Sometimes it’s immediate, sometimes it takes a while to build.
Chemistry is something that’s hard to define. Mostly it’s talked about on a team level, whether a group has the necessary intangibles to go along with great talent and coaching.
Other times it’s a word used when discussing the connection two players have on the field; a pitcher and catcher agreeing on the perfect pitch in any given situation, or a hoopster somehow knowing a teammate will be getting him the ball with a no-look pass.
That mysterious bond is in play with the Toronto Argonauts, between quarterback Chad Kelly and receiver Dave Ungerer III, who are on a tear of late.
Argo head coach Ryan Dinwiddie was a quarterback in his playing days and says there absolutely can be a strong, natural connection between QB and pass catcher.
“No doubt,” Dinwiddie replied to a question posed by Argonauts.ca. “When you’ve got a receiver you can count on, that you can trust, that you know is going to be in the right space, he’s going to run the route like you wanted, he’s going to go up and get it…I think Chad just knows he can trust him.”
The last three games have represented the best stretch in Ungerer’s career. He set personal bests last week with 13 targets, 8 catches and 131 yards. Over the last three games he’s been on fire with 17 catches for 281 yards.
It’s no coincidence his production dramatically increased with the return of Kelly to the lineup. In 2023, his first as an Argo, the Idaho product had his best CFL campaign after three lackluster years in Hamilton.
Following seasons of 44, 187, and 225 yards in black and gold, Ungerer took a huge step last year, his first in Double Blue. He caught 41 passes for 579 yards and 3 touchdowns, finally looking like the player the Ticats hoped they were getting when they selected him with the 11th overall pick in the 2019 draft.
“I think it’s a bunch of things,” Ungerer explained to Argonauts.ca. “Being healthy, being back in my rhythm and being comfortable out there. Being back with Chad, we’ve always had a good connection and something we’re building on in year two together.”
So, what is it between the two that makes them click?
“We see the game in a similar way,” Ungerer explained. “It was something that we didn’t even talk about last year, it was just something that through reps we just found out about each other; that we see the game in a similar way. I think we’re similar competitors too, we love the game, we’re obsessed with the game, and we connect through that.”
Ungerer’s obsession with the sport shouldn’t surprise anyone. His father, Dave Jr., has spent over 30 years coaching college football with multiple Power Five teams, with one of his most notable accomplishments being the successful recruitment of quarterback Aaron Rodgers to Cal.
Dave III’s stop in Toronto brings things full circle as his mother Sylvia was born in St. Catharines, which accounts for her son being listed as a National player despite growing up in Pullman, Washington.
Coaches love players they can trust to be in the right position on each play. In that regard, Ungerer has earned the faith of his head coach.
“You can count on him, he’s consistent,” Dinwiddie said. “He brings an edge with him every day. He comes to work, brings his lunch pail. He’s very focused and I think he’s getting more opportunities and the more opportunities he shows that he probably needs a few more touches.”
Ungerer is white hot right now and realizes there are reasons for that.
“A lot of times it just comes down to what they’re doing defensively,” he explained. “Some games it goes to me, some games it doesn’t. I just want to continue to get better each day, keep working at my craft, and make sure I’m staying on top of myself physically and mentally. The game tends to reward people who give their heart and soul to it.”
There is zero question Ungerer has done that and is now reaping the benefits. He’ll get another opportunity to capitalize on his hot streak when the Argos play in Vancouver on Friday night.