Jackson officially joins Argos By FRANK ZICARELLI, QMI Agency

Jarious Jackson looks to throw against the Alouettes in Montreal, Que., June 20, 2011. (MARTIN CHEVALIER/QMI Agency)

TORONTO - The Argos made official on Wednesday news that was first leaked last week, a move that adds depth and experience at quarterback.

In Jarious Jackson, the Argos get a veteran who will line up under centre and assume the role of good solider in the event incumbent Ricky Ray gets injured.

Jackson joins Adam Tarfalis, formerly of Hamilton, in Toronto, where Ray plans to get every rep as he learns new head coach Scott Milanovich’s offence.

Jackson spent the past seven seasons in B.C., where he was part of two championship teams.

During his time with the Lions, Jackson dressed in 108 regular-season games, including 22 starts, passing for more than 7,000 yards and rushing for more than 1,000 yards.

“I’d like to thank Wally Buono and the BC Lions for my tenure there,” Jackson said in a statement released by the Argos. “I will miss the fans and the guys in the locker room but I look forward to establishing those same types of relationships in Toronto.

“I’m very excited to be an Argonaut. It feels like it’s been a long time coming since the Argos held my original CFL rights and I’ve talked to the Argos many times over the years. I believe that I was always meant to be an Argo and I’m finally here.

“I’m happy to work with coach Milanovich and his staff and am eager to get started and do what I can to help the team win the 100th Grey Cup."