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. First, we take a look at a group that has a mix of both veteran leadership and emerging youngsters.
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TORONTO – One of the strengths of the Argos’ defence last year was the depth in its secondary.  Coming out of training camp, the coaching staff was so confident in the group, that it was decided long-time cornerback Jordan Younger would make the transition to SAM linebacker and linebacker Willie Pile would move over and become the team’s safety.

Pile, in his fifth year with the Boatmen, made a seamless transition, recording 83 tackles and four interceptions.  Younger also adjusted well in the new role and the void he left provided opportunity for a young player like Evan McCollough. Another young player, Canadian DB Matt Black, earned his way onto the roster and made the most of his time.

McCollough responded by taking over the starting wide side halfback spot. He was named the team’s outstanding rookie, recording 65 tackles in his maiden campaign and is a front-runner to lock down one of the starting spots heading into training camp. Black, who spent the first part of the year on the injured list, proved to be a major special teams contributor, especially in the playoffs.
 
A serious neck injury to Willie Middlebrooks late in the season forced defenders Michael Grant, Josh Abrams and Sean Smalls to step up. Smalls made his CFL debut at the starting short side cornerback spot in the playoffs - a job he fulfilled more than admirably considering the circumstances. He even picked off an Anthony Calvillo pass late in the East Final.

To their credit, each player did an admirable job filling their respective roles for the remainder of the season. However, heading into this year’s training camp, those same depth players will be looked upon to assume much bigger responsibilities right from the outset.
 
That group will be competing with the likes of mainstays Byron Parker and reigning all-stars Lin-J Shell and Pile.  Parker, in his seventh season with the Argos, is considered one of the league’s true shutdown corners. The Argos rely heavily on his talent and leadership to set an example for the younger players.  Shell is one of the guys who has benefitted from playing with Parker.  After an outstanding rookie campaign in 2009, Shell picked up right where he left off, totaling 63 tackles and grabbing four interceptions en route to being selected as an Eastern Division All-Star. 
 
Additionally, Isaiah Gardner, Ray Cheatham, Dee Webb and Durrell Oliver were all brought in during the offseason to add to the already deep secondary. 

No matter who makes the opening day roster, the Argos should feel confident that with their group of talented veterans, emerging youngsters and capable free agents, they’ll be able to maintain a secondary that has become one of the league’s primary shutdown units.