CFL.ca Staff
MISSISSAUGA — The Toronto Argonauts Football Club is thrilled to announce that the club’s 2008 Outstanding Defensive Player LB Willie Pile has re-signed with the Double Blue.
Commented Argonauts GM/Vice President, Football Operations, Adam Rita, ”Willie was our most consistent player on defence last year. He will continue to play an important role on our defence for years to come. He has worked with many of our present coaches when he was with NFLE and has familiarity with their expectations. We’re expecting great things out of him and are ecstatic to have him back as he is the final piece our of free agent signings.”
“Ill Will” led the Argonauts with 72 defensive tackles in just his second CFL season. A dependable force when crashing the line or dropping into coverage, #10 was deemed the club’s top defensive player in 2008. He recorded his first CFL interception and finished the season with three picks and two quarterback sacks. Pile has also been a consistent performer on special teams and finished fifth on the team while also starting 17 games on defence.
Willie Pile remarked, “My family and I are blessed to return for our 3rd season with the CFL’s preeminent franchise, the Toronto Argonauts. With the hiring of quality coaches, big time player additions, and the retention of core players, the organization is demonstrating its commitment to hoisting a CFL-record 16th Grey Cup Championship Trophy in Calgary this year. I’m eager to get going so I can contribute to that goal.”
Pile originally joined the Argonauts as a free agent prior to the 2007 season. He broke into a veteran-laden lineup and quickly established himself as a team and community leader. In two seasons, he has started 35 games, made 148 defensive tackles, 19 special teams tackles, 7 quarterback sacks, and 3 interceptions.
