ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF

MISSISSAUGA – The Argos closed out rookie/quarterback camp on another near-perfect day at the club’s UTM training facility.

The tempo seemed to be a bit higher today, likely due to the fact that this was the rookies last opportunity to impress the coaches before the veterans arrive.

The offence had a very productive day, largely due to the play of QB Cleo Lemon who easily had his best practice of the mini-camp.  Lemon completed passes to all areas of the field with sharp accuracy and seemed to have built chemistry with draft pick Djems Kouame who impressed coaches with his footwork and speed coming out of breaks.

Another receiver that had a solid day was Drameagon Powers whose long strides and good hands made him an easy target for both Lemon and QB Dalton Bell.

Canadian Danny Brannagan impressed coaches, earning praise from Coach Barker near the end of the workout but it wasn’t all good news for the pivots as Steven Jyles once again sat out practice with a tender shoulder.  Barker mentioned after practice that Jyles wanted to suit up but Barker felt it was best to keep the former Bomber out one more day.  Jyles is slated to take reps on Sunday when the entire team has their first practice together.

After a couple of rocky practices, the offensive line seemed to be making progress, faring better in O and D-Line drills this time around.

Defensively, Dee Webb had another strong practice, coming close on two errant passes that should have been picks but slipped through his grip.  Cornerback Armando Murillo seemed to be all over the field, knocking down almost everything that came his way.

Before the team entered its final drills, Barker huddled up the entire squad and stressed to them that the needed to just ‘go out and have fun’ on the last few plays, knowing that the makeup of this team will likely change once vets arrive and cuts are made.

The rookies and quarterbacks will have a day to rest up as the vets report, go through medicals and take part in the annual headshot photo shoot.

The entire squad will hit the field for the first time to officially mark the opening of 2011 training camp on Sunday morning at 7:40 a.m. on the Upper Field at UTM.