ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF

TORONTO – At a remote campsite in the town of Paisley, Florida,  there is not whole lot to do other than just take in life.  Argos QB Cleo Lemon is doing just that.  Not by exploring the camp grounds but by soaking in every piece of football knowledge he possibly can.

Lemon is in Paisley taking part in the Argos off-season mini-camp where all five quarterbacks are in attendance.  For Lemon, however, it has become less about taking part in the physical aspect of the camp and more about getting his mindset back in football mode.

“It’s more about learning out here,” Lemon told argonauts.ca.  “Most of the guys here are trying to get on the roster.  We are trying to get to know these guys and evaluate them but at the same time, we are trying to get our own work in. It’s about paying attention to the details and all of the small things.  So when you have time to go in and really look at the small things that you need to get better at - footwork, ball placement, anticipation and coverage - this is the perfect time to try and do those things.”

Lemon is nearly finished his recovery from off-season surgery on his right pinky finger but he tweaked his hamstring.  As a result, he’s done very little throwing at the camp.  Despite the setbacks, Lemon contends that he will be as prepared as ever when he enters his second consecutive training camp in an open battle for the number one quarterback spot.

“I will be ready for training camp.  By then, everything will be in order and I will be ready to rock & roll,” reasoned Lemon.

The oft-criticized Lemon had an up and down 2010 season. It was one that saw him sixth among starting quarterbacks in passing yards but also saw him lead his team to the Eastern Final as a rookie.

After having some time to heal and reflect on his first campaign, Lemon seems to have put last year behind him and is focused on getting better for 2011.  The first step for him is making the most of this off-season workout.

“I’m excited to get back at it,” he said.  “Training camp is just around the corner so this time of year, for me, it is more of the mental side of things – get the details of what we are doing and be more in tune with what is going on footwork-wise, read-wise.  This is the time of year where you have to try and gain an advantage on the opponent and that is what we are striving to do here.”

The Argos will wrap up in Florida on Friday with the next major focus being the 2011 CFL Canadian Draft which takes place on May 8 on TSN.