Daniele Franceschi – Argos Admirals Insider
TORONTO – Naturally, Ricky Foley is an appreciative and humble individual.
However, this past Saturday, the veteran defensive end was presented with a bittersweet situation. Foley, a former CFL Most Outstanding Canadian, was traded from the Saskatchewan Roughriders to the Toronto Argonauts in exchange for linebacker Shea Emry. Foley was initially shocked, saddened to leave his teammates in Saskatchewan, but excited to return to Toronto.
|
Related: Holmes Extended |
|---|
|
|
In Foley, the Argonauts obtain a lethal pass rusher and a proven winner. The 32-year-old York University product spent the past two seasons in Saskatchewan where he captured a Grey Cup championship and accumulated a grand total of 20 sacks.
Most Argo fans will remember Foley from his initial stint with the Double Blue, a three-year tenure (2010-2012) which culminated with a Grey Cup title in 2012. Foley’s impromptu departure following the 2012 season left a gaping void along the Argonauts’ defensive front.
Tactically, the re-acquisition of Foley provides the Boatmen with a potent pass rushing duo, a tandem which includes second-year defensive lineman Tristan Okpalaugo, who registered a team-high 12 sacks in 2014.
“I met Tristan briefly on the field (last year). He’s a great young player and you can see him getting better,” commented Foley. “He put up some good numbers last year as far as sacks go but you can see him getting better as an all-around defensive end … I think he started to get more comfortable in the CFL game. He has a great attitude so I’m excited to work with him.”
Over the course of his nine-year CFL career, Foley has developed the reputation of being a kind, respectful and unselfish individual. Logically, one can assume that he will have no issues making a seamless transition back into the Argonauts’ locker room. In fact, Foley is looking forward to reuniting with several of his former teammates, including two of his best friends, slotback Andre Durie and safety Matt Black.
“(Andre) Durie and Matt Black are two of my best friends in the world,” declared Foley. “We’ve spoken a lot (since the trade).”
The six-foot-two, 258-pound Courtice, Ontario native is also excited about the prospect of playing for the Argonauts’ distinguished defensive coaching staff, a unit which includes well-respected defensive line coach Casey Creehan and renowned defensive coordinator Tim Burke.
“I think coach Burke’s system is going to be tailor-made for my skill set. At some point in my career, I wanted to play for Casey Creehan and coach Burke,” stated Foley. “Having the opportunity to do that now is making me very excited. We had Alex Hall who came in towards the end of last year in Saskatchewan and he spoke of the system he had played in (with Burke). I’m really looking forward to it.”
In 2014, the Argonauts employed a blitz-oriented defensive scheme which often resulted in lackadaisical coverage in the secondary. Looking ahead to this season, Foley’s presence along the defensive line will pose a significant threat to opposing offences. Consequently, rather than focusing on attacking the quarterback, the Argonauts’ linebacking core will have the opportunity to drop back in coverage and prevent opposing teams from establishing an effective running game.
Overall, Foley is an excellent addition to a youthful and charismatic Argonaut defence. After overcoming the initial shock of Saturday’s trade, Foley immediately turned his attention to beginning the next chapter in his professional football career. All in all, aside from the emotions associated with the deal, Foley is simply grateful to have the opportunity to return to Toronto for his second stint with the Double Blue.
“It is God’s plan for me to go back to Toronto and I’m excited about it,” proclaimed Foley. “I understood (the deal) … It’s nice knowing that someone wants you. Going back home is a blessing for sure.”