TC Report Day 10: Defence heats up

The Toronto Argonauts took to Alumni Stadium at the University of Guelph on Tuesday for a single afternoon practice.

The 1-on-1 and team sessions on Tuesday were as balanced as they’ve been all camp, as both sides of the ball made some standout plays.

“We’re going a little more back-and-forth than we were earlier in camp,” said head coach Scott Milanovich. “I’m a little more pleased with what we’re doing offensively, but our defence is still making a lot of plays.”

With just three days until the team’s first preseason bout against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the team is rounding into top form and the level of competition is the highest it’s been since the team arrived in Guelph.

“That’s absolutely what we want,” said defensive backs coach Jordan Younger. “Both sides of the ball are competitive and both sides are coming out here ready to play, and they’re competing every day.”

2016 Training Camp Prospectus: http://bit.ly/1TGT2tc

Hajrullahu quickly becoming a team favourite

The transition from Winnipeg to Toronto has been relatively easy for kicker/punter Lirim Hajrullahu, and his popularity on his new team is growing with every field goal he hits.

“He’s 100% when ice cream is on the line,” said Milanovich, “so right now he has a lot of friends in the locker room.”

The practice-ending field goals to win ice cream for the team have certainly helped, but it’s not just the frozen treats that are winning his teammates over.

“He’s really consistent,” remarked special teams coach Kelly Jeffrey. “He’s a worker [and] he’s very detailed in his approach, not only the physical side but the mental side [too]. He’s been a true professional to work with and you can see that in the way he executes and the way he kicks.”

Field goal accuracy is just a part of what Hajrullahu brings to the team, the third-year pro also brings an ability to place his punts anywhere on the field.

“You can pin teams back,” Jeffrey explained, “and when you do that, your defence can be a little more aggressive and your offence can take a few more shots down the field. It all kind of starts from the punt.”

Hajrullahu has taken to his new team almost instantaneously, finding a fellow perfectionist in Argos long-snapper Jake Reinhart.

“He’s one of the best in the CFL for sure,” said Hajrullahu. “He’s always looking to perfect his craft and that makes my job a lot easier.”

The two veteran specialists have established a strong working relationship in no time, already able to identify when the smallest detail in their exchange is off.

In just four days, Hajrullahu’s kicks will count for points as opposed to ice cream, but his consistency in camp has built a high level of trust amongst his coaches and teammates as the 2016 campaign approaches.

“I expect him to have a really big year,” said Milanovich, “and he looks like he’s on track for that so far.”

Training Camp Day 10 Anecdotes: 

• Having veteran defender Keon Raymond on defence is like “having a second coach,” according to defensive backs coach Jordan Younger. Having a leader like Raymond on the unit has allowed the coach to step back in certain situations and allow the vet to coach up the younger defensive backs. “It’s a lot more peaceful to hear it from a veteran player than it is to always get yelled at by the coach,” explained Younger.

• The Argos starters will see the field in Saturday’s preseason tilt with the Tiger-Cats, says head coach Scott Milanovich. The team’s starters will see a ‘fair amount’ of time in order to get used to the team’s new grass playing surface at BMO Field.

• With a year of experience under their belt, this year’s Argos team has their sights set on loftier goals than in 2015. “Last year everybody was getting their feet wet and just trying to make the playoffs,” Milanovich concluded, “I think they’ve set their goals higher and expect more of themselves.”

• Entering his second year in the league, defensive lineman Tracy Robertson has shown plenty of promise in training camp, playing on both the interior and exterior of the defensive line. Robertson has come into camp lighter and has looked ‘fantastic’ according to the Argos head coach. “Tracy’s always had a ton of talent and he’s looked excellent, really good, in camp,” said Milanovich.