Let’s get it out of the way early; it’s pronounced “Cahoon”, exactly the same as the former Montreal Alouettes receiver Ben Cahoon.
Why Arjen Colquhoun’s name is pronounced like that is definitely a bigger question than why the Argos signed the free-agent cornerback early in the 2020 free agency period. He has talent, and he’s a Canadian, making him an even more valued commodity.
He was born and raised in Windsor, starring in football, baseball, basketball and track. After that it was off to Michigan State, where he’d win a Big Ten championship, a Rose Bowl and a Cotton Bowl.
After beginning his CFL career in Edmonton, he’s returned home to Ontario and couldn’t be happier about it.
“I just love the organization,” Colquhoun told Argonauts.ca following Wednesday’s practice. “From Pinball (General Manager Mike Clemons) to John Murphy (Vice President of Player Personnel) to the coaches, everyone’s been very welcoming.”
And why not? The club wants him to feel at home. He’s talented, tall, and brings a relaxed vibe to a group that has more than its fair share of big personalities. He’s also thrilled to be working with Defensive Backs Coach Joshua Bell, who is still young as a coach, and was still playing when Colquhoun broke into the league.
“He knows the nuances of the game,” he said of his coach. “He’s played the game, so he knows exactly how you’re feeling on a day in, day out basis. He’s a player’s coach, he knows exactly what we’re thinking, he knows how we’re thinking, and he knows how to make us progress farther in our football IQs.”
When a CFL team starts a Canadian in a “non-traditional” position, it needs to have a capable player waiting in the wings in case the starter can’t finish a game. The Argos have that player in the person of Matt Boateng.
Boateng went to Pickering High School in Ajax (which to be honest is as confusing as the pronunciation of Colquhoun), before heading to the prestigious IMG Academy in Florida, then to three American college stops, finishing up at Fresno State.
The Argos selected him in the second round of the 2019 CFL Draft, more than a little enticed by his elite speed as on his pro day he ran the 40 in 4.38 and 4.39 seconds. He made four starts in his rookie season but looks a lot more comfortable this time around and has added other elements to his game than just speed.
So why the improvement?
“I guess coming back with experience,” said Boateng. “And I guess the level of confidence while being on the field. It’s less ‘anxious’ and more ‘let’s ball playing fast.’”
The cornerback position is much better suited to Boateng’s skill set at this stage of his career. His play, along with that of Colquhoun, allows the Argos to be comfortable enough to mark the field corner spot with a red maple leaf.
That hasn’t gone unnoticed by Boateng and elevates his confidence level even more.
“Immensely. I love the competition that we’re all going through. That’s the thing that’s going to make us all better, regardless of where we are. We’re all just trying to sharpen ourselves; iron sharpens iron and I really like the way things are playing out.”
So does Colquhoun, both on and off the field. It was a short drive for his family and friends to see him play for State in East Lansing, not so much in Edmonton. Needless to say, his Windsor crew is thrilled about him playing in Toronto.
“Family and friends are definitely excited. I think my parents only came out to one or two games in Edmonton, they’d come to all the games in Toronto and Hamilton. I know all my friends and extended family are super excited to come to Toronto for every game in the Double Blue.”
One of the goals of organization was to bring elite GTA players home. Boateng is now teammates with some players he knew when he was younger, but if not, he certainly knew of and followed through high school and into the NCAA or U Sports. He’s excited to be playing with so much hometown talent.
“It’s kind of surreal,” he said with a huge smile. “You’re seeing guys from a distance, balling out, and now you’re in the same band of brothers, together. It’s honestly kind of humbling, and just another thing I love about the game.”
Boateng grew up as an Argo fan, following in the footsteps of his mother, who is a huge fan of the Double Blue. He still gets emotional when thinking of the first time he ran through the tunnel as a member of his favourite team.
“Oh man, I could have cried. Growing up, my mom was a big Argo fan (her favourite player was current Argo coach Kevin Eiben, his was running back John Avery) and she would bring me to every single game possible. When I first got a chance to suit up, it definitely brought tears to my eyes. She had tears in her eyes too, times ten.”
He has immense pride playing for the Argos, while fans of Canadian talent have pride in Colquhoun and Boateng for playing in a spot usually manned by an American.
DOUBLE BLUE NEWS
Cut down days are always the toughest part of training camp. It was apparent that the Argos were going to have to part with some talented players, and that was certainly the case over the last two days. Released were receivers Jaylen Smith, Craig Rucker, Nyqwan Murray, and Terrell Sinkfield. Running backs Kenneth Dixon and Greg McCrae were let go, as were offensive linemen Quinn Smith, Eric Starczala and Mojtaba Mehry. On the defensive side, linemen Ronald Ollie and Eli Howard were released, as were defensive backs Davontae Merriweather, Andrew Soroh, Kadeem Satchell and Shamar Busby. Receiver Sam Baker was placed on the suspended list as he’s returning to university.
At one point in a no-huddle drill on Wednesday, 6’8” Shane Richards was lined up against Shawn Oakman, who is even taller. You’d have to think it’s been a long time since Richards had to block someone taller than him.
The Argos spent several minutes practicing with crowd noise pumped in over the loudspeakers. The team’s first two games are roadies and will be played in Calgary and Winnipeg.
When high-profile NFLers head north there’s a chance they don’t have the right mindset. That’s been anything but the case with Shane Ray, a first-round pick of the Denver Broncos in 2015. Ray has been loving his time with the Argos. After practice ended, he stayed quite some time on the bench, sharing laughs with his teammates. He also played returner, shagging some towering punts from Boris Bede, and much to the delight of those watching. Ray had a constant smile on his face as he caught the punt, then sprinted downfield in full returner mode. He also spent time during practice working one on one with Charleston Hughes, who was helping him with technique. Two days ago, Ray was the teacher, staying after practice to work with rookie Trevor Hoyte.