Argos’ Rankin still standing after slew of setbacks
CFL: Injuries, pit bull bite can’t stop defensive back
Even before the season began, CFL newcomer Joe Rankin was struck by adversity, when a pit bull nearly chopped off his arm.
Then the games began and adversity would soon strike again. This time, the Toronto Argonauts’ Rankin was on the receiving end of a midfield collision in Regina, on a punt return that would result in a concussion. And before that, he was dealing with a hamstring injury.
Rankin is no rank-and-file football player. He’s a piece in the defensive secondary who is grounded, appreciative and always willing and able to bounce back from whatever obstacle gets thrown his way.
“It feels great,’’ said Rankin as he looks forward to his return to the field on Wednesday night for the first time since Week 2. “It just feels good to be with the team again, on the field and doing what you love to do. Secondly, it feels good to get your thought process back and seeing things with your eyes, trusting your eyes. I feel like I’m at home.
“When you’re on the field, that’s when you feel your best. If feels great.”
Rankin established himself as a player worth watching during camp. The more the Argos saw, the more they felt he’d be a piece in the secondary.
Rankin, it should be noted, hasn’t played much given his health. But when he has played, he has looked good.
“Every day is a learning experience,’’ said Rankin. “When I first came here, I was making plays based purely on athletic ability. Now, getting deeper into the season, I have more opportunities to learn, see things differently — and that should definitely help me make more plays.
“I’m not where I want to be at as a player because I have a lot to learn. I haven’t even played a full game yet. I still have plenty to learn, but I’m thankful to have good coaches around me who challenge me, push me and coach me up to a high level.”
Looking back, the most frustrating part of not being able to play was how well he had been playing before it was suddenly taken away.
“Just in general, in life, it’s easier when you’re building momentum. And I thought I was feeling good, things were going well on the field and then something unexpected happened,’’ said Rankin. “Sometimes when those things happen they kind of blind-side you, but throughout the whole process I thought I’d come back and pick up as though I had never left. That’s the mentality I kept throughout the whole time.”
The pit bull incident on the eve of camp, his hamstring, the early game hit in Regina ... it’s enough to discourage anyone.
“The timeline has been difficult, but I’ve been able to hang in there,’’ said Rankin. “And I’m just happy to be out here right now.”