Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
TORONTO — The Toronto Argonauts announced Sunday they’ve come to terms with 2016 first round draft pick and former Acadia Axemen receiver Brian Jones.
The news comes as the Argos officially open training camp in Guelph, with the 6-foot-4, 233-pound receiver expected to report to Guelph and be on the field for the first practice at the University of Guelph’s Alumni Stadium.
Jones was selected fourth overall by the Boatmen in the May 10 CFL Draft, the first receiver to go off the board following three offensive linemen.
In 20 games across four seasons at Acadia University, Jones registered 113 receptions for 1,394 yards and eight touchdowns for the Axemen. The two-time AUS All-Star and 2015 second team CIS All-Canadian had 45 catches for 630 yards and four touchdowns with the Axemen in 2015.
He ranked second in the CIS in receptions (57) in 2014 en route to receiving honours as the AUS Most Outstanding Player of the Year.
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Jones immediately adds size and athleticism to the Argos’ receiving corps and also boosts their national talent at the position. At the 2016 CFL Combine he ranked first among receivers in the short shuttle (4.13s) and bench press (24), and second in the broad jump (10’8.5”) and three-cone drill (6.92s).
With the signing, all of the Argos’ draft picks from their 2016 draft class have agreed to deals, while six of eight CFL first round picks have been signed.
The Argonauts also announced the additions of international linebacker Nick Williams, international receiver Garrett Kidd and national kicker Zack Medeiros. They also released national Johnathan Ngeleka and placed Fouimalo Fonoti and Da’Rick Rogers on the suspended list while activating Tracy Robertson from the suspended list.
Williams, a 6-foot-2, 217-pound native of Bainbridge, Ga., appeared in three games for the Argonauts in 2014, tallying four tackles. After playing three seasons at Georgia, Williams transferred to North Alabama where he finished his college career with 62 tackles, five tackles for a loss, two interceptions and two pass breakups in 13 games. He recently spent time with the AFL’s Tampa Bay Storm.
Kidd, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound native of Midland, Mich., played one season at Northwestern after transferring from the University of Miami. He caught two passes for 15 yards in 10 games with the Wildcats.
Medeiros, a 5-foot-11, 206-pound native of St. Thomas, Ontario, capped off his college career at Western after spending time with the CJFL’s London Beefeaters following two seasons at the University of Montreal. He converted 20-of-25 field goal attempts (80 per cent) and 45-of-45 extra point attempts, while tying for the lead in CIS scoring with 105 points at Western in 2014.
Medeiros was drafted by the Edmonton Eskimos in the sixth round (48th overall) in the 2014 CFL Draft and adds some depth behind Lirim Hajrullahu.
