Argos sign two following free agent workout in Bradenton
BRADENTON – The Toronto Argonauts announced today that the team has signed international defensive end Xzavier Dickson and international defensive back Jhavon Williams. Both players attended the team’s free agent workout at IMG Academy on Monday.
Dickson, 25, played in 44 games over four seasons at the University of Alabama, recording 91 total tackles, 21 tackles for a loss, 14 sacks and two pass deflections. Following back-to-back BCS National Championships as a sophomore and junior, Dickson posted career-best numbers with 42 tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss, and nine sacks as a senior in 2014. Following his collegiate career, the 6-3, 255-pound native Griffin, Georgia, was selected by the New England Patriots in the seventh round (253rd overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft. Following a stint with the Patriots, Dickson spent time with the Atlanta Falcons and Edmonton Eskimos.
Williams, 25, played in 46 games, starting 42 in four seasons at the University of Connecticut. The 5-10, 187-pound native of Delray Beach, Florida, logged 174 total tackles, four tackles for a loss, five interceptions, five forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery with the Huskies. He started 37 consecutive games in his final three seasons after starting five as a redshirt freshman. Following his collegiate career, Williams attended rookie camp with the New Orleans Saints.
Dickson and Williams will join 47 other players taking the field on Tuesday for the first of three practice sessions at the team’s minicamp in Bradenton. Below is the full roster of players taking part in the three-day camp.
Quarterbacks (4): McLeod Bethel-Thompson, James Franklin, Dakota Prukop, Ricky Ray
Running Backs (6): Brandon Burks, Declan Cross, Martese Jackson, Greg Morris, James Wilder Jr., Boom Williams
Receivers (15): Bralon Addison, Alex Charette, Anthony Coombs, Armanti Edwards, Jonathan Epps, Jeff Fuller, SJ Green, Jimmy Ralph, Kendall Sanders, Rodney Smith, Brian Tyms, Cole Watson, Jordan Westerkamp, Malcolm Williams, Chandler Worthy
Offensive Line (2): Chris Kolankowski, Sean McEwen
Linebackers (10): Marcus Ball, Khalil Bass, Xzavier Dickson, Durell Eskridge, Akeem Jordan, Jeff Luc, Paul Magloire, Nakas Onyeka, Terrance Plummer, Taylor Reed,
Defensive Backs (11): Matt Black, Alden Darby, Jonathan Dowling, Qudarius Ford, Jermaine Gabriel, Caleb Ham, TJ Heath, Ryan Reid, Jhavon Williams, Robert Woodson, Ronnie Yell
Specialists (3): Ronnie Pfeffer, Jake Reinhart, Swayze Waters
Of the 49 players on the minicamp roster, 18 were offseason additions to the club while the remaining 32 return from last year’s team. Incoming veterans practicing with the Argos for the first time include quarterback James Franklin, defensive backs TJ Heath and Ronnie Yell, running back Greg Morris, linebacker Taylor Reed, and specialist Swayze Waters.