CFL Toronto Argonauts

Five Argos Named to 2013 CFL All-Star Team

Published on December 4, 2013 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Toronto Argonauts News Release


Mississauga - The Toronto Argonauts Football Club is pleased to announce that five (5) members of the Double Blue have been named CFL All-Stars for the 2013 season. On offence, QB Ricky Ray, C Jeff Keeping and OG Chris Van Zeyl have all received all-star nods. On defence, DT Khalif Mitchell, and CB Pat Watkins have both earned all-star honours.

Ray, who was named the East Division Most Outstanding Player in 2013, earns his second career CFL all-star team award (Edmonton in 2006). Ray had a banner year as a member of the Double Blue, setting and breaking multiple club and CFL records. Ray's best game statistically on the season came in week 18 when he passed for a career-high 505 yards and three (3) touchdowns on 39-of-45 attempts. The 39 completions were a new Argos club record for a single game, and the 21 straight passes he completed en route established another team record. Ray played in ten (10) games in 2013 and his accuracy at the quarterback position will go down in CFL history. He completed 77.2% of his passes (234-of-303) which shattered the all-time CFL record of 74% held by Dave Dickenson. In all, Ray passed for 2,878 yards (4th most in the CFL), 21 touchdowns and just two (2) interceptions in his second Argonauts season. Ray's touchdown to interception ratio (21:2) was the best amongst all CFL quarterbacks this season, and his 126.4 QB Rating was both the highest in the CFL and the highest of his career. Ray was named CFL Player of the Week twice in 2013 for his performances in week one (1) against Hamilton and week 18 against Winnipeg.

Jeff Keeping, who was named the East Division Most Outstanding Lineman in 2013, has earned the first CFL all-star award of his career, selected as the all-star at Centre. Starting all 18 games for the Boatmen, Keeping was part of an offensive line that blocked for multiple running backs in 2013 and saw five (5) separate players finish with over 100 total rushing yards on the year (Kackert, Collaros, Norwood, Steele & Durie). Keeping was a part of an offensive line unit that blocked for Argos quarterbacks who led the CFL in passing yards per game with 300, and allowed Ray to set a CFL record by completing 77.2% of his passes. Keeping also received his second career team award nomination, but the first as the Argos' Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman.

Chris Van Zeyl has been named a CFL all-star at Offensive Guard for the first time in his career. He spent the majority of the season at Right Guard but returned to Right Tackle for the final three regular season games and the Eastern Final. Along with Keeping, Van Zeyl was part of an offensive line unit that blocked for Argos quarterbacks who led the CFL in passing yards per game with 300, and allowed Ray to set a CFL record by completing 77.2% of his passes. He also helped block for multiple running backs in 2013 and saw five (5) separate Argos players finish with over 100 total rushing yards on the year (Kackert, Collaros, Norwood, Steele & Durie).

Khalif Mitchell arrived in Toronto this off-season and has since flourished. He has been named a CFL all-star for the second time in his career (BC 2011). A natural leader and a force on the Argos' interior line, Mitchell provided a solid veteran presence on a young defence while consistently performing at a high level. He finished 2013 with 32 tackles and five (5) sacks, which more than doubled his totals from the previous season (15 and 2, respectively).

Pat Watkins has taken the CFL by storm, earning his second straight CFL all-star nod. Two CFL all-star awards in his first two CFL seasons is simply an outstanding feat. Standing at 6-feet, 5-inches tall, Watkins provided a match-up nightmare for opposing offences. No stat is more telling of Watkins' play than his five (5) regular season interceptions, good for a third place tie in league standings. Watkins also earned his first two (2) CFL quarterback sacks while also tallying 47 defensive tackles.

CFL All-Stars were selected by the Football Reporters of Canada (FRC) and CFL head coaches. In total, 50 voters completed their ballots.

Toronto Argonauts 2014 Season Tickets are now on sale! Buy or renew your season tickets by December 20, 2013 and receive early bird pricing. Visit argonauts.ca or call 416-341-ARGO (2746) for more details.

The Toronto Argonauts are North America's oldest professional football club, celebrating their 140th anniversary in 2013. As Toronto's #1 community team through player involvement and community programs, the Toronto Argonauts, a member of the Canadian Football League (CFL), have 16 Grey Cup championships to their credit. For 2014 season ticket and group sales 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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