ARGONAUTS.CA
MISSISSAUGA – Jarious Jackson has not started a CFL game since the 2010 season, but come Saturday he’ll be number one on the depth chart.
On Tuesday, Head Coach Scott Milanovich announced that Jackson will be his starting quarterback when the Boatmen travel to Winnipeg for Saturday’s 7:00 p.m. ET game.
Jackson completed 15 of 31 passes for 198 yards and threw one interception in relief of Ricky Ray last weekend after the Argos’ starting pivot went down. Ray suffered what has now been confirmed as an MCL sprain in his left knee. He was bumped into by an offensive lineman during the first quarter against Montreal.
During his availability Milanovich stated, “[Ricky] won’t be back this week. We’re hoping he’ll go against Saskatchewan when we come back home, but we will have to re-evaluate next week.”
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BIO: Jarious Jackson |
Milanovich mentioned that, according to his Quarterback’s Coach, Jason Maas, Ricky is a “quick healer”. But he also assured the gaggle of media in front of him that the organization will take the necessary precautions with their prized off-season acquisition. “We’re going to make sure he’s healthy before we put him back in there,” stated Milanovich. “The coaching staff has the best interests of the organization in mind from a longterm standpoint, and they are all on the same page regarding not rushing back into anything.”
When asked about how the change in QB will affect his team and offensive game plan, Milanovich was coy in his response, “I’m not going to help [Blue Bombers Head Coach] Tim Burke. He, along with all of you, will have to wait until Saturday to find out.” Milanovich added, “We are fully confident in what Jarious Jackson can do for our offence.”
In his CFL career, Jackson, a two time Grey Cup champion, has thrown for over 7,000 yards and 50 touchdowns, and he will get his first opportunity to be a starter with an organization that is not the BC Lions where he’d spent the previous seven CFL seasons.
“[Jackson] can do a lot of the same things that Ricky does,” Milanovich said. “He’s a different type of leader […] more vocal.”
When the media scrum shifted it’s stance to the smiling Jackson, he agreed with his Head Coach’s sentiments, “I am definitely a different type of leader than Ricky is. I wear my emotions on my sleeve and I am more vocal.”
Jackson is excited about the opportunity to start his first game of the season, noting that he has been keeping himself in game-ready condition.
“I’ve been working out, throwing. Doing the things that I’m supposed to do when I’m not on the field. This way, if a situation comes up exactly like it has here, I can give myself the best chance to slide right in and keep the offence moving.”
When asked if the fun is back for the eight year CFL veteran, Jackson responded by saying, “the fun has been here for me the whole time. Being able to still play football, I enjoy every day I come out here and get to go back to work.” Jackson did demonstrate some eagerness towards the end of the availability:”being the go-to guy makes it that much better.”
Jackson will draw his first start against division rival Winnipeg Blue Bombers, who boast a strong defensive line and linebacking core that has them tied for first in the CFL for sacks.
“Winnipeg is a team that has always been good in their front six. They don’t bring a lot of pressure, so it is just a testament to the types of athletes they have there and how they are able to use theose athletes effectvely.”
Jackson’s main focus is putting points on the board, noting that the offence moved the ball a lot between the 20’s but had trouble punching it in. The scoring could come in the form of more “big plays”, as the strong armed QB can sure chuck it with the best of them.
“Guys across this league know I can throw the ball deep […] when the opportunity is there I will give my athletes a shot to do what they do best.”
Tune in on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. ET to see how the Double Blue’s new man behind centre fares in Winnipeg.