Joe Rankin (26) during the 2016 Toronto Argonauts training camp in Guelph, ON. (Photo: Johany Jutras)
Today’s practice at the University of Guelph’s Alumni Stadium marked the end of training camp practices for the Toronto Argonauts.
The Argos will briefly revisit Alumni Stadium for a walkthrough on Thursday morning to carry out the final preparations for their last preseason game against the Montreal Alouettes.
The team announced seven roster cuts on Wednesday, marking the first of the camp’s two cut-down periods; the remaining cuts will be made this weekend before the team begins their week of preparation for the season opener at BMO Field on June 23.
2016 Training Camp Prospectus: http://bit.ly/1TGT2tc
McFadden establishing himself on defence
One of the question marks on the Argos defence entering training camp was the middle linebacker position. A number of talented players came into camp fighting for the vacant spot, but it’s been Marshall McFadden who’s risen to the top up to this point.
McFadden, who arrived in Toronto after stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Oakland Raiders and St. Louis Rams, has become someone defensive coordinator Rich Stubler can rely on to organize his teammates.
“He’s good, he’s a leader, he knows the defence,” said head coach Scott Milanovich. “I know [Rich] Stubler loves him; he thinks he’s going to be a really good player for us.”
On a defence that features a number of CFL veterans, McFadden has had to walk the line of showing respect to the vets, but being able to direct them on the field as the middle linebacker.
“First and foremost, you respect those veteran guys,” McFadden explained, “they bring so much to the team, they bring so much energy. You respect those guys, but a lot of responsibility is put on the MIKE linebacker; when things get tough you have to make sure everybody gets lined up, stay composed, and keep guys going in the right direction.”
The position is an important one, and it brings with it a lot of responsibility, but McFadden knows it comes with the territory, and Milanovich has seen his players rally around the rookie linebacker.
“The guys are drawn to him,” explained Milanovich, “and you need that from a middle linebacker. [You need] a guy that’s going to take charge and get people lined up and make the big stop in critical situations. Right now, we think he’s a guy that’s going to do that for us.”
McFadden was unsure of what to expect coming to the CFL, but the Lamar, South Carolina native is at home in Toronto’s defensive scheme and believes he can thrive here.
“I’m just glad that I’ve got a team that’s willing to embrace me,” he exclaimed. “Each day I’m taking on that role, taking on that challenge and everything is good so far.”
Training Camp Day 18 Anecdotes:
- Milanovich said Wednesday morning that, for the most part, he’d be looking for players to solidify what he already knew coming into the preseason game on Friday; however, there are a few position battles that will be decided in the game. “We don’t pick the team until Saturday. If these guys want to be a part of this team, this is their last opportunity Friday to make the team,” said Milanovich.
- The Argos offence and defence engaged in their final showdown of the preseason in a 7-on-7 red zone session on Wednesday morning. The offence grabbed the upper hand to begin the session, scoring on a few plays, including two touchdowns to rookie receiver Markeith Ambles. The defenceresponded, however, with an interception to cap off the period, made by second-year defensive back Travis Hawkins.