Argos go all the way with R. Jay
Published on June 15, 2005 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Toronto Argonauts News Release
Mississauga - The Toronto Argonauts Football Club is thrilled to announce that it has extended the contract of former first round NFL draft pick R. Jay Soward. The dynamic receiver joined the team last season and quickly made an impact with his explosive speed and ability to make big plays. Soward had 15 receptions and 5 touchdowns to his credit in 2004, despite battling injuries. The California native enjoyed his time in Toronto so much that he and his family braved the Canadian winter and made Mississauga their off-season home.
Greg Mohns, Argonauts Assistant General Manager/Director of Player Personnel, commented, ââR. Jay really became the big play receiver we thought he would be in the second half of the season last year. In the off-season, R. Jay dedicated himself to becoming stronger and more explosive and I'm sure he will be one to watch in 2005. He gives us big play potential on every snap. Undoubtedly, R. Jay is one of the fastest receivers in the league and we wanted to reward him for his diligence and hard work in the off-season.''
Soward, R. Jay #18
USC
Wide Receiver
5'10", 191 lbs
Born: September 26, 1978
Rialto, California
2nd Year Argo / 2nd Year CFL
Import
Acquired: Negotiation rights acquired from Winnipeg in exchange for Randy Bowles and Corey Annett. Signed with Toronto as a free agent on May 18, 2004.
2005: Started at SB in first pre-season game at Halifax and made 1 reception for no gain.
2004: Averaged a TD for every three catches...Made Argonauts and CFL debut in Week 1 (15/06/04), had 1 catch for 54 yards and a TD...Added to IR for Weeks 4 & 5 (ankle)...Week 6, dressed and backed up Mike Palmer at SB, caught 1 ball for 11-yards and re-injured ankle... Week 10, returned to line-up and backed up at SB, catching 2 passes for 89 yards, including 1 pass for a 67-yard TD from Michael Bishop, his longest reception of the season...Week 12, started at SB and was ejected in the 1st quarter of action for objectionable conduct, replaced by Arland Bruce III in the Labour Day Classic at Hamilton...Week 18, started at SB and caught 1 pass for 8 yards but was injured (shoulder) on the play and left the game, WR Tony Miles moved to SB (WR Mike Palmer then replaced Miles at wideout) at Calgary...Did not dress in Weeks 19 & 20 due to injury...2004 Playoffs Started at receiver in East Semi-Final vs Hamilton made 1 catch for 18 yards...Started at SB and recorded no stats in the East Championship vs Montreal...Grey Cup Championship Started at SB and caught 3 passes for 31 yards in win vs BC.
2001 - 2003: Did not see any action, but rights held by Jacksonville (NFL).
2000: Taken by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 1st Round (29th Overall) of the 2000 NFL Draft...dressed for 13 games grabbing 14 passes for 154 yards.
College: All-PAC 10 dynamo at USC, finished third on the Trojan's all-time kickoff return chart (1,178 yards) and eighth on its career pass catching list (110 grabs)...scored 27 touchdowns (19 receiving, 3 kickoff return, 2 punt return), averaged a score for every seven catches. 1999 Received All PAC 10 Conference 2nd Team honours for third straight year...finished 3rd on the team in receiving...best game was against Oregon when he caught 12 passes for 148 yards and 1 rushing TD...1998 Received All PAC 10 Conference 2nd Team honours...runner-up for Mosi Tattupu Award for top special teams player in the country...1997 Received All PAC 10 Conference 2nd Team honours...averaged 123.9 all purpose yards per game...1996 As a freshman, he received All-Pac 10 Conference honourable mention...returned two kickoffs for TDs.
Personal: Full name is Rodney Jay Soward. R. Jay spent the off-season in Mississauga with his partner Deneesha and their four children. He is a regular member of the Argo charity basketball team, the Courtside Boatmen. R. Jay spends his spare time writing and producing music.
Canadian Football League Stories from June 15, 2005
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- Training camp - day 18 - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Blue Bombers team with Canad Inns - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Argos go all the way with R. Jay - Toronto Argonauts
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