“We are pleased that our Quebecers are coming to fill gaps in our team”
-Éric Deslauriers
As of now, the Alouettes have 24 Quebec-born players on their roster. Never before in the franchise’s history have we seen such an impressive number. The Ottawa REDBLACKS are right behind in terms of Quebecers on the roster, with 11.
“Yes, it’s important to have local guys because they are a great source of pride for our fans. We are pleased that our Quebecers are coming to fill gaps in our team”, says Éric Deslauriers, Director of football operations with the Alouettes.
The duo formed of President Mario Cecchini and General Manager Danny Maciocia promised to fill up on local talent, and the pair kept its word. “Danny played important role in varsity football in the last few years, and he got to know the athletes’ strengths and weaknesses very well; If he’s acquired a player, it’s because he knows what he can do for us,” Deslauriers adds.
Éric Deslauriers played nine seasons in the nest after a successful career with the Eagles of Eastern Michigan University. His exploits earned him a contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. “There were good Quebecers when I started at the college level, but nothing like it is now. With the success of the Carabins and the Rouge et Or, it snowballed. It influenced the other universities to raise their level of play. McGill, Sherbrooke and Concordia University have improved a lot, which is excellent for Quebec football,” says the former Alouettes’ player. Just think of Laurent Duvernay-Tardif who went to the Super Bowl last year and Antony Auclair who participated this year.
“Programs in CEGEPs have improved significantly over the past 15 years. Coaches are better developed. Young players can actually see themselves having a career in professional football. It’s nice to see what’s happening in football here.”
According to him, the local players on the team are very excited to start the training camp with the Alouettes. “Most of the players come from teams where English is the predominant language in the locker room. The guys are just happy to get back to their roots. Many footballers will be able to speak French around their teammates and that will be fun for them.”
In addition to the 24 players, the coaching staff also relies on Quebecers, with André Bolduc (Assistant Head Coach and Running Back Coach), Luc Brodeur-Jourdain (Offensive Line Coach), and Byron Archambault (Special Teams Assistant).
Quebecers with the Alouettes
Offence
- Kristan Matte
- David Foucault
- Philippe Gagnon
- Jason Lauzon-Séguin
- Samuel Thomassin
- Christophe Normand
- Félix Faubert-Lussier
- Régis Cibasu
- Vincent Alessandrini
- Hugo Richard
Defence
- Jean-Samuel Blanc
- Benoit Marion
- David Ménard
- Junior Luke
- Marc-Antoine Dequoy
- Kerfalla Exumé
- Frederic Chagnon
- Alexandre Gagné
- Alexandre Chevrier
- Brian Harelimana
- Jersey Henry
Special teams
- Martin Bédard
- Félix Brière
- Pierre-Luc Caron
