchdown pass”, Jyles said about his new weapon on offence. “I’m fired up about having him here. He is a great guy that we can add to our club and help us in our passing game.”
– QB Steven Jyles on Maurice Mann
Jyles concurred and said that not only is it good to have a guy he started his CFL career with, but also a player with familiar tendencies.
“We have some history, a matter of fact, he caught my first touchdown pass,” Jyles said about his new weapon on offence. “I’m fired up about having him here. He is a great guy that we can add to our club and help us in our passing game.”
“He is a friendly target and a big body. He can go up and get the ball and he can separate. He is a very confident guy and he believes that he can make a play on anybody, so he will be a great addition our offence.”
Argos GM & Head Coach Jim Barker indicated that it is unlikely Mann will see the field this Friday when his club hosts the Calgary Stampeders. The Argos are in the midst of a short week and essentially only have one full day of practice to prepare.
In the meantime, Mann is more than content to wait for his time and show the coaching staff what he can do once his time comes.
“I’m just happy to be here with coach Barker. It’s a change and it’s a good change…I have no hard feelings [regarding Hamilton]. I’m happy, I have ear-to-ear smiles and I’m ready to go.”