Cantin-Arku ready for starting role in Alouettes defence

Montreal Alouettes linebacker Geoffrey Cantin-Arku looks as comfortable as ever — and there are a few reasons for that.

First, training camp is taking place just a few minutes from where Cantin-Arku grew up in Lévis, Quebec. Through the first two days of camp, the former ninth overall pick in the 2024 CFL Canadian Draft has already had several friends and family members visit the Université Laval campus to watch the Alouettes practise.

Secondly, he’s now entering his third season as a pro. The game has slowed down for the former Memphis Tigers football standout, and he continues to grow more comfortable in defensive coordinator Noel Thorpe’s system.

“It’s a golden opportunity for me,” he said on Sunday. “The fact that training camp is in Quebec is special. The goal for me is to continue being myself. The key to success in football is staying true to yourself. This is my third year in Thorpe’s defence, so I’m much more comfortable. I have a good relationship with Tyrice Beverette and Tyrell Richards, and I think that gives me an advantage.”

This offseason, Als management decided to move on from veteran Darnell Sankey in order to give Cantin-Arku a larger role. The 27-year-old is currently pencilled in as the team’s starting middle linebacker, replacing Sankey in the lineup.

Cantin-Arku spent his first two seasons as the Alouettes’ ‘BUCK’ linebacker. The BUCK is essentially the fourth linebacker in a 3-4 defensive scheme (three defensive linemen and four linebackers). Since Thorpe’s defence primarily uses a 3-4 front, Cantin-Arku already saw plenty of defensive snaps, so the transition to full-time middle linebacker shouldn’t be overly difficult.

“I learned a lot from Sankey,” Cantin-Arku added. “He was an excellent veteran. Over the last two years, I realized what it takes to be a professional football player. The biggest thing I learned from Sankey was how he took care of his body both on and off the field. He was also consistent every day. There’s always someone who wants your position, so you can never get too comfortable.”

Even though Cantin-Arku and Sankey play the same position, they each bring a different style to the game. Sankey was more of a downhill, physical linebacker, while Cantin-Arku relies more on his mobility and versatility.

“Sankey was physical and more of a downhill player,” he said of his former teammate. “I’m someone who can do a little bit of everything. To do that, I need to stay mobile and nimble on my feet.

“I can defend both the run and the pass. I can run stunts, too. I can play at all three levels of the defence. I can move with the defensive linemen and linebackers, but I can also drop into coverage like a free safety. I’m very mobile, and that allows me to do a lot of different things.”

In his first two seasons, Cantin-Arku recorded 33 and 38 defensive tackles, respectively. This year, assuming he stays healthy for the entire season, he’ll have a legitimate opportunity to reach the 100-tackle mark for the first time in his career.