Toronto Argonauts: Shawn Lemon returns to wreak havoc on defence

Shawn Lemon rejoins the Toronto Argonauts on a reported one-year deal, to reunite with Corey Chamblin and boost the defence.

Shawn Lemon is coming back and Toronto Argonauts fans couldn’t be more excited. If he’s anything close to his productivity from the last three seasons, the defence has an excellent chance of recovering from a terrible 2018 campaign.

As per TSN‘s David Naylor, the news of Lemon’s return was first announced by general manager Jim Popp during an appearance on TSN 1050. Justin Dunk of 3DownNation reported that the contract is for one year.

Lemon was a force for the Argonauts during his previous spell in Southern Ontario. He was especially dominant during the 2016 season, when he registered a career-high 14 sacks — along with 22 defensive tackles and four forced fumbles — and earned his first CFL All-Star selection.

The following year, the 30-year-old helped the Double Blue win the 105th Grey Cup, in a dramatic game against the Calgary Stampeders. He only played in 12 regular season games due to injury issues, but still recorded eight sacks, 18 defensive tackles and a forced fumble.

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Lemon’s biggest contribution during the Argos’ run to the championship in 2017, came in the East Final against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Playing like a man possessed against his previous team — there was reported friction with the Roughriders’ coaching staff and he only played one game for them before being traded to Toronto — he had three sacks and five defensive tackles.

Lemon played five games for the Argos last year, before being traded to the BC Lions. He carried on where he left off from his time in Toronto, contributing 10 sacks in just 13 games.

As per CFL.ca, it is believed the Charleston, South Carolina native’s decision to rejoin to the Double Blue was influenced by the return of Corey Chamblin. The Argos’ new head coach is renowned for being a defensive guru, and the duo worked well during their one season together in 2017.

Of course, the Argonauts will need more than just Lemon and Chamblin to get back on track. However, the defence is coming together nicely and can only benefit from the presence of the two men.

Lemon has totaled 61 sacks, 132 defensive tackles, 19 forced fumbles and an interception during eight years in the CFL. He has also won two Grey Cup rings, with his first one coming in 2014 with the Stampeders, when he registered career-highs with 26 defensive tackles and eight forced fumbles.

The defensive end played his college ball at the University of Akron, with the Akron Zips. As a senior, he led the team with seven sacks and four fumble recoveries, on the way to being named to the All-Mid-American Conference Second Team.

Do you expect Lemon to continue the form he has shown during his last three seasons in the CFL? What kind of year are you predicting for the Toronto Argonauts’ defence in general? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.