Finding new talent never-ending search
Argos’ six-man scouting crew spends entire off-season looking for new recruits
There is no off-season for the Toronto Argonauts’ scouting department.
Bird dogs log hundreds of miles of travel all winter as they crisscross the United States, attending workouts, all-star games and walk-on camps to uncover talent.
“Scouting is the lifeblood of any organization,” Argos general manager Jim Barker said.
Scouting is important to restock the Argos, which can have a 25 per cent roster turnover every year on a team that is 50 per cent American.
The Argonauts are trying to find the next Chad Owens, or better.
“We’re out trying to find guys better than Owens,” Barker said. “And then when we find him, we’ll try to find someone better than him. “It’s never-ending.” The Argo scouting department is a six-man unit, including Barker and director of player personnel Chris Rossetti.
Toronto’s scouts travel mostly by car together, partly because they can all discuss and digest the player information and share viewpoints.
Following is a list of places on their to-do list: Jan. 5-10: The Medal of Honor Bowl, Charleston, S.C.
This game is a prime hunting ground for the Argos because these players are unlikely to be taken in the NFL draft. Up to 50 per cent of the players will be available for CFL teams. Leading up to these all-star games, the Argo scouts attend the daily workouts and take notes on players who stand out. Jan. 10: Free agent camp, Clearwater, Fla.
Camps like this draw approximately 40 to 50 players. Toronto’s scouts are trying to find the diamond in the rough, guys who were overlooked when they came out of school but can still play at a high level. The walk- on camps often bring out the 35 or 40-year-old fathers who have been overlooked in their careers, or former NFL players who have been released. Players run the 40-yard dash and the broad jump and compete in cone drills and one-on-one battles. Scouts watch for body language and compete levels as early indicators of success. Jan. 12-17: East-West Shrine Game, St. Petersburg, Fla.
This game has rewarded the Argos in the past. Argo players who played in the East-West Shrine Game prior to latching on in Toronto include defensive back Branden Smith and offensive lineman Matt Sewell. This game showcases players who are the most likely to get selected in the NFL draft. Jan. 12-17: NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, Los Angeles.
This game has also been good to the Argos. Players discovered at this game include linebacker Nick Williams, wide receiver Darryl Surgent, defensive back Orhian Johnson and wide receiver Diontae Spencer. Barker and regional scout John Bonaventura watched both teams practise and attended this game. There were probably only a dozen players who might have a chance in the CFL. Jan. 19-24: Senior Bowl, Mobile, Ala.
Argo players discovered at the Senior Bowl include defensive lineman Kyle Moore and linebacker Greg Jones. The entire Toronto scouting staff attended workouts and watched the Senior Bowl, which showcases players who are most likely to go in the NFL draft. While only about 20 to 25 per cent of players will become available for the CFL, Argo scouts spend a lot of time building relationships with NFL scouts and agents. Jan. 25: Free agent workout, New Orleans.
Players pay $100 to attend these walk-on camps. Standouts will be invited to the Argos’ mini-camp in Florida, where they will compete for positions with Toronto’s rookies. If they show well, they will be invited to the main training camp in Toronto in June. John Chiles, who just signed with the Chicago Bears, is an example of a player who paid $100 to attend (the fee covers the travel costs of the Argo scouting staff.)
“I hadn’t heard of him when I watched him run a 4.2 40,” Barker said.
“Then I saw him catch the ball and saw his football sense.” Jan. 26-31: The College Gridiron Showcase, Arlington, Tex.
Barker and scouts Demetri Betzios and Chris Rossetti attended this game and pre-game workouts the week prior. The players attend meetings, have practice, perform individual drills, one-on-ones, team drills and have interviews. Feb. 7-8: BSN Collegiate Showcase, Baltimore.
Betzios was the lone Argo representative at this game. It was important for him to see how the players perform at practice as well. March 14-15: Free-agent camp in Temecula, Calif.
The free agent camps combine testing with positional drills. The players are taught about the CFL rules. Receivers learn about motion and defensive linemen are schooled on staying one yard off the ball. The scouts talk to the players, but there are no formal interviews.