ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
 
MISSISSAUGA – Abdul Nasser Jamal has a degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. He speaks English and Pashto, a language native to Afghanistan, and has lived in British Columbia, Germany and Montreal. None of those things could have prepared him for the rigors of a professional training camp.

“It feels like my head is swimming,” said the Argos' 6th round selection in the 2010 CFL Canadian Draft. “I am just trying to wrap my head around everything.”

Jamal, out of Louisiana Lafayette, played offensive tackle, guard and centre during an injury riddled university career that saw him play in only 14 games since 2007. He returned to school last season for his fifth, and final, year of eligibility and is grateful that GM & Head Coach Jim Barker took a chance on him.

“It was a rough year because I was in and out of the lineup due to injuries. I’m just happy that I was drafted by Toronto and given a chance to come to camp,” said the CFL rookie.

With an offensive line that has already established itself as one of the best in the CFL, Jamal is just trying to use the veterans as an example of how to become a professional.

“I’m just here to do all the right things. I’m going to be early for every meeting, for every treatment, and when I am on the field I will try my best to make an impression.”

Jamal attended Argos rookie camp last week with part of his focus on learning the CFL rulebook. Now that he is into the thick of training camp, he feels that he is beginning to understand a key attribute of successful CFL linemen.

“You need to be patient,” said Jamal. “I understand the playbook , now, but my style is still very aggressive. With the extra yard between the lines, that approach will get you into trouble in the CFL.”

Barker has watched Jamal since he arrived and is happy with the progress he has made. “Nasser has been better everyday. He is at the point now where he has the thinking aspect of the game down, now he just has to go out and play.”

Luckily, if he does have a bad rep, his fellow linemen will not let him forget it. “They’re all a bunch of great guys. As soon as I mess up they come right up to me and tell me what I should have done and it has been really helpful, so far.”

Jamal will have another opportunity to work his way into a roster spot with an additional set of back-to-back practices on Wednesday starting at 7:40 a.m.