The Toronto Argonauts kicked off their 2016 Rookie and Quarterbacks Camp on Wednesday with a healthy Ricky Ray taking reps for the first time in 2016.
The team welcomed first-year players and quarterbacks to begin the three-day rookie camp, which gives players an opportunity to get up to speed before veterans join the group for training camp on Sunday, May 29.
Scott Milanovich and his coaching staff were joined by newly-acquired free agent signings, including players present at the team’s Rookie-Free Agent Camp in Bradenton, Florida in April, as well as Canadians who were selected in the 2015 and 2016 CFL Drafts. A handful of players who were with the team in 2015 also joined the group, including the team’s four quarterbacks, Ricky Ray, Adrian McPherson, Logan Kilgore and Cody Fajardo; receivers, Kenny Shaw and Phil Bates; and offensive lineman Joe Circelli.
Ray, who enters the season healthy after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery in 2014 and missing the first half of the 2015 season, made things look easy on Wednesday and showed no signs of hindrance on his throws.
“I thought he threw the ball well,” said Scott Milanovich. “His arm strength was better than I’ve seen in years. That’s what I was hoping to see, the old Ricky Ray.”
The 15-year CFL veteran was pleased with his own progress on Wednesday, and felt relieved with the absence of any discomfort previously felt in his throwing shoulder.
“This is the first time in a couple years that it hasn’t really been painful to throw,” explained Ray. “It’s just nice to be able to go out every day and not have to think about that.”
Argonauts GM Jim Barker was impressed by his veteran quarterback on day one as well, commenting that Ray “throws like only Ricky can throw.”
As for the team’s overall performance during the first practice of rookie camp, Barker was impressed with what he saw, acknowledging that there were a number of players in attendance who would challenge for roster positions.
“It was a good first day,” said the Argos GM. “For these young guys, it’s a chance for them to see what this league is about and the tempo they have to have.”
Argonauts rookies and quarterbacks will return to the field at Alumni Stadium at the University of Guelph for Day 2 of Rookies and QBs Camp tomorrow at 2:05 pm.