THE CANADIAN PRESS
MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — The Toronto Argonauts have settled on their starting quarterback.
Head coach Jim Barker says Cleo Lemon will start the 2010 campaign in the No. 1 spot and be under centre in the club’s season-opening game July 1 in Calgary.
"Cleo Lemon, from Day 1, has shown us the leadership skills so he is the guy that we are going into Calgary with as our starting quarterback," Barker said on the Argos’ website. "He gives us someone who is a great leader; he is a guy with very good mobility and is still learning the game."
The former NFLer was one of four quarterbacks in training camp and got the start in both of Toronto’s exhibition games.
He earned the starting position ahead for former Saskatchewan Roughriders backup Dalton Bell despite finishing just 10-of-26 passing for 99 yards.
Bell had better numbers, completing 18-of-26 passes for 341 yards during the pre-season. But Barker said Lemon’s mobility and ability to escape pressure was a determining factor.
"When things break down, which they often do, Cleo seems to do very well in those situations," Barker said.
Lemon said he’s not about to rest upon his laurels.
"There are some things that I have to improve on," he said. "I am going back and watching film everyday and, as a player, that is what you have to do.
"You have to try and improve everyday."
Neither Bell nor Lemon has started a CFL game.
Lemon, 30, joined the Argos after having served as both a starter and backup in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens, San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars.
