Rico Murray is relishing every moment. He’s running to the ball each time he’s getting reps at halfback, encouraging his new teammates and offering whatever support he can summon when asked.

“New and improved” might be a stretch to describe Murray, but there’s an extra bounce in the step for a guy who filled in wherever and whenever he was needed during his run in TigerTown.

Murray signed with the Argos in free agency and, by chance, Murray was given the No. 20 by his new team, a number not usually associated with defensive backs.

Coincidence or not, part of Murray’s renewed sense of purpose and belonging could be traced to the jersey number normally reserved for running backs.

His favourite player growing up was Barry Sanders, the hall of fame running back who wore No. 20 during his illustrious tenure with the Detroit Lions.

Murray recorded a pick in the Argos’ late morning session, breaking on a ball thrown by Ricky Ray.

It’s one day into his life as an Argo, but so far so good for Murray.

“It just feels good,’’ he said. “We’ve got a great bunch of guys and there’s still a long way to go, but we’ve set a high standard in all three phases. It’s just Day 1 and we’re building off it.”

There’s a different,more professional vibe around this new collection of players and coaching staff, which isn’t to suggest the previous regime cut corners, because it didn’t.

The message is being controlled much more carefully. Everyone, from top to bottom, is on their toes.

It’s a big year for the Argos following last season’s five-win season. The only reason why anyone will pay any attention is if the club win and fields as exciting a product as possible.

Murray is a student of the game.

In Hamilton, he knew how any losing season or non-playoff year would be forgotten and forgiven if the hometown Ticats beat the Argos on Labour Day.

The football following in Toronto isn’t as rabid — not even close. It’s more fickle, but there’s clearly an opportunity to appeal to the many non-believers.

It starts on the field — and Murray is impressed.

“We can’t afford any steps back,’’ he said. “There is a high standard here and we have to keep moving forward.”

Murray is slowly getting to know his teammates and developing that trust factor every football team must achieve to be successful.

“Then you start to care for the well-being of your teammates,’’ he added. “It makes your job easier because you know what’s at stake. For me, the biggest thing for me is getting to know my teammates more, and the more we learn from each other, the closer we become as a bunch.”

Orlondo Steinauer coached Murray in Hamilton. Now Murray has Cory Chamblin, another great defensive coordinator and a fiery competitor who knows how to get the most out of his players.

“Even when coach isn’t out here in cleats, he’s one of us,’’ said Murray of Chamblin. “He’s going to demand greatness out of us. We have to put aside our egos because we’re all in this together as Argonauts.

“And I’m all-in.”

WAUD LOOKS TO BREAK OUT

When Daryl Waud was able to get an early jump to the off-season, it’s a decision he hopes translates on to the playing field.

Waud is lighter having lost 10 pounds, feels quicker and stronger and has put himself in a mental and physical position in which he can better showcase his talents on the defensive line.

The Hamilton native is now about to enter his third season, a key time for any Canadian-born player in the CFL.

He has now experience, although he does have to learn his third defensive system in as many years, is much more educated on the game and the demands that are required.

Injuries limited Waud last season, but the bright spot was it allowed him to begin his off-season routine much earlier than normal.

Waud dedicated himself at a sports-specific training facility in the Hammer located at the Players Paradise sports complex, where several Ticats and current Argo Johnny Sears worked out.

Waud went back and forth from London to Hamilton — working on his master’s at Western, working on his body in the Hammer.

“It was a busy off-season and when I was in London I went back to my regular trainers,’’ said Waud. “But it was a real good off-season and I feel I’m very prepared for the season.”

Waud feels a lot stronger and more efficient in his movement.

“I’m feeling good hoping to stay healthy and roll through camp,’’ he added.

Waud wants to pursue sports management and leadership.

He received an endorsement from Argos team president Michael Copeland, a Western alumnus, who wrote the university a letter supporting Waud.

“It was a busy off-season,’’ said Waud. “But I loved it. It all led up to the fun part, which is coming back and playing football. I had a good off-season, no doubt.”

WOODS TO ARGOS?

The Bear Woods watch has officially begun.

Moments after the Als made the surprising move to cut Woods, a stellar middle linebacker, his name was immediately linked to the Argos.

The Montreal ties with the Argos begin with GM Jim Popp, who lured Woods to the CFL.

Marc Trestman, Toronto’s new head coach, led the Als to two Grey Cups.

There’s a raft of ex-Als on the Argos roster and no one will be shocked if Woods becomes the latest addition.

Marshall McFadden has done nothing to lose his job at linebacker, the second-year Argo who earned the role last season under coordinator Rich Stubler.

McFadden’s biggest issue was staying healthy.

Competition is king in football and so too is money.

The Argos didn’t spend like mad men during free agency and their cap situation did allow the team to bring back linebacker Marcus Ball.

Woods could soon follow.

In fact, many in the league are expecting it.

HOLD ON!

Whether it was an all-Canadian offensive line during Sunday’s walkthrough or having Cody Fajardo serve as holder on field goals, the Argos are only two days into camp and no one should be jumping to any conclusions.

Having said that, it won’t prevent people from speculating and projecting, but it is far too early.

For years, Trevor Harris was the holder for Swayze Waters in Toronto.

When Lirim Hajrullahu was signed last off-season, Logan Kilgore held on field goals.

Monday was the first full day of two-a-days in camp, including a late morning gathering that had Fajardo hold on field goals.

Fajardo is a second-year quarterback whose role last year was in short yardage until he got hurt.

fzicarelli@postmedia.com