Toronto Argonauts: Dexter McCluster talks about return to football

The Toronto Argonauts brought in Dexter McCluster after not playing for the past two years which taught him how to appreciate the game of football more.

One of the biggest differences that NFL players coming up to the CFL have to adjust to is the earlier start to the season. Already five games into their season the Toronto Argonauts could see Dexter McCluster make his debut after a two-year break from football.

When he arrived in Toronto he never came to visit the city and now he gets a chance to, eventually having his family join him.

The 29-year-old was signed by the Argos on July 16 with a clear opportunity ahead of him to make an impact on the roster. He knows that it will be an adjustment coming in later but he’s had some experience with it.

“These guys are already went through the training camp process so I’m coming in trying to learn as fast as I can,” McCluster said after practice back on July 18.

Being a player that has gone through NFL practices, the running back likes how Marc Trestman runs everything and it was evident from day one.

“You can definitely tell that he knows what he’s doing, he sticks to what he knows and he wants things precise,” McCluster said on Trestman’s coaching. “He’s very smart and very particular in how he wants to the offence run and if you stick with you’ll have some success because he’s been doing it.”

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McCluster also admits that he missed the comradery of football and he’s not coming in to do what’s only best for him. What helped him realize his ability to inspire and lead came while coaching high school football during his break from playing.

“Whatever I can do to make the team to better I’m all for it, I’m not looking to come in and be an All-Star if I can help a younger guy out and encourage everyone around me,” he said about his decision to come to the CFL.

“I was coaching at Ravenwood high school and laced up with them everyday with my cleats and just them looking at me like ‘wow this is somebody that played in the NFL’ and just knowing that what I said gave me back that genuine love that you lose when you get to a certain point in your career.”

Now in the NFL, running backs have struggled to find success late in their careers and more are retiring earlier than some would expect.

Recently DeMarco Murray who was a former teammate of McCluster with the Tennessee Titans announced his retirement after only seven seasons in the NFL. McCluster knew that Murray wasn’t looking to play for an extended period but also knows that it comes with the territory because of the beating every football takes when they play.

“You can say that about any position on the field because it’s a contact sport and you can’t avoid it. I’m 165 lbs and have played with that weight all my career in the NFL so I think it’s all about how you approach your game and take care of your body.”

Coming to the Argos, McCluster has really taken the time to get to know his fellow running backs but is glad to be reunited with Cassius Vaughn who he played with at Ole Miss.

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Now he will be a player that Toronto will be looking to turn to because of his experience and talent. Whether there’s enough in the tank will be answered soon but McCluster is just excited to be back on the field.

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