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“We weren’t sure, Ricky had not given us the word yet (that) he was returning,” Popp said.

“We felt like with the quarterbacks we already had that we had players here that we were happy with, but we felt like if we could get a James Franklin, who has played extremely well, was considered potentially the top free agent on the market, we were only going to strengthen ourselves.”

Popp argued that the Argos took a chance in unloading offensive lineman Mason Woods, their first pick in 2017 (the first selection of the second round), for Franklin, who wasn’t even signed, and a draft pick.

Popp said after they had discussions, Franklin wanted to be in Toronto and Popp knew he had his man, rhyming off Franklin’s maturity, leadership skills and composure.

“If they do become your starting quarterback (down the line), you want them to represent your organization well. He has all those attributes,” Popp said.

“He’s got to earn it. He knows that. He wanted to be in Toronto and he knows he’s in competition. He has to come in and do it to be the next behind Ricky Ray, or the future.”

TURN UP THE AC

One of Ray’s former peers is now one of his coaches and the Argos believe it will be a beautiful combination.

Anthony Calvillo, who, like Ray, is one of the finest quarterbacks to suit up in the CFL, was hired as Toronto’s quarterback coach back in March. Calvillo reunites with his long-time coach, Trestman and general manager Popp, from the Montreal Alouettes glory days.