May 25, 2017

Rookie camp report – Day 2

Sherbrooke – The Montreal Alouettes rookies were back at work Thursday afternoon, as poor weather awaited the players for this second day of Rookie Camp at Bishop’s University’s Coulter Field. The team’s prospects picked right up where they had left off the day before, trying to impress Alouettes’ management and in order to share the field with the veterans when the main camp opens on Sunday.

Time to shine
The Alouettes’ coaching staff put emphasis on confrontations between teammates during this second practice and was able to bring out the best of the club’s prospects. Whether the coaches ran duels between receivers and defensive backs, or a clash between special teams formations, these drills gave the rookies another chance to shine and showcase their athletic abilities and football instinct. In front of their gathered teammates, these auditions were as physical as they were spectacular.

Defensive back Vincenté Miles and linebacker Anthony Sarao have been the most consistent players of Noel Thorpe’s squad since the opening of rookie camp. Both really stood out with strong performances, showing their great skill sets and football IQ early on in camp. On the other side of the ball, receivers Danny Anthrop and T.J. Graham made everything look so easy for a second straight day. Both players are becoming more and more important on coach Justin Chapdelaine’s chessboard.

Rapid fire – Player impressions
The Alouettes players showed a lot more ease on the field Thursday. This extra day of team meetings proved to be very beneficial for coaches trying to install new concepts, as well as for their protégés who have to learn fast and adapt quickly.

“I have to go full speed on every single play and keep running to the ball. Coach Thorpe loves when we run to the ball aggressively and he expects this poise for every guy on defence,” commented the Alouettes 2017 first draft selection, Fabion Foote. “The key for me will be to be consistent in my performance and to demonstrate that I can adapt quickly to this high level of play.”

“The day went really well for me. I am very pleased with my progression so far,” declared Oumar Touré. “I have to keep working and adapt to the speed of the game here in order to have success. To me this is the biggest gap between collegiate and professional levels.”

“I am really a do-it-all kind of player and ready to play every role coach Thorpe will need me to,” said Deandre Wright. “The next step will be to know the playbook inside out and I’ll be ready when it’s time to take advantage of the opportunity.”

Tomorrow
The 2017 Alouettes rookie camp concludes on Friday, as the team will partake in a single practice on Bishop’s University’s Coulter Field at 3:20 p.m.