‘Deserves a shot:’ Argos speak highly of newly-signed Regina QB

All Noah Picton wanted was a chance to showcase his talents in the CFL. Now, he’s getting that opportunity in Canada’s biggest city.

On Monday, the Toronto Argonauts announced they signed the Regina-born quarterback after Picton went undrafted.

The University of Regina Ram found nothing but success at the University level, winning the Hec Creighton Award in 2016 as the country’s top player.

Picton entered his final year of U Sports eligibility as the Canada West all-time leading passer with 9,840 yards, and is 1,683 away from becoming the nation’s all-time leader. He’s also 22 touchdowns away from being the nation’s all-time leader in that category.

During the Argos season preview teleconference Tuesday, general manager Jim Popp praised the skill of the Canadian QB.

“He was on our draft board, he graded out well enough to be drafted,” Popp said. “I truly believe he deserves a shot.”

Popp noted they had to take care of team needs in the draft, and quarterback wasn’t a position they were targeting.

A constant criticism Picton has faced throughout his career is his height: at five feet nine inches tall, he is seen as being too short to play the position.

Popp mentioned that another player also had to overcome his height at the position — CFL legend Doug Flutie.

“(Picton’s) a tremendous athlete, he’s so cerebral, he plays the game the right way, I’m excited to see what he can do and actually get out there and compete at a pro level.”

Popp said he talked to head coach Marc Trestman and other personnel staff about the chance to bring Picton onto the Argos roster.

“I really want to give this young man a chance.”

While Trestman admits he hasn’t seen Picton play, he’s been impressed with the young QB from the text conversations the two have had.

“I’m very excited to get a chance to see him out of practice and Jim speaks very, very highly of him, and I’m really looking forward to meeting him,” Trestman said. “He’s going to be a fun guy to coach.”