Redblacks sign former Argo Tori Gurley

[jerrym]

The Redblacks have signed former Argo and Bomber Tori Gurley.



A Rock Hill, S.C. native, Gurley had 36 catches for 509 yards and three TDs in 10 games with Toronto in 2016 before being released along with three other receivers in the final third of the year (http://www.cfl.ca/2016/10/03/argos-release-receiving-trio-elliott-hazelton-and-gurley/). Shortly thereafter he signed a contract with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He only saw action in two contests, however, and caught four passes for 62 yards.
In 2015, he had 58 receptions for 791 yards and was tied for the CFL lead with 10 touchdowns.
Prior to joining the Argos in June of 2015, Gurley had spent the previous four seasons in the NFL, including time with the Green Bay Packers, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, San Diego Chargers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneer. In 27 games at South Carolina, he caught 76 passes for 910 yards and six touchdowns with the Gamecocks.


http://www.cfl.ca/2017/05/04/redblacks-sign-former-argo-bomber-wr-tori-gurley/

[1971GreyCup]

The Redblacks have signed former Argo and Bomber Tori Gurley.



http://www.cfl.ca/2017/05/04/redblacks-sign-former-argo-bomber-wr-tori-gurley/

I think a good signing or the RedBlacks. I am pretty sure Trevor Harris was consulted. Together they were a powerful combo in 2015.

[Jon Gonzo]

Argos look like Als, Redblacks look like Argos, Ticats look like.....oskie wee weiners

[AngeloV]

Good. He can avoid blocking on hitch screens for them this year.

[1971GreyCup]

Given the challenges faced by the current realities of the CFL, it can only benefit from player continuity. Even if they join a rival team. A lot of these players have fans, and they might come back to see them play in Toronto. Only see the positive in this move.

[Jon Gonzo]

Given the challenges faced by the current realities of the CFL, it can only benefit from player continuity. Even if they join a rival team. A lot of these players have fans, and they might come back to see them play in Toronto. Only see the positive in this move.

Absolutely. You can't build it, without the blocks. Looking forward to watching Gurley play in Ottawa this season. The Argos will have their hands full when they face this receiver core. Gurley has the talent for an 1,000 yard season.

[OV Argo]

The RedBlacks lost Earnest Jackson & Chris Williams = 2 x thousand yard receivers from their corps = so they need competition to find good replacements; Dionate Spencer and Kenny Shaw might be able to fill in nicely, but IMO Gurley brings more - size & proven CFL production. Jon Criner looked very good at times for Ottawa late last year too; and they still have former draft picks Scott MacDonnell & Jake Harty around too - so they should have good competition for the corps' there.

Ottawa loading up on ex-Argos (AJ Jefferson in their D-backfield) to go with their new starting QB Harris.

Argos loading up on ex-Als with Jimmy P in charge.

[Gill The Thrill]

Absolutely. You can't build it, without the blocks. Looking forward to watching Gurley play in Ottawa this season. The Argos will have their hands full when they face this receiver core. Gurley has the talent for an 1,000 yard season.

Soft receiver, Winnipeg was never too impressed to even dress him after he was released by the Argos. He looked great against some of the weak Argo DB's over the last several years (Thank God, they won't be in double blue this season). He must've been great in practice, but against pro DB's that can play physical and battle for air balls, he can get shutdown easily.

A lot of guys LOOK like they have they have the talent, but it doesn't mean much until they perform. That's why they used to use the term "looker" in the past in sports. It was actually meant to ridicule guys who have the assumed physical tools, and look great in practise or in a line of athletes, but can't get their shite together and perform when it matters...in a game, or on a team environment because they were to full of themselves. (Gurley definitely fits the latter)

The word is hardly used today, especially in the media where all the garbage reporters who know little fawn over every over-hyped guy, over-valuing how good they really are. They think it sells, but to whom, an unknowledgeable group of followers who can't think for themselves and believe everything they're told...hmmm, sounds like every millennial...ok, not all, but most.

[Jon Gonzo]

Soft receiver, Winnipeg was never too impressed to even dress him after he was released by the Argos. He looked great against some of the weak Argo DB's over the last several years (Thank God, they won't be in double blue this season). He must've been great in practice, but against pro DB's that can play physical and battle for air balls, he can get shutdown easily.

