ARGOS OPEN CAMP IN FLORIDA
The Toronto Argonauts opened their 2016 Rookie-Free Agent Camp on Sunday at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Welcoming CFL rookies, negotiation list players and free agent prospects, Argonauts head coach Scott Milanovich and his coaching staff held two uptempo 120-minute practice sessions.
“The first practice is always tough,” Milanovich said after the morning workout. “In the second practice they’ll get a little feel for what you’re doing. The tempo picks up and they get their feet back under them. It was a typical first day, I’d say. There’s definitely some talent out here. Guys will be able to compete for some spots when we get to training camp.
“Our defensive guys, it’s their first time with (Defensive Coordinator) Rich Stubler so some of these guys will even be ahead of some of our veterans (at main training camp). It was a good first day. This is as much of a first practice for our coaching staff as it is for our team. There’s some kinks that need to be worked out but for the most part it was a smooth day. This is going to be a good, cohesive staff and we see things the same way. I don’t have any question that this is going to run smoothly.”
Sunday’s sessions not only marked the Argos first steps towards the club opening the 2016 season – its first season at BMO Field – it was also the first opportunity for Milanovich and his staff to get their first taste of on-field action while implementing their systems.
The Argos 2016 Rookie-Free Agent camp also welcomed some familiar faces to the field today, including Argonauts quarterback Logan Kilgore. Kilgore, who initially signed with the team during the latter half of the 2014 season, has spent the last two seasons on the club practice roster. During Sunday’s practice, the Rocklin, California native looked comfortable at the helm of the Argonauts offence as he looks to compete for a spot on the active roster this season.
The Double Blue will return to the field Monday morning at 9am for their second day of practices.
