truebluefan

Mississauga - If the strength of a CFL team's Canadian talent is a good indication of the strength of the club, then the Toronto Argonauts have ensured their long-term fortitude by extending non-imports WR Andre Talbot, RB Bryan Crawford, LB Ray Fontaine and SB Chad Rempel. Talbot, Crawford and Rempel have signed through 2010, while Fontaine will be in Double Blue through 2009.

Talbot, Crawford and Fontaine are former draft picks of the Argonauts. Talbot was taken in the 5th Round (34th Overall) in the 2001 CFL Draft, Crawford and Fontaine were taken in the 2005 CFL Draft in the 5th Round (44th Overall) and 2nd Round (11th Overall) respectively. Rempel was drafted by the Eskimos in the 3rd Round (35th Overall) of the 2004 CFL Draft.

Andre Talbot rocketed to new heights in 2007 setting single-season career-highs for receiving (53 catches for 803 yards) and touchdowns (6). He was the second-best Canadian receiver in the East Division (behind Montreal's Ben Cahoon) and was the number one receiver on the Argos for parts of the regular season before finishing second in total yards to teammate Arland Bruce III. The Toronto native's reliable hands and smart play helped make him a sure target for quarterback Michael Bishop. He also set a career high for touchdowns in a game, scoring 2 touchdowns on two separate occasions, and matched a single-game career high for receiving yards with 122 against Edmonton on October 12. He was named CFL Canadian Player of the Week for the first time in his career after CFL Week 19 when he caught for 109 yards and 2 touchdowns in Saskatchewan. This past season, Talbot started 17 regular season games as well as the 2007 East Final.

Enthused Andre Talbot, "In the words of Adam Rita, 'I'm an Argo for life'. I'm very excited to have extended my contract and be part of the Rich Stubler era. I'm looking forward to big things in 2008 and many more Grey Cup championships ahead."

In just his third CFL season, Bryan Crawford was recognized by his teammates as a special teams co-captain for his hard work and intelligent play. He has developed into one of the preeminent special teams players in the league as evidenced by his team-leading 27 tackles - good enough for second in the CFL and a new career high. In 2007, Bryan was one of just four players on the Argos' offence, along with Chad Folk, Jude St. John and Taylor Robertson to play every game. The Queen's University graduate will spend the remainder of his off-season working for the OUA and preparing for his May 3, 2008 wedding with his fiancé Catherine.

Remarked Bryan Crawford, "I'm excited to continue to as an Argonaut for the next few years. The Argonauts are a fantastic organization to play for and I truly appreciate the opportunities that the coaching staff has given me. It has been an honour to be part of such an outstanding special teams unit and I look forward to working with my teammates in our quest to bring a championship back to Toronto in the very near future."

Ray Fontaine has been an extraordinary contributor on both special teams and defence for the Argonauts. He has 41 special teams tackles in his first two seasons as a pro, and has finished within the top seven in the CFL in that category in both campaigns (2nd in 2006, 7th in 2007). Coaches like his size and athleticism and have trained him at defensive end, linebacker and on special teams coverage. Fontaine churned out the most impressive performance of his career on October 27 at Rogers Centre against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The Ottawa native, who went to school at the University of Kentucky, blocked a punt in the second quarter, which set up the Argos' first touchdown, then in the fourth quarter recovered a fumble deep in Winnipeg territory making way for Toronto's second major and a 16-8 win. He earned CFL Special Teams Player of the Week for the first time in his career for his efforts.

Commented Ray Fontaine, "I'm very excited to stay with the Toronto Argonauts organization. This team gave me my first chance at the pro level, and I'm happy to know they believe in me because I believe in the organization. I want to grow in the city of Toronto and I'd like to thank the fans for their support and their dedication to the Toronto Argonauts. They should keep their eyes peeled for many more successful seasons to come."

Chad Rempel joined the Argos in mid-2006 and played eight games almost entirely on special teams. He spent the start of 2007 on the 9-game injured list but played the final nine games of the season on both special teams and offence catching 5 passes for 70 yards and making 8 tackles. Rempel has demonstrated a good knowledge of the playbook and has shown steady improvement in his short time with the Boatmen. A former Saskatchewan Huskie, he played in two Vanier Cup championships (2002 & 2004) and has also spent time with Edmonton, Winnipeg and Hamilton in the CFL.

Stated Rempel, "I couldn't be more excited about extending my commitment to the Toronto Argonauts family. The Argonauts are a first class organization, and it is an honour to be part of that. We have such a great group of players coupled with an experienced coaching staff and front office; I don't foresee anything short of a Grey Cup victory in 2008!"

The Toronto Argonauts are North America's oldest professional football club, celebrating their 135th anniversary in 2008. As Toronto's #1 community team through player involvement, community programs and The Argos Foundation - Stop The Violence, the Toronto Argonauts, a member of the Canadian Football League (CFL), have 15 Grey Cup championships to their credit. For 2008 season ticket packages, please contact the sales team at (416) 341-ARGO. For more information on the Toronto Argonauts Football Club, please visit argonauts.ca.

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