A lot of guys LOOK like they have they have the talent, but it doesn't mean much until they perform. That's why they used to use the term "looker" in the past in sports. It was actually meant to ridicule guys who have the assumed physical tools, and look great in practise or in a line of athletes, but can't get their shite together and perform when it matters...in a game, or on a team environment because they were to full of themselves. (Gurley definitely fits the latter)

The word is hardly used today, especially in the media where all the garbage reporters who know little fawn over every over-hyped guy, over-valuing how good they really are. They think it sells, but to whom, an unknowledgeable group of followers who can't think for themselves and believe everything they're told...hmmm, sounds like every millennial...ok, not all, but most.

Soft? Not even close. 16 TD's in 26 games as an Argo! That's what Mookie Mitchell got in his first two seasons as an Argo. 11 more than Paul Masotti got. He battled for most of those up in the air, and won some extraordinary battles. That's more than a TD every other game in two seasons. 11 more TD's that All Time Argo Paul Masotti got in his first two seasons. Watch a little film; do a little research. This guy is known for not dropping a single ball for one whole season in College in South Carolina.

Now, as I don't see what goes on behind closed doors, I don't know how much of an asshole this guy is. He could be a cancer in the room. Certainly one strike against him, but the jury is still out on that one. We'll watch him this season.

No talent, soft? No. Not true. Give a guy credit where credit is due. This has nothing to do with every so called 'garbage' reporter you allude to. That's about as sweeping a statement as the 'Gurley is soft' comment. Where do you get this stuff? Gurley DID dress as a Bomber. They did use him but he was picked up for depth to bolster their run. They had injuries but already had Smith, Dressler, Adams, Jace Davis, McDuffie, Bastien, Kohlert, Richards and Feoli-Gudino.

[ArgoGabe22]

I don't see Ottawa keeping all of their receivers. Unless someone is happy to be on the PR. They've got some young receivers as well like Criner.

[AngeloV]

Soft? Not even close. 16 TD's in 26 games as an Argo! That's what Mookie Mitchell got in his first two seasons as an Argo. 11 more than Paul Masotti got. He battled for most of those up in the air, and won some extraordinary battles. That's more than a TD every other game in two seasons. 11 more TD's that All Time Argo Paul Masotti got in his first two seasons. Watch a little film; do a little research. This guy is known for not dropping a single ball for one whole season in College in South Carolina.

Now, as I don't see what goes on behind closed doors, I don't know how much of an asshole this guy is. He could be a cancer in the room. Certainly one strike against him, but the jury is still out on that one. We'll watch him this season.

No talent, soft? No. Not true. Give a guy credit where credit is due. This has nothing to do with every so called 'garbage' reporter you allude to. That's about as sweeping a statement as the 'Gurley is soft' comment. Where do you get this stuff? Gurley DID dress as a Bomber. They did use him but he was picked up for depth to bolster their run. They had injuries but already had Smith, Dressler, Adams, Jace Davis, McDuffie, Bastien, Kohlert, Richards and Feoli-Gudino.

I'll never argue that he has talent, because he definitely does. I wasn't a fan of his sideline blowups, and as I mentioned his lack of effort on blocking on hitch screens. Ottawa runs a ton of hitch screens, so if he doesn't work harder there than he did here, I don't see him being there that long.

[Jon Gonzo]

I'll never argue that he has talent, because he definitely does. I wasn't a fan of his sideline blowups, and as I mentioned his lack of effort on blocking on hitch screens. Ottawa runs a ton of hitch screens, so if he doesn't work harder there than he did here, I don't see him being there that long.

Oh, he'll block on screens. He'll block as he's assigned to block. Ottawa is a championship Football Team, and players won't make the Redblacks if they don't.

I didn't like his blowups on the sidelines either. Something had to give. That was the beginning of the end....for the whole cast of characters.

[jerrym]

As to his talent, I have no doubt. His sideline blowups though were definitely problematic. However, sometimes players do change: example, Jerome Messam, who punched broke Paris Jackson' jaw in BC and whom the team captains went to Buono and demanded he be gotten rid of. He wasn't that popular subsequently in Edmonton and Montreal from what I've heard. However, he matured and now is star and team player in Calgary. Messam had the advantage of being a talented Canadian helping him to survive until he matured.
I don't know whether Gurley has changed or not. However, with so many other talented International receivers available, problems in Ottawa will also likely mean the end of his career in the CFL.

