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ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
MISSISSAUGA – There’s no better Valentine’s Day gift for Toronto Argonauts fans than reuniting QB Ricky Ray with one of his favourite CFL targets, WR Jason Barnes. The newest Argos receiver has signed a contract with the club through 2013.
Commented Argonauts Head Coach, Scott Milanovich, “Jason Barnes is a legitimate receiving threat with size and experience in the CFL. We believe he is just beginning to realize his potential and will continue to get better. His chemistry with Ricky is obviously another positive as we continue to add weapons for 2012.”
A veteran of 30 CFL games over three seasons, Barnes is one of the most dynamic receivers in the league. Despite playing in only 14 games last season, Barnes caught 50 passes for 869 yards and his seven receiving touchdowns tied for fourth-most in the CFL. He built his career in Edmonton on making tough catches in traffic for quarterback Ricky Ray, and now the two are back together. For his career, Barnes has 99 catches for 1,633 yards and 11 touchdowns.
A native of California, Barnes played one season at Sacramento State before playing two outstanding seasons in the Arena Football 2 league. Jason’s older brother is NBA player Matt Barnes who currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Jason Barnes enthused, “I am definitely excited about the opportunity to come to Toronto and continue to play with Ricky; I’m glad it worked out the way it did. I can’t wait to learn from Coach Milanovich; I like what he did in Montreal and look forward to working with him. Toronto is an amazing city – I’ve always enjoyed playing there. I’m excited to make it my home and get to know my new teammates.”
Ricky Ray commented, “I’m excited to have Jason Barnes as an Argonaut. We’ve developed a good chemistry over the years in Edmonton. He’s a guy who will bring some big plays to our offence and he is going to be a great leader for the younger receivers in our locker room. It will be nice to already have an established relationship and a comfort level with Jason as we learn a new offence and develop our timing with the rest of the players.”