The Alouettes might be taking part in training camp in the heart of Montreal on the McGill University Campus, a strong influence coming from the other end of highway 20 can be felt in the team’s locker room.
Indeed, no less than seven former Université Laval Rouge et Or players have a locker inside the team’s room. Together, all seven of Glen Constantin’s protégés total 16 Vanier Cup championships.
“In Montreal, I have the chance to meet up once more with colleagues with whom I’ve been to war,” said receiver Félix Faubert-Lussier. “When you arrive it helps that you already know the guys, since a good chunk of camp consists of getting to know the guys. It helps your confidence level, especially when it’s guys you won with.”
On top of the latter, Boris Bede, Hugo Richard, Christophe Normand, Étienne Moisan, Luc Brodeur-Jourdain and Samuel Thomassin are all former Rouge et Or players trying to stick with the Alouettes.
In Saturday’s practice, Richard completed a pass to Christophe Normand while being partially protected by Samuel Thomassin, which allowed the offence to obtain a first down.
To those 16 Vanier Cups, you need to add the seven national championships won by players from other universities, as Jean-Gabriel Poulin, Chris Merchant, Taylor Loffler, Jean-Samuel Blanc, Philippe Dion, Spencer Moore and Alexander Morrison all won a title during their college playing days.
Rapid Fire
The Alouettes played a mini-match on Saturday as referees were on the field. The players were intense for this first test… Receiver DeVier Posey continued to show that hard work keeps paying off, as he made a spectacular one-handed catch on a Jeff Mathews pass, all while making seem effortless… Former Western University Mustangs quarterback Chris Merchant found receiver Malcom Carter in the end zone on consecutive plays, once for a touchdown and once for a two-point conversion. Both times, Carter took full advantage of the reach being 6’6″ provides him to get his hands on the ball… Running back William Stanback made an impressive run of more than 20 yards putting his team in great field position… Defensive lineman Nathaniel Anderson, 16th overall choice in the last CFL Draft, did not take long to shine. In his third day, he recovered a loose football… Quarterback Vernon Adam Jr. was successful as he spotted his receivers without a problem, Dante Absher caught one of his balls, as did Quan Bray, who jumped high for a gain of almost 40 yards, a beautiful play in spectacular fashion! Bray has been impressive for the last few days… Defensive tackle Michael Sanelli, the 39th overall pick in the last CFL Draft gave headaches to quarterbacks by knocking down a few passes.
He said it
“I’m in my second year with the Alouettes so things are better. It’s always easier with a year of experience in your luggage. The injuries took me away from the field in 2018, but I read a lot on our playbook, which explains why I’m more confident when I am on the field. I’m happy with the way our mini-match went.”
– Jeff Mathews
Schedule
Sunday, May 26
8:30 a.m. – Practice at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium, followed by media availability on the field
