It was a trade that didn’t have the same impact with fans as, say, the deal that brought Cameron Judge back to Toronto in exchange for Folarin Orimolade.

On February 10, the Argonauts sent defensive back Craig James to Ottawa for Redblacks defensive lineman Andrew Chatfield Junior. James would be released by Ottawa on June 1, while Chatfield has exceeded virtually all expectations.

He’s currently tied for the CFL lead with three sacks and has become an integral part of a defensive group that has recorded seven sacks through three games. It’s something that doesn’t totally surprise the man who tipped off player personnel poohbahs Michael Clemons and John Murphy about Chatfield.

“Ya, I told them about him,” Argo defensive line coach Greg Marshall told Argonauts.ca with a smile.

Marshall knew Chatfield from Ottawa, where last year he held the same coaching position he now holds in Toronto. He knew the Argos d-line was about to be hit hard in free agency and recommended the team give the Redblacks a call about Chatfield’s availability.

“I just asked what his status was in Ottawa,” Marshall explained. “I knew it was going to be tough for him to make it with the guys they were signing and the guys they had coming back. I thought he could come in here and compete and have an opportunity to help us.”

So far, so good. Chatfield has a sack in each game and is third on the team with 11 tackles. He’s thrilled to be reunited with Marshall in Toronto, and not just because they’re both products of Oregon State.

“As a position coach he’s really great,” Chatfield told Argonauts.ca. “He’s really helped me with a lot of things that have improved my game. I’m getting better and better with each game. I’m coming along with the playbook. He’s just always there for me and he’s been a huge help.”

Did the Oregon State connection help Marshall with his decision to endorse Chatfield?

“It didn’t hurt,” Marshall said, again smiling broadly.

Chatfield was named All-State twice while playing at American Heritage High School in Plantation, Florida. He’d play 23 games for the Florida Gators before leaving the state and playing an equal number of games for the Beavers, where he racked up 10.5 sacks and a dozen tackles for loss before heading north.

He thinks his skillset is perfectly suited for the three-down game.

“I can see that in the CFL that pass rushing is a huge need,” said Chatfield. “We need to get people off the field after second down, so I can see why that is one of the most important things. I feel that’s where I can fit because I know I’m a good pass rusher, I know that’s where my strength is.”

Marshall concurs.

“I like his athleticism; I like his enthusiasm,” said the coach. “You could tell he’s a guy that liked playing the game. He’s a prototypical rush end for the CFL.”

Is Marshall surprised his protégé is off to such a quick start?

“Yes and no,” he admitted. “You’re not sure what you’re going to get with a first-year guy. He played one game last year, but it was all on special teams, so this is really his first time playing on defence. Like most young guys there’s been some really good plays, there’s been a few that I’m sure he’d like to have back. It’s a learning process but he’s been very productive so far and we hope it continues.”

The relationship between coach and player is a strong one. There’s also a lot of credibility when Marshall speaks because of how good he was as a player. After beginning his career in the NFL, he headed north where he played defensive end for the Ottawa Rough Riders for nine seasons. He won the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award in 1983, was a four-time all-star, and a couple of years ago was honoured with a spot on the RNation Legacy Wall.

That’s not lost on Chatfield.

“He was a legend in Ottawa,” said the player of the coach. “Just watching some of his tape I could see that he was very elusive, very fast, could get to the ball; he was really that guy. I can respect his game, and I like listening to him because he played the game, so he knows. It’s a little different when the coach played in the game.”

Marshall finished his career with 71 sacks. When asked if he thought he could lead the league in sacks, Chatfield’s answer was quick and matter of fact.

“I don’t really care about that. I really care about us winning.”