[doubleblue]

I kind of doubt Gurley was cut just because he couldn't block, must have been insubordination (as they say) or what ever. He was a difference maker receiver IMO especially with Ricky Ray tossing up those end zones throws like only he can. A good receiver like Gurley reminds me of hockey goal scorers. A knock is "sure he can score but he doesn't back check". Never mind that the guys that back check can't put the puck in the net to save their souls. The players in Hockey who can score wins you games and the guys in football who can catch touch down passes also wins you games. I also don't take much from his lack of playing time in Winnipeg. With O'Shea and Milanovich being buddies Mike wasn't going to make Scott look bad by playing Gurley unless he really had to IMO. I think OV calls that part of the Good Old Boys connection.

[argolio]

I also don't take much from his lack of playing time in Winnipeg. With O'Shea and Milanovich being buddies Mike wasn't going to make Scott look bad by playing Gurley unless he really had to IMO. I think OV calls that part of the Good Old Boys connection.They wouldn't have signed him at all if they cared how it might reflect on the Argos. Your current employer is the only one that matters.

[Jon Gonzo]

Eyes and gut; Gurley is a player. An all-star all his life, does he realize he's been a toad? His buddies aren't around to goad the toad. If he does realize his past mistakes, he's an all-star. I've been 28 before, I get it. And if he doesn't, he's going back to South Carolina and looking for a job. Question is, is he inside the Top 30 for CFL import receivers?

Personally, eyes & gut, I wouldn't' bet against this horse.

[1971GreyCup]

I guess Tori will have the final say on this on opening day. Will he be a thorn in our side this season, time will tell. We all agree that he isn't making enough money to be considered a Prima Donna.

[AngeloV]

I guess Tori will have the final say on this on opening day. Will he be a thorn in our side this season, time will tell. We all agree that he isn't making enough money to be considered a Prima Donna.

But there has to be some reason why he's now on his 11th team since 2011.

[Jon Gonzo]

But there has to be some reason why he's now on his 11th team since 2011.

Although suspicion is warranted, I don't think basing it on failed NFL aspirations is an accurate skew. His NFL releases aren't indicative of a lack of CFL ability, only really a huge desire to make the NFL. The Argos have had many NFL refugees who have been on several NFL rosters/practice rosters and have come up here to lend a hand and be quite effective. Have you any reports of behavioral issues with those teams? Not saying they don't exist, only that I am not aware of them if they do.

[1971GreyCup]

But there has to be some reason why he's now on his 11th team since 2011. Very unusual for CFL players and teams. Must be a player flaw. Certainly in a league with such high retention rate, that stands out. Or maybe his talent level warrants giving him a shot? I am thankful that young men travel to Canada and continue to give their football career a shot. They're not driven solely by the almighty dollar. Respect!

[Gill The Thrill]

Soft? Not even close. 16 TD's in 26 games as an Argo! That's what Mookie Mitchell got in his first two seasons as an Argo. 11 more than Paul Masotti got. He battled for most of those up in the air, and won some extraordinary battles. That's more than a TD every other game in two seasons. 11 more TD's that All Time Argo Paul Masotti got in his first two seasons. Watch a little film; do a little research. This guy is known for not dropping a single ball for one whole season in College in South Carolina.

Now, as I don't see what goes on behind closed doors, I don't know how much of an asshole this guy is. He could be a cancer in the room. Certainly one strike against him, but the jury is still out on that one. We'll watch him this season.

No talent, soft? No. Not true. Give a guy credit where credit is due. This has nothing to do with every so called 'garbage' reporter you allude to. That's about as sweeping a statement as the 'Gurley is soft' comment. Where do you get this stuff? Gurley DID dress as a Bomber. They did use him but he was picked up for depth to bolster their run. They had injuries but already had Smith, Dressler, Adams, Jace Davis, McDuffie, Bastien, Kohlert, Richards and Feoli-Gudino.

He's not soft, because at 6'4" he outjumps inconsistent 5'9" DBs for a jump ball....he is soft because any DB who is technically sound and and 5'11 and over who plays physical gives him trouble in those same jump balls. I'm curious as to what his receiving numbers were against Calgary and Edmonton over his duration in Toronto as they've had the best pass defense over the last few years. Only 1 good game, the Fort Mac game, but otherwise, not much.

You're also comparing him with Paul Massotti over their first two years and that's BS and you should know that. Massotti had very little playing time his first 2 seasons as he was being developed (was younger) and was not just handed a starting job coming out of Acadia University after 1988, even though he attended Redskins training camp. He platooned at slotback with Andrew Murray in 1990, and wasn't even playing every down in the Grey Cup year of 1991. He got viewed as a steady every down receiver after his performance in '91, especially after his TD catch in that Grey Cup game.

