The Toronto Argonauts have strengthened an already stacked offensive backfield by signing FCS superstar RB Deonta McMahon.  The Southland Conference’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2022 at McNeese State was also a nominee for the Walter Payton Award, which is given annually to the Most Outstanding Offensive Player at the FCS level.

Toronto Argonauts Add Dynamic Running Back Deonta McMahon

Deonta McMahon, 23, played three seasons at McNeese State (2020-2022) after initially transferring from Butte College in Oroville, California, where he was named an All-American after rushing for 1,214 yards and 15 touchdowns as a freshman.

Throughout 27 games at McNeese, McMahon rushed for 2,155 yards and 21 touchdowns while catching 57 passes for 519 yards and another two scores. The 5’9, 185lb Florida native broke out last season, earning First-Team All-Conference honours in 2022, was voted Offensive Player of the Year, and a nominee for the Walter Payton Award after rushing for a career-high 1,408 yards and 12 touchdowns.

McMahon joins an Argos backfield that includes future first-ballot hall of fame RB Andrew Harris, 2022 All-Star A.J. Ouellette, last year’s second-round pick Daniel Adeboboye, and electrifying returner Javon Leake.

The defending Grey Cup Champion Argonauts have an embarrassment of riches at running back. However, finding a way to dress multiple runners on game day won’t be easy.

Deonta McMahon will join the Boatmen for their scheduled rookie minicamp at the University of Guelph on Wednesday, May 10. Toronto’s first preseason game occurs on Saturday, May 27th, against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The team will also hold its final preseason game against the Ottawa Redblacks on June 1st on the Guelph campus at Alumni Stadium.

This year’s training camp and preseason action will help the Argos staff determine who makes the cut in their ultra-talented offensive backfield when the regular season starts for Toronto on Sunday, June 18th, at home against Hamilton.

CFL teams historically have had success unearthing hidden gems from lesser-profile college football programs.

The Argos have signed a player in Deonta McMahon, who, quite frankly, should be on an NFL roster as a rookie trying to make the big league down south. The shifty 5’8, 185lb back with 4.4 speed fell under the radar because of his small school profile and late bloomer status. The Boatmen have a chance to benefit from McMahon being overlooked.