We were waiting for some players to be added and the first group dropped today. The Argos need depth adds at almost every position and I’m curious to see if these two guys can get a chance to contribute. Neither is a game changer but I like the moves and expect more to come.
First off, lets take a look at running back Adam Cofield, nicknamed “Stone”. He is the son of former CFL All Star and one time Argo, Timmy Cofield. The stats on him are from a lot of different places but I’ll give you a brief overview: Cofield was a part of a crowded backfield for North Dakota State for three years and he helped lead the FCS team (the level below Division 1 football) to three championships. His stats were good for NDSU over his three playing years with over 1500 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns. His last year of college ball was with Div 1 Western Kentucky, and he held up in the higher league with 4 touchdowns and he showed he could be a receiving threat as well with 22 receptions for 176 yards in 14 games. By all accounts he is smart (he studied biological science with a minor in psychology at NDSU), tough (he was a standout linebacker in high school), and hard-working (he graded very well as a run blocker at Western Kentucky, first in his conference, in fact). The offense was definitely pass first and his quarterback Bailey Zappe was drafted by the New England Patriots, so he was able to pass block effectively as well. The 5’11” Cofield didn’t get an NFL shot but his toughness is a good add to the roster. Let’s not get it twisted though. When comparing pro day stats with AJ Oullette, Cofield comes up short in the 40, lifts, and shuttle, so he is here for depth, but we need depth and I like the CFL connection with his dad.
The second player the Argos added is intriguing. Ali Fayad is a 6-2. 250-pound outside linebacker / rush end who will play defensive line for the Argos. He had a terrific career at Western Michigan, with a monster senior season where he recorded 13 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, delivered a terrific game in a Bowl victory and was named the MAC (Mid-American Conference) Defensive Player of the Year - an award given to Khalil Mack in 2013. I’m not saying Fayad is Mack, but he is closer to Mack than everyone reading this article. Fayad is a pure edge rusher who the Eagles gave a look to in camp this year and the Argos definitely could use another rotational guy. The fresher Ray is for crucial downs late in the game, the better. I feel Ray has 4 great rushes in him per game, so if Fayad can help save those, this is a win. The defensive line is second last to Edmonton with 20 sacks so a little firepower off the edge is just the thing to add.
Nice adds. Keep em comin.