Als’ defensive back Heath learned of trade on Twitter
‘Ball hawk’ comes from Toronto to firm up injury-riddled defence
The first time T.J. Heath played for Toronto, he was traded to Winnipeg after intercepting two passes in a game. Then last week, after intercepting one pass against the Blue Bombers, the Argonauts traded him to Montreal.
We can only assume the veteran defensive back has the Double Blue out of his system?
“I guess, at this point, I’d have to,” Heath quipped. “It’s nothing personal. It’s part of the game. I always get traded on a high note, which is a good thing.”
Heath, 30, was traded last Sunday night for guard Ryan Bomben — and he learned of the deal on Twitter, after it was posted by the Montreal Gazette.
The Alouettes were in desperate need of help in the secondary after losing cornerback Mitch White and Najee Murray in last week’s loss to Edmonton.
The week before, safety Joe Burnett suffered a serious injury as well.
Despite having only practised three days, Heath will make his Montreal debut Friday night at Molson Stadium against Hamilton.
“He’s an outstanding leader,” general manager Kavis Reed said. “Obviously, he’s a ball hawk. He has a tendency to make plays, which we need. We’re not getting interceptions. We’re not creating turnovers defensively. We needed to add high quality there. Six games into the season, it’s very difficult to assimilate a young guy into that position. We feel strongly about his leadership and his play is top-notch.”
Now in his third Canadian Football League season, Heath has 14 interceptions in 40 games. This season alone, he already has pilfered two passes in six games.
He’s a two-time league all-star. His seven interceptions in 2016 tied him for the league lead. He added five more last season, one returned for a touchdown.
“A lot of it is vision, reading my keys and actually knowing the game,” said Heath, a native of Alexandria, Ala.
“I think I’ll be very successful. It may take time or we may jell right off the bat, but I know it’ll come.”
Heath, six-feet and 190 pounds, has been practising on the boundary next to cornerback Tommie Campbell, which should help. While ideally Heath would have preferred more time to prepare, he understands the situation has become dire, given the spate of injuries along with the league-high 192 points Montreal has allowed in six games.
Heath has played for defensive co-ordinator Rich Stubler, leading to some familiarity.
“You have to jell with some of the guys,” he explained.
“Luckily, I’ve been in Stubler’s defence and have made a lot of plays in his defence. Chemistry’s the biggest thing for me. The playbook has nothing to do with how I play the game. The book, I can learn. Chemistry has to come. I have a good, comfortable vibe. That tells me a lot.”
The Als’ defence has struggled at times, which is surprising considering the number of high-priced free agents Reed added over the winter. Stubler’s defence is said to be complex. Communication’s imperative.
“I think we’ve figured it out,” linebacker Chip Cox said. “Our communication on the field. Understanding of the play calls.”