Argo Training Camp

[Rich]

It looks like Kenny Shaw is having a great camp, and it's going to be very difficult to keep him off the roster. Wylie better get healthy fast or he's going to be SOL.

[AngeloV]

It looks like Kenny Shaw is having a great camp, and it's going to be very difficult to keep him off the roster. Wylie better get healthy fast or he's going to be SOL.

Yup. Such is life with a short camp and little time to make an impression.

[jerrym]

TC on Day 12:

“I’m just looking for them to keep playing the way they’re practicing,” said head coach Scott Milanovich. “We’re playing hard, we’ve been better with our discipline on penalties as the camp’s gone on, the defence is flying to the ball.”
The Argos coach is anticipating big hits on opposing receivers and efficiency from his own offence, stating that he’d like to see the team run the ball well against the Ticats.
Although he won’t personally see significant playing time, quarterback Ricky Ray is looking forward to the weekend’s tune-up as a chance to get used to the mental and physical pace of a real game.
“That’s what it’s all about, is getting used to real life situations out there,” explained Ray. “In training camp, we can sit back there and hold the football and nobody’s going to hit us, and you get too comfortable. Saturday’s going to be the day where we’re getting hit and your thought process has to speed up a little bit and get used to that game speed.” ...


Backup QB position up for grabs in preseason
The battle for the backup quarterback position will reach its peak on Saturday,as the performance of each quarterback during the preseason game will play a large part in who winds up with the job.
Scott Milanovich announced the team’s quarterback rotation on Thursday morning, stating that Logan Kilgore would be given the ball to begin the preseason bout with the Tiger-Cats.
“Logan’s probably going to play the first quarter,” said Milanovich, “Ricky [Ray] will start the second quarter and he won’t play more than two series, I wouldn’t think. Adrian [McPherson] and Cody [Fajardo] will finish up.”
The Argos head coach and former professional quarterback will look to give the younger quarterbacks a chance to start in the team’s two preseason games, explaining that he’s already seen Ray and McPherson start enough games throughout their CFL careers.
“I’d like them to get that feeling of coming out of the tunnel and it’s their ball,” Milanovich explained.
All three quarterbacks in contention for the backup role have shown well so far in camp, leaving the job wide open for anyone’s taking heading into the two games.
“The preseason games are important,” said Milanovich. “They’ve all had good camps…We’ll see how this one goes, and how we play them against Montreal will be determined by this week.”
Kilgore, who will start the game for the Argos, is taking a simple approach to his first CFL game since last year’s preseason.
“Our main focus is getting out of the huddle, protect the football and make plays when they’re presented to us,” stated Kilgore. “We’ll try to limit the mistakes and hopefully both teams stay injury-free.”

http://www.argonauts.ca/2016/06/09/189837/

[jerrym]

Argos DL is shaping up.

Lathrop’s respect for the veteran linemen has been mirrored by those players, and they’ve responded warmly to his coaching style and philosophy.
“Between [Lathrop], Scott [Milanovich] and [Rich] Stubler, I’ve never really had a combination of coaches like that,” explained defensive end Justin Hickman. “They allow us to have a certain type of freedom, they take care of our bodies, and they allow us to go out there [and make plays].”
The bond between the veterans on the line formed almost instantly, stemming from the group’s tendency to make jokes off the field and work hard on it.
“When we step on the field we’re here to work and that’s what I respect,” said Hickman. “When you come out here, when you put the pads on and you’re not scared to put in the work to be better, you can’t go wrong.”

http://www.cfl.ca/2016/06/07/seamles...w-look-d-line/

[jerrym]

"He's an explosive guy that can do some damage."

2nd-year WR Kenny Shaw finding his stride with the Big 3#CFLTChttps://t.co/2PRKEV5Oko

— Toronto Argonauts (@TorontoArgos) June 8, 2016

[jerrym]

"I can't wait to go play football. It's all I've ever wanted"

Rookie RB Edwin Baker looks to make his mark Saturdayhttps://t.co/vvpvVCzRpb

— Toronto Argonauts (@TorontoArgos) June 10, 2016

[jerrym]

Joe Iatzko is living out his dream in Argo TC even if he doesn't make the team.

