bluto
05-29-2013, 12:16 PM
http://www.torontosun.com/2013/05/28/argonauts-ray-begin-conversation-about-contract-extension
TORONTO - Nothing is imminent and nothing is ever taken for granted, but the Argonauts have at least begun a dialogue in the hopes of keeping Ricky Ray in Double Blue beyond this season.Given his youth and ability to make plays with his feet, Travis Lulay remains the CFL’s most dynamic quarterback.
But when it comes to having a presence in the pocket and inside the locker room, Ray ranks in the same class as Montreal’s Anthony Calvillo.
Without Ray, there’s no chance the Argos win last year’s Grey Cup.
Without Ray’s ability to deliver the football on time and in the perfect spot that makes every throw easy to catch, no way Chad Owens emerges as the league’s leading receiver and most outstanding player.
As the Argos’ passing game evolved last season, it was Ray’s calming presence that helped the team’s offensive line find its identity at the absolute right moment.
With rookies and quarterbacks reporting to the team’s Mississauga practice facility on Wednesday, there’s no urgency to get a long-term deal, but having Ray in the fold for at least the next three years has to be a priority.
Only time will tell whether the Argos can successfully defend their CFL championship, but there’s stability at the top levels of the football organization in the form of GM Jim Barker, head coach Scott Milanovich and assistant GM/defensive co-ordinator Chris Jones.
Ray is the next piece that needs to be addressed.
Money is always an issue in a league such as the CFL, where every penny must be accounted for, but the Argos did quite well when they acquired Ray’s hefty contract from Edmonton last off-season.
In terms of character players, Ray is near the top of any list.
In terms of indispensable players in Argoland, Ray is at the top of the list.
More than pursuing a deal that benefits all parties involved, the Argos are trying to develop a quarterback rotation that will ultimately see someone succeed Ray, whenever that time arrives.
The Argos have had to deal with a myriad issues and problems over the years, from finding a full-time practice facility to developing a quarterback from within.
There’s actually a chance the latter may be achieved, sooner rather than later.
In Trevor Harris and Zach Collaros, the Argos have two young arms who now have one year under their belt.
Both joined Ray at the team’s mini-camp in Florida last month and the Argos were encouraged at what they saw.
“They were more comfortable in the offence,’’ said Barker. “Both Trevor and Zach read things much easier this year. Both are ready to compete and it’s going to be a great competition for the No. 2 and No. 3 spots.”
Unless something dramatically goes awry, Ray will be the incumbent.
There’s no proven CFL veteran under contract, a role Jarious Jackson filled last season.
The battle for the backup position and third-stringer pits Harris, Collaros and Mitchell Gale, who beat out former Winnipeg starter and backup Alex Brink.
Gale also attended the Argos’ session in Florida and later auditioned for the St. Louis Rams in the NFL.
In a nutshell, the Double Blue had to decide between Gale and Brink.
“I didn’t like having to do it, but you have to do what you have to do,’’ said Barker.
What impressed Barker was Gale’s touch on deep balls, his mobility and presence.
The CFL is such a fluid business that Brink may one day resurface.
“Alex has at least been introduced to our system,’’ said Barker.
“And he’s a veteran guy. It would be wrong to say he’s never going to be back. You never know. This league is small.”
TORONTO - Nothing is imminent and nothing is ever taken for granted, but the Argonauts have at least begun a dialogue in the hopes of keeping Ricky Ray in Double Blue beyond this season.Given his youth and ability to make plays with his feet, Travis Lulay remains the CFL’s most dynamic quarterback.
But when it comes to having a presence in the pocket and inside the locker room, Ray ranks in the same class as Montreal’s Anthony Calvillo.
Without Ray, there’s no chance the Argos win last year’s Grey Cup.
Without Ray’s ability to deliver the football on time and in the perfect spot that makes every throw easy to catch, no way Chad Owens emerges as the league’s leading receiver and most outstanding player.
As the Argos’ passing game evolved last season, it was Ray’s calming presence that helped the team’s offensive line find its identity at the absolute right moment.
With rookies and quarterbacks reporting to the team’s Mississauga practice facility on Wednesday, there’s no urgency to get a long-term deal, but having Ray in the fold for at least the next three years has to be a priority.
Only time will tell whether the Argos can successfully defend their CFL championship, but there’s stability at the top levels of the football organization in the form of GM Jim Barker, head coach Scott Milanovich and assistant GM/defensive co-ordinator Chris Jones.
Ray is the next piece that needs to be addressed.
Money is always an issue in a league such as the CFL, where every penny must be accounted for, but the Argos did quite well when they acquired Ray’s hefty contract from Edmonton last off-season.
In terms of character players, Ray is near the top of any list.
In terms of indispensable players in Argoland, Ray is at the top of the list.
More than pursuing a deal that benefits all parties involved, the Argos are trying to develop a quarterback rotation that will ultimately see someone succeed Ray, whenever that time arrives.
The Argos have had to deal with a myriad issues and problems over the years, from finding a full-time practice facility to developing a quarterback from within.
There’s actually a chance the latter may be achieved, sooner rather than later.
In Trevor Harris and Zach Collaros, the Argos have two young arms who now have one year under their belt.
Both joined Ray at the team’s mini-camp in Florida last month and the Argos were encouraged at what they saw.
“They were more comfortable in the offence,’’ said Barker. “Both Trevor and Zach read things much easier this year. Both are ready to compete and it’s going to be a great competition for the No. 2 and No. 3 spots.”
Unless something dramatically goes awry, Ray will be the incumbent.
There’s no proven CFL veteran under contract, a role Jarious Jackson filled last season.
The battle for the backup position and third-stringer pits Harris, Collaros and Mitchell Gale, who beat out former Winnipeg starter and backup Alex Brink.
Gale also attended the Argos’ session in Florida and later auditioned for the St. Louis Rams in the NFL.
In a nutshell, the Double Blue had to decide between Gale and Brink.
“I didn’t like having to do it, but you have to do what you have to do,’’ said Barker.
What impressed Barker was Gale’s touch on deep balls, his mobility and presence.
The CFL is such a fluid business that Brink may one day resurface.
“Alex has at least been introduced to our system,’’ said Barker.
“And he’s a veteran guy. It would be wrong to say he’s never going to be back. You never know. This league is small.”