Argonauts’ Hunter poised to go big-game hunting in Montreal with first in the East on the line

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Ryan Hunter’s foray into three-down football is far from finished.

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In fact, it’s just beginning for the native of North Bay, who earned a Super Bowl ring with the Kansas City Chiefs.

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Hunter has appeared in three games for the Argos, learning the CFL ropes, learning Toronto’s playbook, and refining his play along the line of scrimmage as he better acquaints himself with teammates.

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He came to Canada to play, and he has played well.

Hunter never played three-down football, but he’s fully aware of the CFL calendar and what awaits an Argos team as they take aim on playing host to their second consecutive East final.

The Argos have played two games during Hunter’s time in Double Blue.

The stakes grow considerably higher with each remaining game.

Whatever role the Argos ask of Hunter, he’s more than willing to fill it.

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What sticks out about Hunter’s game is his toughness, physical and mental.

His approach never changes.

It was during his time at Bowling Green when some of his Hunter’s older teammates began to instill the importance of approaching each game with a similar mindset.

When he reached the NFL’s Chiefs, similar teachings would be experienced.

The Argos will be in Montreal for a Saturday meeting that could secure first place if Toronto emerges with a win or tie.

An Als win will set up a winner-take-all stage next Saturday afternoon at BMO Field, with the winner assured of finishing atop the East and earning the bye into the divisional final.

“If you approach your preparation any differently, the result may be different,” said Hunter. “I try to treat it like a normal week. Thankfully, I’ve been part of some big games during my career, whether I was playing or not playing.

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“I’ve been through the process of preparing for playoff pushes or playoff runs. You just treat it one play at a time, one game at a time, try to do as much studying as much as I can like any normal week.”

Hunter was blessed to be around players in Kansas City who showed Hunter how to be a pro in how they prepared each week, how they would show up early to watch extra film and put in extra hours on their own.

“Just being efficient with your time,” said Hunter. “You can study for 30 to 40 minutes and be just as efficient as studying for three to four hours. I try to do short bursts of studying to stay as concentrated as possible and then take breaks.”

When he played in Kansas City, a place where Hunter still has a home that houses his Super Bowl ring, Hunter became friends with Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, a fellow offensive lineman who has put on hold his football career to pursue his medical studies.

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The two were roommates and remain close.

Montreal holds the CFL playing rights to Duvernay-Tardif.

If their schedules allow, the two might even reconnect in Montreal.

SKINNY ON OAK

Shawn Oakman hurt his shoulder in the Argos’ game last Saturday in Edmonton, but he was as Tuesday’s practice, best described a walkthrough exercise for the Argos.

Given there was nothing to gain in the standings, head coach Ryan Dinwiddie said his defensive tackle could have finished the game against the Elks.

As for this week’s big game in Montreal, Dinwiddie said his big man is eager to play.

“He’s going to push it,” said Dinwiddie. “He feels he can go.”

With star running back William Stanback back in the fold for the Als, one of the keys for the Argos is to stop the run, especially on first down, and force passing situations on second down.

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As for boundary halfback Robert Priester, who hurt his neck in Edmonton, Dinwiddie said the Argos will have a new starter in the defensive secondary.

“For the most part, we should be good to go,” said Dinwiddie of this week’s roster, excluding the injury loss to Priester.

NICASTRO IN TOWN

Peter Nicastro was with the Argos when the team gathered at Lamport Stadium.

The highly touted offensive lineman drove from his home in Calgary to Edmonton and accompanied the Argos on their chartered flight back to Toronto.

According to Dinwiddie, the process of Nicastro potentially playing will begin when Nicastro gets cleared to resume football activities.

“We’ll see,” said Dinwiddie. “I have to get him working out and seeing where he’s at.”

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Dinwiddie added there’s no chance Nicastro will play this week.

Depending if Nicastro gets clearance to resume practising this week, Dinwiddie wouldn’t rule out the possibility of Nicastro dressing in the season finale.

Nicastro underwent knee surgery this off-season and has yet to play in 2022 after he was injured late in his rookie season in 2021.

Dejon Allen, who returned to his home in L.A. to witness the birth of his child, missed the Edmonton game.

He wasn’t at Tuesday’s gathering, but Dinwiddie said his starting right tackle was scheduled to touch down in Toronto later in the day.

“He’ll be able to go,” said Dinwiddie of Allen playing this week. “It will be an exciting game for him knowing he’s a new father.”

Shane Richards, who started for Allen, will be a backup against the Als.

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