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 two positions where grit, toughness and determiniation are often the keys to success - the offensive and defensive lines.
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TORONTO – One position is suited for constant pursuit, while the other is tailored for protection; if both are working well it habitually spells success.

The offensive and defensive lines of a professional football team strap on the pads every game and prepare for battle. If the boatmen are to make the next step this season, it will be those fights in the trenches that get them there.

We begin with the defensive line, a unit that has seen a few of its stalwarts emerge as stars at their respective positions; a unit that has successfully converted four-down football players into legitimate CFL starters; a unit that has prepared itself to contend for years to come with it’s Canadian talent.

The loss of Adriano Belli will likely mean that newly acquired DT Miguel Robede will be given ample opportunity to line-up alongside 2010 CFL all-star Kevin Huntley on the inside of the D-Line. 2010 Argos' Outstanding Defensive Player Ronald Flemons and 2009 CFL outstanding Canadian Ricky Foley will likely flank the the inside linemen on the edges, all adding up to what is arguably the best defensive line in the CFL. Add the likes of second year CFL’er Alex Buzbee and a healthy Ben Ishola, and quarterbacks around the league should begin taking notice.

The 2011 CFL Canadian Draft also added to the depth of the d-line, as both Alexander Robinson and Gregory Alexandre were taken 22nd and 35th overall respectively. 

Out of the University of Western Ontario, Robinson impressed at CFL Evaluation Camp despite being considered an “undersized” lineman at 250 pounds - yes, undersized. His quickness off the line and tenacity while in pursuit is what endeared him to the Double Blue coaching staff.

Alexandre, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. A bruising interior lineman out of the University of Montreal, his progress will undoubtedly be helped significantly with the likes of Kevin Huntley and renowned Defensive Line Coach George Dyer in his ear.

To the offensive side of the ball, where a batch of wily veterans will also have a hand in developing the future guards and tackles of the CFL.

Both Rob Murphy and Chris Van Zeyl have been working tirelessly this off-season in preparation for 2011, but when they’re not hitting the gym or updating their Twitter accounts (cough, @BIGMURPH56, cough), they have taken the time to teach 2010 second overall selection Joe Eppele how to become a professional.

Eppele is expected by the Argos' coaching staff to come in and have an increased role this season. With guidance from arguably the best offensive tackle in the CFL in Murphy, along with the veteran presence of former all-star and three-time Argos Outstanding Lineman Taylor Robertson, he is in good hands.

Depth on the offensive line is crucial, and the Argos have plenty of it. Dominic Picard and Cedric Gagne-Marcoux are expected to round out the starting unit along with Murphy, Robertson and Van Zeyl. Waiting in the wings for their opportunity will be the aforementioned Joe Eppele, along with the ironically named Shannon Boatman, veteran Jeff Keeping and Jonathan St-Pierre.

Although they may be on separate sides of the ball and each of them will have no impact on one another, the overall success of the Toronto Argonauts for the 2011 season will eventually come down to the play of the offensive and defensive Lines. Let the games begin!