The sky’s the limit for the Toronto Argonauts receiving corps.
With the Argos acquiring speedy free agent receiver Derel Walker, in February, they added a deep threat to the arsenal, while surprising the three-down football world, who was expected to re-sign with the Edmonton Eskimos.
Walker, affectionately known as “Skywalker” by fans, inked a one-year deal, reported to be above $275,000, making the Texas Tech alumnus and former teammate of Johnny Manziel the highest paid non-quarterback in the Canadian Football League.
He is poised to make an impact because of his training in the off-season.
“I put a lot of emphasis on getting in and out of my breaks and catching the ball,” said Walker, a few days ago at training camp. “You can never get too good at running routes.”
Already considered one of the top wide receivers in the Canadian Football League, Walker will look to improve his offensive arsenal.
“Every year I try putting a little more emphasis on getting a little quicker out of my breaks and of course catching the ball”, said Walker, after an indoor session held at the Ontario Soccer Centre in Woodbridge.
In 11 games last season for Edmonton, Walker had 51 receptions for 875 yards and eight touchdowns, before sustaining a year-ending knee injury against the Calgary Stampeders. At the time of the injury, Walker led the CFL in touchdown receptions.
Averaging a career-high 17.2 yards per catch int 2018, Walker has cemented himself as one of the premier deep threats the CFL has to offer, highlighted by a 101-yard catch in the first game of the season against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Argonauts head coach Corey Chamblin is excited to have this new weapon on the squad to start the season, as his size and speed offers newly-appointed starting quarterback James Franklin a consistent deep threat and a reliable set of hands.
“What he brings right now is a vertical threat,” said Chamblin. “He brings another receiver that can take the top off of it and that can find the holes in the coverage.”
Walker has been welcomed with open arms by teammates and coaches in the Argonauts locker room, and believes the comradery is vital to winning a championship.
“It’s a brotherhood”, said Walker, “A lot of guys in there with positive mindsets. I’m just thinking about winning the Grey Cup.”
Walker and the Toronto Argonauts will look to start their bid on June 22 at home against the Hamilton Tiger Cats.