ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF

With training camp nearing, argonauts.ca will be preparing fans for the new season by breaking down the competition at each position. Today we look at a receiving corps that will attempt to find more consistency in their game.
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TORONTO – Heading into the new season, GM & Head Coach Jim Barker has maintained that his 2011 Argonauts will put a priority on improving offensive production. Poor performance, trade, injury and team-related conflict have all contributed to the lack of continuity among Double Blue wideouts over the past few seasons. This season, however, the receiving corps may finally start the year with some familiar faces lining up on July 1.

With the veteran presence of Jeremaine Copeland, the ever increasing talent of Chad Owens and a supporting cast that boasts the likes of Andre Durie, James Robinson, 2010 CFL Canadian Draft pick Spencer Watt and newly re-acquired import P.K. Sam, questions from the receiving position may become a distant memory if this group can put together a more consistent effort in 2011.

The Argos receivers showed an adept ability to make big plays at times last season - when given the opportunity to do so - and as much as it is important that the receivers have continuity, what may be even more vital is that this group now has the security of knowing that an experienced CFL quarterback will be distributing the ball to them in 2011.

Partner that with a year’s worth of experience for sophomore offensive coordinator Jaime Elizondo, and the theme of continuity begins to grow roots throughout the entire offence.

Further emphasizing the Argos’ focus on improving their receiving depth, Barker and his staff dipped into the talent pool at the 2011 CFL Canadian Draft and selected two potentially impactful Canadian receivers.

First, Djems Kouame out of the University of Montreal was selected 18th overall. Barker said that Koaume put himself on the radar after an impressive showing at the Duane Ford Football Camp (held on the Friday before CFL Evaluation Camp).  The other addition is Jedd Gardner, a speedy and talented receiver out of the University of Guelph, who was selected 28th overall by Toronto.

Steven Turner is another Argos pick, albeit from 2010, who will experience his first real taste of the pros when he suits up for this year’s camp. Fans will remember that Turner tore his Achilles tendon within the first few days of 2010 camp and has spent the past 12 months working hard to rehab his injury.

While Canadian depth will be crucial, the Argos will also look to some of the new import talent to push the vets. 

With the current crop of receivers making strides towards prominence and the future looking bright, a typically underperforming position based on recent productivity may prevail and become the biggest factor in building a winning team for the Double Blue in 2011.