Daniele Franceschi – Argos Admirals Insider
TORONTO – For a number of years, Natey Adjei was an unheralded football commodity. His athleticism always shone brightly but many questioned his tenacity and consistency.
Unlike most successful Canadian athletes, Adjei never received an offer to play football at a major collegiate institution. Instead, his most favourable opportunity arrived in 2009 at the City College of San Francisco. Adjei’s freshman campaign culminated with a North California collegiate championship and opened the door to countless transfer offers from more noteworthy NCAA Division I schools.
Still largely undecided regarding his playing future, Adjei elected to return to the City College of San Francisco for his sophomore season. He guided the RAMS’ football program to a second consecutive conference championship and anchored an offence that eventually appeared in a national championship game.
In the ensuing months, several Division I schools continued their pursuit of the former St. Joseph Secondary School standout. It appeared as though Adjei was finally beginning to receive the recognition that he rightfully deserved. However, the Mississauga, Ontario native wasn’t particularly fond of making the transition to a substantially larger and more vulnerable environment.
Initially, the University of Buffalo wasn’t particularly interested in entering the Adjei sweepstakes. They bided their time and eventually made a pitch to the RAMS’ star receiver. When all was said and done, the University of Buffalo (UB) seemed like the most appropriate destination for Adjei.
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It was during his time as a member of the Bulls’ football program that Adjei caught the eye of Toronto Argonauts general manager Jim Barker. In the 2013 CFL Draft, the Argos traded the 39th, 40th, and 44th picks to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in exchange for the 22nd overall selection. The Boatmen used the pick to claim Adjei’s CFL rights.
Fast-forward to nearly a year and a half following draft night and the 24-year-old UB graduate is beginning to make a name for himself as a member of the Double Blue.
“This is the best team I’ve ever been a part of,” stated a jubilant Adjei following a recent Argonauts’ practice. “It’s been a great experience. Physically, I’m prepared to play. I just need to focus on every little detail. I’m confident in my abilities. Once I get in a game, I’m confident that I’ll be able to make plays.”
At six-feet, 195 pounds, Adjei is regarded as a speedy and powerful wide receiver with exceptional route-running ability. His skill set has translated well to the CFL as he has made an ascension towards more regular playing time. Amidst an influx of injuries, Adjei is proving to be a key asset for the Boatmen. He continues to progress from a tactical standpoint and is focused on acquiring a wealth of knowledge from the team’s experienced offensive coaching staff.
“They’re excellent offensive minds,” said Adjei of head coach Scott Milanovich, offensive coordinator Marcus Brady, and wide receivers coach Jason Maas. “They’ve developed hall of fame calibre players. With that being said, it’s my job to just absorb everything that they’re saying and digest it all. I’m just trying to pick their brains and really understand everything that they’re saying.”
In addition to his coaches, Adjei credits a majority of his on-field development to his teammates. Veterans such as Chad Owens, Andre Durie, and Jason Barnes – who are all currently sidelined due to injuries – have assisted Adjei with making the transition into the Argonauts’ complex offensive system.
“Those guys do a great job of watching us and telling us how to improve. They’re great leaders,” remarked Adjei. “They know we’re new so they are aware of what rookies have to go through. They’re always on us but they’re never negative.”
Mentally, Adjei is still attempting to grasp the various nuances that coincide with playing wide receiver in the CFL. He continues to make strides in the film room and is dedicated to refining his technical skills.
“The main difference (between college and the CFL) is the mental aspect of the game,” declared Adjei. “In college, everyone is a good athlete and you can win a lot just based on your athleticism. However, in the CFL, you have to be technically sound at all times. Everybody here was one of the best players on their collegiate team, so the way you separate yourself is by being disciplined in your routes and being aware of everything going on around you.”
Often times, Adjei is one of the final players to exit the field following an Argonauts practice. Typically, the Argos’ rookie wideout spends an additional 20-30 minutes working with receivers coach Jason Maas. It is a testament to Adjei’s exceptional work ethic. He is a very persistent and determined individual. If Adjei happens to run a route incorrectly, he refuses to step off the gridiron until he gets it right.
Just as he did at the City College of San Francisco, Adjei affirms that he will be ready to seize the moment whenever his first worthwhile opportunity presents itself.
“The next step is earning the coaches confidence on a daily basis,” said Adjei. “I’m not just focusing on one position. I’m working at a few different positions so it challenges me to learn the whole offence. When I get my opportunity to crack the lineup, I’ll be ready.”
Insider Extra – Double Blue Through and Through
Long before his playing days at the City College of San Francisco and the University of Buffalo, Natey Adjei was just like any other young football fan. Religiously, he would huddle up in front of the television and watch his hometown team, the Toronto Argonauts, clash with some of the Canadian Football League’s most dominant franchises.
Adjei has vivid memories of watching the likes of Doug Flutie and Derrell “Mookie” Mitchell as they guided the Double Blue to a Grey Cup Championship in 1997. As a die-hard, lifelong Argo supporter, Adjei could not have envisioned playing for any other CFL team.
It certainly felt right, and in many ways, it just seemed appropriate for a young Torontonian to return home in order to play the game he loves.
“I always grew up an Argo fan,” proclaimed Adjei. “I watched games when I was young with guys like Derrell “Mookie” Mitchell and Doug Flutie. I have some great memories of watching the Argos.”
“It’s been great so far because playing in the CFL there was no other team that I would have even thought about playing for. I would have been pretty depressed if I had to play for another team,” he added. “I’m definitely blessed to be able to play for this team and to have my parents at all the games. It’s comfortable being at home. I’ve always been away for school and now I get to come home. It’s refreshing because I know what to expect on a daily basis. It’s been a very special experience.”