Toronto Argonauts Will Be Patient With Blake Sims

After joining the Toronto Argonauts last week, Blake Sims has a lot of catching up to do. But the former Alabama quarterback joined the Argos at a very opportunistic time, as the Boatmen don’t have a firm timetable for when starting quarterback Ricky Ray will be ready to return from offseason shoulder surgery.

The past few days have been hectic for Sims. After arriving on Wednesday night, he has been fully immersed in team meetings with the Double Blue, trying to grasp the offence as quickly as possible for training camp.

“It’s been kind of crazy,” said Sims. “Just trying to keep ten toes down and stay above water. Stay positive and try not to overwhelm myself. The main thing for me is to just stay positive and keep looking forward.”

Sims seems like a natural fit for the CFL game. He’s a mobile quarterback who can get the ball down the field. Argos head coach Scott Milanovich believes he has the physical tools needed to succeed in the CFL.

“He looks like he has a strong arm,” said Milanovich. “From watching him at Alabama, just on TV, I always thought he’s had the ability to throw the deep ball. Certainly above average, if not good mobility. You know he’s been very, very well coached and I’m assuming he’s going to be a good leader. I’m anxious to see what he can do as we get to know him.”

Training camp will be crucial for Sims since he is adjusting to life on a larger field with an extra teammate and unlimited pre-snap motion. However, he is excited about the Argos offence and says it has some similarities to what he was taught at Alabama.

“I like the offence,” said Sims. ” I really like it a lot. It’s kind of like what coach [Lane] Kiffin taught me, but I think the only thing is different to me is the way that the guys motion. I think that’s kind of different, but I’m getting used to it as it goes.”

The Argos will be patient with him, though, as they understand he is a bit behind.

“He didn’t have the benefit of being in mini-camp, so he’s behind the eight ball a little bit in terms of mentally,” said Milanovich. “I think he’s a bright kid and we’re going to be patient with him. We’re not expecting much of him too soon. He was asking Ricky [Ray] today about how he studies and trying to pick his brain.”

Arguably the best quarterback in the CFL to learn from, Ray should be an excellent mentor to Sims while he works his way back from offseason shoulder surgery.

“He’s a very nice guy,” said Sims. “I’m glad that I have the opportunity to play behind him and learn from him. Through practice he has helped me out with a lot of things.”

Without a firm timetable for when Ray will be ready, the Double Blue will turn to quarterback Trevor Harris. But if Sims can adapt to the CFL game quickly, he might just seize his opportunity and make an immediate impact in Toronto.