ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
MISSISSAUGA – A prepared offence, a quick and agile defence, and gritty special teams were the takeaways from day 3 of Training Camp.
With both Grey Cup starting halfbacks not at training camp, the next few weeks will be very telling to see who is able to crack the starting lineup on Chris Jones’ defence. One rookie is DB Brent Vinson, who had another good practice on Tuesday with several knockdowns and solid coverage. Fellow rookie DB Joshua Gatlin has also been working hard to show he has what it takes to play in the CFL.
Standing directly behind both of them is S Matt Black who now has the opportunity to fight for a starting position after 2012 starting S Jordan Younger indicated his plans to retire. Realizing the opportunity in front of him, and the amount of raw young talent at camp, Black has taken a strong leadership role, continually barking orders to those in front of him.
Special Teams was a strong focus in today’s practices. Special Teams Coordinator Mike O’Shea dedicated today’s second practice almost entirely to punt and field goal returns. Recently acquired LB James Yurichuk impressed the eyes in the stands today, bringing the type of leadership on special teams that he showed while a member of the B.C Lions. A strong special teams outing today also came from none other than last year’s backup RB Gerald Riggs. His quickness and strength provided him with an edge on special teams coverage.
Kickers Swayze Waters and Anthony Alix showed consistency and strength today, completing many field goals from multiple distances. The two also worked on punting, kicking to a corral of kick return options for the Argonatus.
Today marked the second day in a row that oven mitts were strapped to the hands of certain members of the secondary. Today, 17th overall pick in the 2013 CFL Canadian draft DB Jermaine Gabriel fell victim, while yesterday, returning CB Shane Herbert and rookie DB Alonzo Lawrence both suffered the wrath of the gloves. Despite never knowing exactly what the purpose of the glove is, it is safe to guess that they are used to prevent defensive backs from holding.
The defensive line seems to be getting bigger and bigger, faster and faster, and stronger and stronger. All-Star DL’s Khalif Mitchell and Kevin Huntley showed their brute strength on the sleds while Cleyon Laing, Christopher Lyle and Kenny Horsley all had strong showings, including a swatted ball from Laing during team drills. Horsley and Lyle both used their large size and quick feet to make multiple breaks at the quarterback.
The offence continued to connect on all cylinders, similar to how they have all camp. Guest coach Brian Bratton and receivers coach Jason Maas pulled WR Dontrelle Inman and SB Jason Barnes aside to work on hand drills for nearly an hour today. Working on quick hands and even taking a shot at the QBs throwing net drill for fun…. you just NEVER know when those skills will come in handy.
Play of the Day
During redzone work today, S Matt Black put his hands low and in front of him as he dropped his hips to intercept a bullet pass intended for a receiver at the front of the endzone. For someone that has not started at safety in his CFL career, Black showed an adept knowledge of the position throughout the course of the day, and his efforts culminated during this play.