Gryphon quarterback soaking in pro ranks as CIS exception
June 1, 2014 marked the beginning of training camp for the Toronto Argonauts.
It was a perfect day for football. Sun shining, energy flowing, fresh legs, quick hands, and Argonauts quarterback Ricky Ray making the pro ranks look easy.
But while No. 15 lined up for the snap, a numberless red jersey stood to his left. The only jersey on the field without a number read “Lindsey” on the back.
While taking earning your stripes to a whole new level, Guelph Gryphon quarterback, Jazz Lindsey, was just grateful for the opportunity.
The Markham, ON native was invited to the Argonauts training camp as a Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) Quarterback Roster Exception, an initiative started by the Canadian Football League (CFL) to assist in the development of Canadian quarterbacks.
“I was really excited to come here and learn a lot from these great players,” Lindsey said of his initial reaction to the invitation. “It’s a big opportunity for me. I know it’s not an opportunity that everyone gets.”
Lindsey’s invitation was likely earned after being selected to represent the West in the East-West All-Star Bowl on May 10, 2014.
An honour largely credited to the 2013 season, as Lindsey closed out the year with 1805 yards through 136 completions on 240 attempts including 13 touchdowns.
Personal statistics were the furthest thing from the Gryphon’s mind while dawning the double blue. Instead, soaking up his first CFL training camp for all it’s worth was at the top of the list.
“It’s different to see people you watch on TV – to see how humble they are, and the leadership that they have and how things work in the pros,” Lindsey explained of the experience so far. “It’s been really good. I’m taking a lot away from it and I’m going to continue to do that.”
While Lindsey spoke highly of the humble and down-to-earth men surrounding him at training camp, it didn’t take long to see those same traits in the fourth year Gryphon quarterback; a clear-cut sign of Lindsey’s ability to stand among the pros.
“I thought all the guys would be intimidating almost,” Lindsey said with a smile. “But they’re so friendly, and just really nice guys.”
After the Gryphons finished the season with a 7-1 record in 2013, losing in the Semi-Finals to the Queens Gaels, they hope to push it even further looking ahead to 2014.
Lindsey, who wants to continue to develop his mental game as per Gryphons Offensive Coordinator Todd Galloway, already feels the professional atmosphere contributing to that.
“Just seeing Ricky Ray and all the other quarterbacks, what they do in order to be on top of what they have to do on the field mentally, that’s something I can take away,” Lindsey explained. “Just habits, leadership and development – I think I’ve learned a lot, especially from Ricky.”
Lindsey is expected to take part in the Argonauts training camp through to the first exhibition game on June 9 versus Winnipeg.
After that, it will be full speed ahead to the first game of the season for the Guelph Gryphons on Sept. 1 at McMaster. The first home game for Guelph will be Sept. 6 versus Toronto.
It will surely be another exciting season for the boys in red and gold, equipped with No. 2 wearing Lindsey, a quarterback who has more than earned his stripes, ready to lead the way.