ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF

MISSISSAUGA – With the grass still wet, the Toronto Argonauts hit the upper field for the start of the second day of training camp. With focus at a high, it did not take long for the grass to dry as the players burned up the gridiron for a second consecutive morning.

Entering his twelfth CFL training camp, #80 SB Jermaine Copeland was zoned in this morning. The three-time CFL all-star snagged everything thrown his way, including two touchdowns from both #1 QB Cleo Lemon and then from #12 QB Dalton Bell on a perfect fade route. Copeland was also seen coaching up young rookie #71 WR Djems Kouame on how to run certain routes in the Argos’ offence. His leadership ability has already drawn rave reviews from several rookie receivers.

Copeland’s enthusiasm and focus seemed to rub off on the team as they dialed up the tempo during the second half of practice. #3 RB Cory Boyd was seen jumping around and yelling in order to try and get the offence excited for their matchup with the defence. In fact, it was Boyd who provided the excitement as he reeled off several nice gains in which he displayed breathtaking cuts, vision, and patience.

It was a good morning to be a pass catcher. The receivers stepped up in a big way as they showed off their soft hands and ability to find the holes in the defensive zones. Offensive Coordinator Jaime Elizondo is clearly making a conscious effort to get #3 WR/KR Chad Owens the ball any way he can. Rightfully so, Owens is a dynamic talent, he can change direction on a dime and his precise route running is a nightmare for defensive backs. #14 WR P.K. Sam also had a terrific morning.

The one controversial moment of practice came during the team period when he ran a perfect fade route and made a spectacular catch at the front pylon of the end zone. It appeared that he got his feet down but Coach Barker ruled it incomplete - much to Sam’s dismay. P.K. then approached a nearby, and unaware cameraman (who was shooting film for the 6 o’clock news) to try and appeal his case, to no avail, for a replay.

Another stunning catch came from #84 WR Sammy Tranks who showed off his vertical leap as he snagged a Bell laser in the seam. #87 WR DJ Boldin also made his presence felt as he made a great catch in traffic which drew applause from players and coaches.

With the defensive backs competition being so stiff, several vets continued to distinguish themselves. #10 DS Willie Pile appeared to be in total control of the defence as he barked out different defensive calls. #29 DB Dovonte Edwards had a big knockdown in the end zone to stop an offensive threat.

The defensive line looks to be the strongest group thus far as they continue to apply pressure on the offence. With the interior playing so well, it freed up #95 DE Ricky Foley to have an exceptional practice. Foley looks bigger and stronger than last year and his off-season dedication is clearly paying off. #68 DE Alexander Robinson also had a good morning recording a sack and several hurries.

The Boatmen also devoted a big part of practice to their special teams. Coach O’Shea set up each unit and went through each of the players’ jobs. Once practice concluded, the special teams continued to go through their units for an additional fifteen minutes. Coach Barker reinforced that ‘specials’ are integral to a team’s success. He also stressed to the rookies that special teams is a good way to get noticed.     

Notes: DL Matthias Askew, OL Cory Brandon, OL Michael Warner, DB Dee Webb, and DE Ben Ishola all missed practice with injury. QB Steven Jyles did some light throwing but mainly just went through the motions.