Joe Iatzko is living the dream knowing full well it could end at any moment.
Every day at camp, every snap he takes, every time he’s asked to go on the field, just about everything about the experience is absorbed and cherished.
Iatzko was taking two courses at the University of Windsor and working at the Beer Store when the Argos reached out last week.
He boarded a train to Guelph and his ride has been something out of a dream.
“I just got the job at the Beer Store,’’ recalled Iatzko, a long snapper who will play at BMO Field this Saturday in Toronto’s pre-season opener with family and friends in attendance. “I was going to the washroom and just looked down at my phone and saw a Toronto number. I saw a couple of calls from my agent and I called him back.”
Iatzko hopped on the first train out of Windsor, checked into Guelph, completed his physicals and he is now competing.
The chances of Iatzko supplanting incumbent Jake Reinhart are long, but when an athlete is living out a dream it’s the process that is most remembered.
“It’s just been amazing and I appreciate the opportunity, appreciate playing football. It’s the greatest game in the world and I’m glad to be here,’’ said Iatzko, whose father was in attendance Saturday when the Argos staged their mock game.
Iatzko, who went undrafted in 2015, came into this year as a free agent.
Players are only one injury or one roster move away from being summoned, one of those realities in pro football that demands every player to be ready, physically and mentally, just in case that phone call arrives.
Iatzko, whose chosen field in school is human kinetics, still has one year left of football university eligibility.
Football became part of Iatzko’s sporting blood in Grade 11.
“I’ve been dreaming of this since I was a young kid,’’ he said. “Now that it’s finally here and I’m ready to go it’s just an amazing feeling.’’
Iatzko has a brother and sister living in Toronto, which makes his addition to the Argos that much more special.
Family ties aside, players such as Iatzko are looking for an opportunity, regardless of location. Still, it was the Argos who gave him a look and Iatzko, as you might expect, is very grateful.

http://www.torontosun.com/2016/06/08...ide-with-argos

[jerrym]

Bryan the disrupter:

It didn’t take Bryan Hall long to figure out how well he’d fit in with the Argos.
All he had to do was listen every time Vidal Hazelton, Tori Gurley or Ricky Foley spoke, three guys who are among the most vocal in football.
Hall is never at a loss for words, but like Foley, Hazelton and Gurley, he plays with a motor and his passion for football is undeniable.
“I love his energy,’’ Argos head coach Scott Milanovich said of Hall, a major off-season piece the team acquired in free agency from Hamilton. “He comes to practice with a smile every day. Guys enjoy being around him and you need guys like that.
“It’s a long season and there are times when guys don’t feel like going to work in Week 10. A guy like Bryan Hall, with that attitude, the way he loves the game, he can really toughen up your locker room. In addition to that, he’s disruptive on defence.”
Hall is an elite defensive tackle who has the chance to be a big-time playmaker in Rich Stubler’s defence.
Milanovich is certainly glad to have Hall on his side.
“He’s a disruptive force,’’ added the head coach. “We looked at his stats from a year ago and to me the numbers don’t show what he brings to a defence because he’s always around the quarterback, he’s always getting penetration and disrupting the run game.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him play on Saturday.”

http://www.torontosun.com/2016/06/08...-argos-defence

[Shatto]

Looking forward to some of the battles for places on the team:
. At CB, with Jefferson out for a few weeks, Heath and Berry will have the opportunity to show if one of them is ready to play the CB position. Both have NFL experience, speed and both break on the pass quickly. Should be a good battle.
. At DT, Robertson, Watson and Bishop have all showed well in TC but Robertson seems to be pulling ahead of the other two as camp has proceeded. One of them should make the team behind Hall.
.The fight for backup QB is the most interesting and important contest. If, heaven forbid, anything were to happen to Ray, one of Kilgore, McPherson or Fajardo would have to assume leadership of the team. From the TC sessions I have seen, each has demonstrated their individual strengths. Kilgore has a nice touch on the ball, McPherson shows his CFL experience and Fajardo has excellent but raw athletic skills.
The two upcoming pre-season games, will give the players mentioned above, the opportunity to show they can win a position on the team.

[R.J]

http://www.argonauts.ca/2016/06/10/h...eins-saturday/

http://www.argonauts.ca/2016/06/10/d...-good-rookies/

http://www.argonauts.ca/2016/06/09/w...eir-eyes-open/

[AngeloV]

Looking forward to some of the battles for places on the team:
. At CB, with Jefferson out for a few weeks, Heath and Berry will have the opportunity to show if one of them is ready to play the CB position. Both have NFL experience, speed and both break on the pass quickly. Should be a good battle.
. At DT, Robertson, Watson and Bishop have all showed well in TC but Robertson seems to be pulling ahead of the other two as camp has proceeded. One of them should make the team behind Hall.
.The fight for backup QB is the most interesting and important contest. If, heaven forbid, anything were to happen to Ray, one of Kilgore, McPherson or Fajardo would have to assume leadership of the team. From the TC sessions I have seen, each has demonstrated their individual strengths. Kilgore has a nice touch on the ball, McPherson shows his CFL experience and Fajardo has excellent but raw athletic skills.
The two upcoming pre-season games, will give the players mentioned above, the opportunity to show they can win a position on the team.

Excellent summary.

[jerrym]

.@B_Whit2 takes us on a tour of the new #Argos #CFLGameDay digs.

Check it on Snap 👻:cfl_official & torontoargos pic.twitter.com/qn9eGGS0Sb

— CFL (@CFL) June 11, 2016

[jerrym]

Checking out the Argos new locker room in the last video and this video - looks great.

Views from @B_Whit2 snapchat. This locker room is HUGE!

