Originally Posted by
BantOarsman
Day 4 - Training Camp Report @ YorkU
The Argos were on a two-a-day workout, giving ample time to check out what was happening. It was an ugly morning, with rain/drizzle and gusting winds.
The coaching staff run a high tempo practice with players and coaches showing lots of energy. Cory McDiarmid (Special Teams) and Dan Dorazio (Offensive Line) are relentless in their coaching instruction, communicating information and pushing guys to be their best. They were both noticeably hoarse at the beginning of practice. I can’t see them having a voice in another couple of days!
Head Coach Corey Chamblin spent his time exclusively with the defense, putting his system into place. As fans will know, Chamblin utilizes athleticism and versatility and pushes players to be aggressive. This was demonstrated as the defensive backs and linebackers made a number of interceptions, jumping receiver routes, and seizing the ball in front of their covered receivers. This elicited great cheers from the defensive players. Key free-agent signings Micah Awe, Tobi Antigha, Kevin Fogg, and Ian Wild all look to be key pieces in the new-look defense. The much vaulted defense line should give offenses fits, with Shawn Lemon and Tobi Antigha on the ends and Laing and Ken Bishop manning the middle. ‘Poop’ Johnson should see plenty of rotation, and I imagine Freddie Bishop as well, as he becomes more familiar with the schemes. Ian Wild manned the middle, Micah Awe lined up with the 1st team at WIL--the primary tackling position in a Corey Chamblin defense. Alden Darby rounded out the LB corps at SAM, with the veteran Gabriel at Safety, Kanneh and Ford at HB, and Trumaine Washington at field CB and Kevin Fogg at boundary CB.
Along the offensive line, the usual lineup was Cage - J Campbell - McEwen - Bomben - W Campbell, but for ratio flexibility they also lined up with J Campbell sliding to LT with Holmes beside him at LG. In due time Shane Richards backed by Josiah St. John could be in the van Zeyl succession plan at RT as well. This offensive line is all of big, strong, and athletic--a bulwark for James Franklin to succeed behind.
There's ratio flexibility in the receiving corps as well, with Levi Noel and Jimmy Ralph both looking to start along with the trio of star-studded International receivers in Derek Walker, SJ Green and Armanti Edwards. Imports Rod Smith and rookie Kamathi Holsey provide a couple of big-bodied targets, and Mario Alford and Chandler Worthy have speed to burn. Anthony Coombs, Declan Cross, Mercer Timmis, and Alex Charette provide ample National depth. It was somewhat of a surprise to see Brandon Burks getting a majority of 1st team reps today at RB. I imagine James Wilder Jr will still be the primary back and expect to see the Argos try to have both Burks and Wilder Jr on the roster, using each situationally. It’s uncertain where Tyrell Sutton fits in, but Offensive Coordinator Jacques Chapdelaine must be thrilled with his arsenal.
Perhaps the biggest battle in Argos’ camp this year is at the kicking positions, with Ronnie Pfeffer being challenged by YouTube sensation Donald de la Haye (K/P), Nebraska product Drew Brown (K), and CFL veterans Zack Madeiros (K/P) and Tyler Crapigna (K). Crapigna was stunningly accurate in Saskatchewan but doesn’t have the strongest leg and isn’t a capable punter. Donald de la Haye showed he can boom his punts, but seems to lack consistency and placement. So far it looks as though the role(s) are still Pfeffer’s to lose. One of the nicest punts of the day came from QB Brandon Bridge who boomed one 50+ yards. Bridge punted in high school and clearly hasn’t lost his technique nor any leg strength.
James Franklin is in control of the offense and was sharp all morning after being anointed the starting QB title by his head coach on Tuesday. McLeod Bethel-Thompson led the 2nd team offense, with Brandon Bridge leading the 3rd. Noah Picton looks like a teenager next to his teammates, at 5’7” 165 lbs, but there must be some great intangibles there for him to be in camp again this year. Jim Popp sang his praises at the fan town hall during the off-season, so there’s one guy in his corner. Popp had hoped he’d see play-time last pre-season, but it didn’t happen under Head Coach Marc Testman. Maybe we’ll see Picton get some game reps this pre-season. Dakota Prukop had an average day but showed his desire by spending extra time after practice chatting with his coaches. Mitchell O'Connor looks like a prototypical quarterback but looked slow to release the ball today.
Following practice, FB Declan Cross challenged his teammates to pull-ups and put on quite a show along with Levi Noel, ‘Poop’ Johnson, and rookie receiver Kamathi Holsey.
Not much to report on the ‘Global’ players. Top european draft pick Marc Anthony Hor elected not to come to camp and is pursuing other career opportunities. I didn’t notice the two Mexican defensive players, though I imagine LB Hernandez Delgado will be the one to roster as his LB position makes him an ideal special-teamer, something 260 lb Cassarubias-Santiago and 170 lb WR Kimi Linnainmaa are probably less suited for.
Corey Chamblin was quiet except for one team huddle when he stressed the effort and determination required when the game is on the line late in the 4th quarter. His message was clear: 100% effort! No walking!
Other observations:
- Edwards and Green catch the ball in traffic SO well
- Jimmy Ralph had perhaps the nicest deep play today
- Derel Walker showed separation on most routes but didn't have a great day, dropping a few deep ones that hit him in both hands. His resume shows that we need not give that much attention though
- Chris Rainey looks great at KR, with Chandler Worthy is a more-than-'worthy' second option.
- loved the intensity shown at practice--and without any dust-ups among players!
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