Marcus Ball has come full circle, a football journey that began in Toronto and is now back where it all started.

In many ways, Ball is starting all over again, the competitive edge still very much alive, his drive to prove himself unrelenting and his desire to win a Grey Cup unmistakable.

Followers of the Argos will easily recall how Ball emerged as a rookie in 2012, the year the Argos hit their stride late in the regular season en route to winning a Grey Cup.

He was one of the anchors on defence for two years before Ball was granted his release to pursue the NFL.

Following stops in New Orleans, Carolina and San Francisco, Ball is back in Double Blue, the trademark dreadlocks a little longer, his family growing and wearing his familiar No. 6.

During his absence, rookie Brian Jones wore the number, but Ball has made it clear he’ll treat the second-year receiver to a nice dinner for allowing the veteran to tap into his No. 6.

Drake has made ‘6’ fashionable and popular, but Ball’s affinity for the number goes much further than the performer’s catch phrase when acknowledging Toronto.

Nothing has been given to Ball and nothing is assured, which is how Ball demands it.

He’s more mature, more enlightened, more seasoned having played at the highest level.

“It’s like learning all over again,’’ said the affable Ball. “I learned a lot (in the NFL), had a lot of experiences. It’s been a journey and it’s a great story.

“Players have heard bits and pieces and a lot of guys ask about my story, which I’m very appreciative.”

One of the quotes Ball learned during his run in the NFL was to stay green, a philosophy he embraces each day.

“Just look at tomatoes,’’ he said. “When they are ripe and fresh it’s a green tomato. The older they get they turn red or different colours. I just try to stay green in this game and learn as if I don’t know, learn as though today is my first day.”

The green quote was provided by Carolina Panthers defensive co-ordinator Steve Wilks, one of many people who had an influence on Ball.

Ball lives and plays by a high standard, something he hopes his new teammates in Toronto will feed off.

There aren’t that many links to the 2012 Grey Cup team, but Ball knows the quality of character Toronto’s new regime has assembled and the presence and potential of having a healthy Ricky Ray.

Ball is versatile and can line up anywhere.

New defensive co-ordinator Cory Chamblin will mix and match and do what’s right to summon the best out of his players.

Ball wants to earn a spot.

“I don’t want any special treatment,’’ he said. “And that won’t be the case. I’m just excited to be back and step into the locker room with the few guys I do know and remember and the few guys from other teams I remember.”

It’s only camp, but eventually Ball will take care of Jones.

Ball’s high school number was six and his neighbourhood was known as the Six.

“And it all fell into place when Drake renamed Toronto the Six,’’ said Ball. “I like to represent the city, I like to represent where I’m from (Virginia) and my man. It all came together with the number. I love it.”

ATHLETIC CANADIAN GABRIEL GIVES ARGOS OPTIONS

Jermaine Gabriel got a taste of football life on the island when he lined up at cornerback in the season finale last year in Edmonton.

It was one of those under-the-radar personnel decisions no one paid much attention given how the Argos were eliminated from the post-season and how so many defensive backs had succumb to injuries.

To his credit, Gabriel played well with no passing play yielded.

As the Argos opened training camp Sunday at York University, one of the eye-openers was the site of Gabriel playing the corner slot.

For the past few years, Gabriel was slotted at safety.

One day into the new regime amid so much change with nothing set in stone, you get a sense the Argos are going to do whatever it takes to field the best team.

Gabriel is athletic, physical and mature, a Canadian who provides options.

New defensive co-ordinator Cory Chamblin spoke with Gabriel during the Argos’ mini-camp in Florida, where the Scarborough native took reps at field corner.

“I’m getting familiar with the position, but it’s nothing really that I’m not used to,’’ said Gabriel, who lost 20 pounds this off-season. “I started playing football as a corner. In a way, I’m going back to my home position.”

Gabriel changed his diet, a move that has allowed him to be lighter on his feet and hopefully quicker to the ball.

“I just find that I’m more athletic, more explosive,’’ said Gabriel, who also sports a new hair style.

ARGOS ACQUIRE EDWARDS

Armanti Edwards was settling in as a member of Rider Nation when he got called out of a meeting.

It was the first team gathering in Regina and what followed was arranging for a flight out of town for Toronto, where the Argos traded for the receiver late Saturday in exchange for veteran offensive lineman Peter Dyakowski.

Edwards arrived Sunday and was on the field for the Argos’ first day of on-field activity.

“It feels great,’’ he said. “As long as I’m wanted, it feels great. I played with coach Marc Trestman with the Bears and I know his philosophy and I’m looking forward to it.”