Want the full 360? Head to our Facebook page. Like now! pic.twitter.com/RqncnZbsgv

— Toronto Argonauts (@TorontoArgos) June 11, 2016

[ArgoZ]

Looking forward to some of the battles for places on the team:
. At CB, with Jefferson out for a few weeks, Heath and Berry will have the opportunity to show if one of them is ready to play the CB position. Both have NFL experience, speed and both break on the pass quickly. Should be a good battle.

Heath with two interceptions and one nice outstreched TD saving knockdown. He made an impression today.

[jerrym]

Marshall McFadden is adapting to the Canadian game.

In the Argos’ pre-season opener on Saturday, McFadden got his first real taste of the CFL.
Like any player, a true CFL rookie or a veteran, McFadden was able to see on film plays he made, plays he could have reacted better, but overall he was excited at the opportunity and the new start in a new league.
“It just felt (great) to be out there on a field, a magnificent field playing in a wonderful football atmosphere,’’ said McFadden. “You’re always working with teammates and coaches to get better, but it was really good experience. The wider field, more athletes on the field, you just have to be more aware of the smaller things.”
As hard as he prepared for the shot at earning a job, McFadden admitted to feeling winded during the game, an inevitable experience for those lacking experience in the constant flow of the CFL.
Seeing punters recover onside kicks is something McFadden has never seen.
Like every team, the Argos spend time in practice going over each and every special teams scenario, but it’s shock to the system when you actually experience it in a game.
More practice time, more game action, the more McFadden will adjust and improve as a player, someone the Argos will be counting on when the regular season kicks off on June 23.
McFadden weighed 245 pounds when he attended the team’s mini-camp in Florida in late April.
He felt good about his game and how his body felt, but he was encouraged to lose weight.
When he reported for rookie camp in late May, McFadden had lost 15 pounds.
McFadden was a point guard in high school and worked out twice a day on top of playing pick-up hoops as a way to lose some weight.
It has certainly paid off.
In the NFL, McFadden had stints in Pittsburgh, Oakland and St. Louis, last playing a year ago in the Rams’ pre-season before he was released.
Fitness has always been part of McFadden’s life and he stayed in shape hoping he’d get the call.
No NFL team showed interest and when the Argos reached out, he decided to take the plunge.
As the team’s middle linebacker, McFadden is sort of the defence’s version of its quarterback, getting guys lined up, being aware of formations, making sure everyone is on the same page.
“You watch film and there are always plays where you could have been better,’’ said McFadden. “You have to be on top of your game.”
Having a coach such as defensive co-ordinator Rich Stubler helps.
“Everything he says is realistic,’’ said McFadden of Stubler. “You can relate to what he’s telling you, where he’s coming from. He grabs your attention.”
Taking that step was critical.
“In total honestly, it’s just exciting,’’ he added. “I’m around a group of guys who have embraced me and we all want to play good football. It was a good performance (on Saturday), but we thrive on getting better.”

http://www.torontosun.com/2016/06/13...way-with-argos

[jerrym]

Milanovich video comments on Llevi Noel's progress in TC.

http://www.argonauts.ca/2016/06/14/l...s-mark-vs-als/

[jerrym]

TC on Day 17:

The Toronto Argonauts wrapped up their practices on the grass field at the University of Guelph on Tuesday, leaving just one day of practice and a walkthrough before their final preseason tune-up against the Montreal Alouettes.
In an effort to preserve players’ legs for the fast-approaching regular season, reps in practice have been cut back, making each and every rep that much more important for players on the bubble. ...

Training Camp Day 17 Anecdotes:

• Receiver Devon Wylie, who impressed at the team’s rookie-free agent camp in Bradenton, Florida in April, will get his first taste of CFL action against Montreal on Friday. Wylie was sidelined with an injury for the team’s previous preseason game and he’ll look to prove his playmaking ability in the upcoming contest. “[I want to prove] that the coaches can count on me to be a playmaker and a guy that will go as hard as he can every down,” said Wylie. “I’m really excited just to be out there with the guys and be a part of the camaraderie.”

• CFL teams have iPads on the sidelines this season, allowing players to instantly review film on the bench. It’s a change that quarterback Ricky Ray is thrilled about. “Most of the time you’re trying to trust what other people see and you’re guessing out there,” said Ray. “It’s going to help us out as far as knowing what they’re throwing at us and then what adjustments we need to make.”

http://www.argonauts.ca/2016/06/15/190731/

[Wobbler]

Jerry, you are posting a lot, and it can be overwhelming. Please consolidate your posts; putting several contributions into an omnibus message isn't a problem - other members can/will pick and choose to what they'll respond.

[paulwoods13]

Jerry, you are posting a lot, and it can be overwhelming. Please consolidate your posts; putting several contributions into an omnibus message isn't a problem - other members can/will pick and choose to what they'll respond.

Agreed. Too many posts of news reports that those interested could find for themselves. This is primarily a forum for commenting -- the number of posted news stories that provoke comments is relatively low.

[PullTogether73]

Agreed. Too many posts of news reports that those interested could find for themselves. This is primarily a forum for commenting -- the number of posted news stories that provoke comments is relatively low.

+1.