Toronto Argonauts: Ryan Dinwiddie sees big potential in Michael O’Connor

Speaking about the Toronto Argonauts quarterbacks heading into the season, new head coach Ryan Dinwiddie likes what Michael O’Connor has to offer.

When the Toronto Argonauts drafted Michael O’Connor 20th overall in the 2019 CFL Draft, there was a lot of intrigue with the pick.

It was the highest a Canadian quarterback was selected since  Jesse Palmer was taken 15th overall by the Montreal Alouettes in 2001 and that wasn’t by mistake.

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The former UBC Thunderbird got some snaps near the end of the season and there was a feeling that even with a new management and coaching staff in place, the Orleans, Ont., native had a bright future ahead with the team. It might take some time though considering the quarterbacks in front of him.

Speaking to Frank Zicarelli of the Toronto Sun, new Argos head coach Ryan Dinwiddie admitted that he likes what O’Connor has to offer.

"“Michael has a high ceiling,” Dinwiddie told Zicarelli. “In my opinion, he has the opportunity to be a starter in our league. He doesn’t that huge arm where he can throw it 70 yards down the field, but he has arm strength where the ball jumps out of his hands.“He can really spin it. And the kid is tough as hell. He’ll take shots and not flinch. I love the courage he shows.”"

That’s some pretty high praise from a coach who has worked with some quality quarterbacks in his time with the Calgary Stampeders. This is part of the reason why the Argos targeted Dinwiddie in the first place.

Dinwiddie admitted that the Stampeders were looking to draft O’Connor before he was taken by Toronto. The Argos coach along with offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Jarious Jackson will likely play a big role in making sure O’Connor can continue his development.

With Matt Nichols and McLeod-Bethel Thompson on the roster, the Argonauts will have a quality of depth at the quarterback position that they haven’t had in years. It seems that in today’s CFL you need a couple of options considering many teams dealt with injuries and in some cases, less than adequate performances.

While it’s tough to say when the Argos see O’Connor in a position to compete for a starting job but there is a lot to look forward to if and when training camp does open.

What potential do you see with O’Connor at the quarterback position? Do you think he has the chance to be a starter sooner rather than later? Let us know in the comments below.