The Toronto Argonauts returned to the grass field at the University of Guelph on Friday, taking their second break from the artificial turf at Alumni Stadium. The second session of Friday’s back-to-back practices featured an exclusive focus on special teams.
The progress of the team through six days of training camp will be tested tomorrow, June 4 at 1:30 p.m.,when the team plays its 2016 Training Camp Mock Game. The afternoon will feature both sides of the ball participating in game-like situations in order to prepare for the club’s first pre-season game on June 11,when they’ll host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at BMO Field.
Bourke, who has spent his entire career with the Montreal Alouettes, has spent the week adjusting to the Argonauts scheme; however, the transition has been made easier thanks to his experience with Marcus Brady and Scott Milanovich during their coaching days in Montreal.
The product of Grand Valley State has been vocal about his appreciation for the coaching minds of both Milanovich and Brady, whom he protected during his first career start with the Als.
Entering his tenth year in the CFL, Bourke admitted that re-uniting with his two former coaches was one factor impacting his move to Toronto. A second factor in the decision was the opportunity to protect a quarterback like Ricky Ray.
“I had the opportunity to protect Anthony Calvillo in Montreal for a number of years, and I look forward to protecting him [Ray],” said Bourke. “I think we’re going to have a great offence.”
When asked about his new starting left tackle, Ray voiced his respect for Bourke, stating that his experience at the position will provide the veteran quarterback with a high degree of comfort in the pocket.
“Josh is a guy that’s been in this league for a long time and has been a very good player,” said Ray. “It’s nice to have that security, especially on the backside of a right-handed quarterback.”
Tempo the key to situational mock game
Getting players familiar with the speed of a CFL game will be the main goal for the Argos tomorrow, as the club plays its annual mock game a week before their first preseason showdown.
“It’s really the first time they get to feel the transition and how quickly you go from offence to special teams and from defence to special teams,” explained Milanovich. “It’s always eye-opening.”
In the past, the schedule for the practice has begun with a half-hour scrimmage before the team simulates a number of game situations, including short-yardage, three-minute offence, and overtime scenarios.
Milanovich explained that the coaching staff hopes to replicate a similar schedule tomorrow, although the final schedule will be dependent on the number of players who are able to participate.
Two CFL officials were present at the team’s practice on Friday, but Saturday’s mock game will be the first chance for players and coaches to work with a full officiating crew and understand how certain rules will be governed this year.
“I’m just looking for effort,” said Milanovich, when asked what he’s hoping to see on Saturday. “It’s the first time with a full set of officials, so it’s going to be great teaching for us regarding the rules and taking bad penalties, things that we’ve made a real emphasis on this year.”
Training Camp Day 6 Anecdotes:
- In newcomer Wallace Miles, the Argonauts staff see a receiver who has precise route-rounningability and length, but who needs to prove he can catch the ball cleanly. “That’s been one of the knocks on him in the past, his ability to catch the ball,” said Milanovich, “but he caught it extremely well down in Bradenton [at the team’s rookie-free agent camp].”
- When asked about the Argos group of receivers, veteran tackle Josh Bourke compared the group to the talented core that he played with in Montreal, including Jamel Richardson, S.J. Green and Ben Cahoon. “We have a tremendous receiving core,” said Bourke. “The sky’s the limit for those guys, I look forward to watching them score a lot of touchdowns.”
- Second-year receiver Kenny Shaw has been turning heads at camp through six days, playing veywell in replacement duties for slot receiver Diontae Spencer, who is nursing a day-to-day injury. “He’s having a great camp,” said Milanovich. “He’s explosive, he’s catching the ball well and he knows what he’s doing.