Photo: Courtesy James Madison University
On Thursday, the Toronto Argonauts signed American DB D’Angelo Amos, brother of another recently acquired Argos DB, DaShaun Amos.
The 24-year-old D’Angelo Amos recently spent some time with the Detroit Lions after graduating from University of Virginia last year where he tallied 47 tackles and two interceptions in 10 games for the Cavaliers. He transferred to Virginia from James Madison after his junior season.
At Virginia, he was used predominantly as a box safety, though he did line up at free and as a slot corner on occasion as well. His play didn’t grade particularly well, but his film shows a player with some real potential in the CFL game.
If he’s going to crack this roster it will probably be due his ability on special teams. Defensively, he’s probably a SAM backer, and there’s an opportunity there with Chris Edwards suspended for the opening six games, though he’d be a long shot to see meaningful time. D’Angelo could be an immediate contributor in every phase of special teams play, though he really stands out as a punt returner as well as punt and field goal block specialist.
He left James Madison second in school history in punt return yardage. What makes him such a great punt returner is that while he doesn’t have elite speed, he’s highly evasive. He has great vision and keeps his poise with the coverage team closing in around him. In the smallest of spaces, where many returners would just lunge forward for a few yards, he keeps his feet alive, eluding while waiting for something to open up.
In training camp, D’Angelo Amos will be in the mix right away as a returner.