[Jon Gonzo]

He's not soft, because at 6'4" he outjumps inconsistent 5'9" DBs for a jump ball....he is soft because any DB who is technically sound and and 5'11 and over who plays physical gives him trouble in those same jump balls. I'm curious as to what his receiving numbers were against Calgary and Edmonton over his duration in Toronto as they've had the best pass defense over the last few years. Only 1 good game, the Fort Mac game, but otherwise, not much.

You're also comparing him with Paul Massotti over their first two years and that's BS and you should know that. Massotti had very little playing time his first 2 seasons as he was being developed (was younger) and was not just handed a starting job coming out of Acadia University after 1988, even though he attended Redskins training camp. He platooned at slotback with Andrew Murray in 1990, and wasn't even playing every down in the Grey Cup year of 1991. He got viewed as a steady every down receiver after his performance in '91, especially after his TD catch in that Grey Cup game.

Comparing someone with someone else is not BS. I assume fans on this board understand context. My point was simply that he got off to such a fast, productive start as an Argo, that he outpaced a future all time Argonaut. And in this case, he did. Fact. In fact Gurley's start as an Argo receiver was exceptional, and I am guessing it was in the 80-90 percentile performance wise, all time, no BS.

I'd make an effort to prove that, but honestly it won't make a difference and I really don't care if you don't like him. The productions speaks for itself. Your theory on reporters who 'fawn' is whackadoodle non-sense. Not all reporters are good. Some are bad, and some are good.

But, if it makes you feel good about your knowledge, I'll leave you with that then.

Some CFL fans make me laugh. They want the CFL to be in the news, and then when the poor junior reporter goes out there to cover the team before he heads out to the county fair, they get all self righteous and condescending. MAKES. NO. SENSE.

Gurley may have been an A-HOLE, but he was a productive one.

[paulwoods13]

Tori Gurley's first season: 58 catches, 791 yards, 10 TDs

Manny Hazard's first season: 61 catches, 1,033 yards, 8 TDs

Remind me again, why isn't Manny Hazard in the Cdn Football Hall of Fame?

[AngeloV]

Tori Gurley's first season: 58 catches, 791 yards, 10 TDs

Manny Hazard's first season: 61 catches, 1,033 yards, 8 TDs

Remind me again, why isn't Manny Hazard in the Cdn Football Hall of Fame?

Probably because ,Kip Lewis let him down.

😂😂😂😂😂😂



[Jon Gonzo]

Yes, and context again. Information without all information is skewed. But, in most cases, it's all we have. It doesn't lessen the initial accomplishment. We, even as ardent Argo fans, don't have all information in. Gurley may have worshiped the devil and practised pre-game chicken sacrifices in the locker room? Manny Hazard may been hurt and lost a step? Maybe he was a jerk? Maybe he was extraordinarily flatulent and choose the huddle to exhibit this with pride?

Calling Gurley 'soft' is a weak way to start any dissertation. Why? Because it isn't true.

The whole story isn't in on Gurley. My position is that if he brings his head with him, he is an All-Star caliber receiver. That's worth something. We'll watch with interest this season, because then we can circle the dots. If he can't get along with the gang in Ottawa, then he really is a jerk. But Trevor Harris gave him an endorsement and wants to work with him for a reason. I wouldn't take the Toronto team last year as a worthy sample of any one type of athlete. The Argo organization was drifting in all directions.

Hence, the change in leadership. Again to the point; Gurley isn't soft.

[Argo57]

Yes, and context again. Information without all information is skewed. But, in most cases, it's all we have. It doesn't lessen the initial accomplishment. We, even as ardent Argo fans, don't have all information in. Gurley may have worshiped the devil and practised pre-game chicken sacrifices in the locker room? Manny Hazard may been hurt and lost a step? Maybe he was a jerk? Maybe he was extraordinarily flatulent and choose the huddle to exhibit this with pride?

Calling Gurley 'soft' is a weak way to start any dissertation. Why? Because it isn't true.

The whole story isn't in on Gurley. My position is that if he brings his head with him, he is an All-Star caliber receiver. That's worth something. We'll watch with interest this season, because then we can circle the dots. If he can't get along with the gang in Ottawa, then he really is a jerk. But Trevor Harris gave him an endorsement and wants to work with him for a reason. I wouldn't take the Toronto team last year as a worthy sample of any one type of athlete. The Argo organization was drifting in all directions.

