Making their mark

Argos GM Jim Barker impressed by Local Players

KITCHENER – Twin Cities Predators linebacker Jono Carreiro and defensive back Jake Marken were the only non-drafted juniors at the Toronto Argonauts Rookie training camp last week, and according to Argos GM, Jim Barker, they held their own.

ā€œThey did very well. Sometimes junior players come out and are a little lost on the field. They both did a nice job and didnā€™t look out of place, so thatā€™s very exciting,ā€ says Barker.

Barker, who was GM of the Calgary Stampeders from 2005 ā€“ 2007, notes that the CJFL Calgary Colts have been a great program and is hoping that junior football in Ontario continues to develop.

ā€œPlayers need a high skill-set to play with the Argos,ā€ said Barker.

As for Carreiro and Marken, Barker expects them to go back to the Twin Cities Predators program, apply what theyā€™ve learned at training camp, and continue to grow.

ā€œJunior football is improving all the time. And players that play in the CJFL can also practice with us. Thatā€™s one of the benefits of playing in the league, ā€œsays Barker.

*Photo: Carreiro on left, Marken on right

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