argonauts.ca
CFL.ca Staff
LAKELAND, FL — The 2014 season is fast approaching and for many players that means getting a first chance to prove themselves to their respective teams and teammates.
The Toronto Argonauts Mini-Camp would express that sentiment in a big way, as not only players, but also coaches ventured to Lakeland, FL for their chance to prove they belong.
“It allows us to kind of weed people out so that the guys that we do bring to camp we feel like can all compete and you don’t have many guys that are taking up a roster spot that really don’t have a chance,” said Argonauts Head Coach Scott Milanovich.
The three-day camp was full of players looking for their shot to be one of the select few that have a chance at wearing the Double Blue in 2014.
There are the players who are coming for their first shot at making a professional roster like Natey Adjei, the Argos’ 3rd round pick in 2013.
For Adjei it is a chance to prove that his hometown team made the right selection one year ago.
“It’s an honour to be on this team that I grew up watching as a kid. Cheering for them, going to games so it’s definitely exciting,” said the Mississauga native.
“But just being here is a tremendous honour and it’s very powerful as well. I want to do my best,” he added.
The feeling is mutual for offensive lineman Matt Sewell, although with some added pressure as being Toronto’s first pick in last year’s Draft.
“It’s nice you know, it’s nice to get into it and meet the coaches, and get to meet the O-Line coach and what kind of techniques he wants and what kind of set-up he wants,” said Sewell.
“Also coach was really stressing how to practice as a professional and be professional and what it takes to be at this level, so it’s kind of nice to get in early and get used to that standard of play,” he added.
For other players, mini-camp was a chance to prove that they still have what it takes, and that they can still play at a high level.
“That’s why I came out here for, to see if I could still play,” said former NFL running back Steve Slaton.
It is once again that time of the season as the Argos Mini-Camp would give a number of players their shot to prove that they belong in the CFL.