Hence, the change in leadership. Again to the point; Gurley isn't soft.

As you said Gonzo the Argonauts were totally disfunctional on all levels last year so I wouldn't be shocked if a player such as Gurley had a productive season with a well coached and managed team (such as Ottawa).
I'm looking forward to the current regime bringing a more positive vibe back to the Argos (which I am confident they will).

[Jon Gonzo]

As you said Gonzo the Argonauts were totally disfunctional on all levels last year so I wouldn't be shocked if a player such as Gurley had a productive season with a well coached and managed team (such as Ottawa).
I'm looking forward to the current regime bringing a more positive vibe back to the Argos (which I am confident they will).

Me too

[AngeloV]

As you said Gonzo the Argonauts were totally disfunctional on all levels last year so I wouldn't be shocked if a player such as Gurley had a productive season with a well coached and managed team (such as Ottawa).
I'm looking forward to the current regime bringing a more positive vibe back to the Argos (which I am confident they will).

I'm looking forward to seeing the RedBlacks take a major step back this season, and end the love in for another team on the Argofans site. They just got hot at the right time, similar to the Argos in 2012. Let's not lose sight of the fact they were an under .500 team in 2016.

[Argo57]

I'm looking forward to seeing the RedBlacks take a major step back this season, and end the love in for another team on the Argofans site. They just got hot at the right time, similar to the Argos in 2012. Let's not lose sight of the fact they were an under .500 team in 2016.

Nothing wrong with acknowledging the accomplishments of another franchise.
I'm not an Ottawa fan at all but 3 seasons in the league and 2 Grey Cup appearances isn't too shabby.
RedBlacks could fall back this season lost some receiving talent and of course Burris, should be interesting to see how Harris handles being #1 for the season.

[Jon Gonzo]

I'm looking forward to seeing the RedBlacks take a major step back this season, and end the love in for another team on the Argofans site. They just got hot at the right time, similar to the Argos in 2012. Let's not lose sight of the fact they were an under .500 team in 2016.

I am the type that gives credit where credit is due. I don't let romantic, misty eyed notions cloud my vision. If they take a step back, I'm good with it, cos then my favourite team can take advantage of it. If they don't; I'll say it. Life is tough; get a helmet.

[AngeloV]

Nothing wrong with acknowledging the accomplishments of another franchise.
I'm not an Ottawa fan at all but 3 seasons in the league and 2 Grey Cup appearances isn't too shabby.
RedBlacks could fall back this season lost some receiving talent and of course Burris, should be interesting to see how Harris handles being #1 for the season.

I think they've been extremely fortunate, but good on them for taking advantage of it. Admittedly, I was cheering for them last season in the playoffs. I just get tired of the love we see for every team not the team we are all supposed to be fans of on here. One in particular, and it isn't Gonzo.

[Argo57]

I think they've been extremely fortunate, but good on them for taking advantage of it. Admittedly, I was cheering for them last season in the playoffs. I just get tired of the love we see for every team not the team we are all supposed to be fans of on here. One in particular, and it isn't Gonzo.

I was cheering for Ottawa at the Grey Cup simply because many Stampeder fans seemed to view the game as a sure thing.
We also ended up sitting beside Nolan MacMillan's parents and watched them agonize during the game, really nice people!

[argolio]

We also ended up sitting beside Nolan MacMillan's parents and watched them agonize during the game, really nice people!That's pretty cool.

[Gill The Thrill]

The Redblacks won the Grey Cup last year...can they really go in any direction but down in the CFL if they don't win again and have a better regular season record in doing so.

They could finish first with 12-14 wins, but if they don't win the Grey Cup, could it really be considered an improvement even though the regular season record is better. Most people would say not.

As for the original subject of this post, Tori Gurley. There's been lots of receivers like him in the CFL. Guys who catch for 700 yds in their first season and are never as productive, not necessarily because of talent but because of what's between their ears. And yes Gonzo, they are soft, if they can't handle the adversity of the coach not always kissing their ass, the way Barker and Milo used to do, and giving them the benefit of the doubt to behave any way they wanted. They're soft.

A receiver can also be physically soft in dealing with tough DBs. tough defenses in general or dealing with the elements. I always remember the story on Larry Willis, a talented WR back in the late 80s and early 90s who was so soft he once ran away to hide from a practice because it was raining and cold...that sounds like a move I could imagine TG doing.