July 29, 2021

Mickey Donovan has the defence in his blood.

Montreal, July 29, 2021 – Mickey Donovan has been the brain behind the Alouettes’ special teams since 2018, and this year he also has the responsibility of coaching linebackers. A nice mark of confidence by Head Coach Khari Jones.

“I’ve always had a defensive mentality, it’s in my blood. This new function is a great challenge. I feel very involved with our staff and our players, so it is encouraging, especially with the talent we have on defence”.

With Chris Ackie, Brian Harelimana, Alexandre Chevrier, Alexandre Gagné, Ahmad Thomas and Tre Watson as linebackers, Donovan sees things with optimism.

“I look at our players at all positions and there is talent. I was able to see Brian Harelimana with the Carabins in my years with U SPORTS and I saw how good he is. I was also able to play against Régis Cibasu, David Ménard and Kerfalla Exumé, and these players are war machines that are very difficult to face because they never stop working.”

In 2019, in his second year with the Alouettes, Donovan delivered the goods in more than one category on special teams as his protégés followed the game plan. The Alouettes dominated the CFL with an average of 12.5 yards on punt returns.

“Mickey has been really devoted and passionate, he likes football. With the way he teaches the game, players have a fun time learning from him”, said Head Coach Khari Jones at the end of the last practice of the camp.

Donovan showed why he was named coach of the year in the Quebec conference in 2014 when he led the Concordia Stingers.

“The credit goes to the players, they are the ones who follow the plan. I feel more comfortable since my rookie year. We work with a good group of athletes, which always makes the work of the coaches easier.”

He said it

“I am very proud of the guys, I would have liked us to play next week so much, as I am confident despite the small injuries. The players are ready, they had a very good camp.” 
– Khari Jones

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