Montreal Alouettes Thread

[jerrym]

Kavis Reed discusses the SJ trade implications below.

Time will dictate the merits of Kavis Reed’s tenure with the Alouettes; it always does. But the new general manager’s legacy might be remembered as being the guy who traded away S.J. Green.
“The question I wrestled with, at what point do you make a switch of this magnitude? When does it become easy?” Reed said Thursday afternoon, after the Als announced Green had been traded to the Toronto Argonauts for a sixth-round pick in next month’s Canadian college draft, along with a conditional 2018 pick.
“I’m not being paid to make easy decisions,” Reed continued. “It’s never going to be easy to transition from an S.J. Green-calibre player, but it happens in every league. It’s never an easy time … because of what he’s done and what he means to the franchise.
“But you can’t be afraid to make decisions.” ...

While Green’s rehabilitation has progressed nicely and his recovery’s on schedule — he has vowed to be ready for the start of training camp on May 28 — there’s much uncertainty as he moves forward, which is understandable.
He’s also scheduled to earn $250,000 this season and, once he passed his physical, would have been asked to restructure his contract. Indeed, Green admitted he was approached by Reed this month at mini-camp to take a pay cut, but the two couldn’t reach an agreement. ...

Green arguably become redundant when the Als signed free-agent receiver Ernest Jackson from Ottawa in February. Nik Lewis, B.J. Cunningham, Tiquan Underwood and Samuel Giguère are among the returning receivers. On Thursday, the Als also signed Canadian receiver Devon Bailey, who spent three seasons with Edmonton and is a former first-round draft choice.
“When you look at all the matrix of our football team and the receiving corps we have, we’re very confident we have a very strong core group,” Reed said. “We feel, moving forward, we have to be able to turn the page.”

http://montrealgazette.com/sports/fo...or-draft-picks

[jerrym]

GM Reed's goal is to build a winning culture in Montreal.

It only seems like new general manager Kavis Reed has done a complete makeover of the Montreal Alouettes.
The former special teams co-ordinator who replaced Jim Popp, the GM since 1996, has certainly put his stamp on the former CFL east powerhouse that has missed the playoffs the last two seasons.
Gone are star receiver S.J. Green, defensive lineman Alan-Michael Cash, linebacker Winston Venable, offensive lineman Jeff Perrett and a handful of others from the squad that finished 7-11 last season. In came veteran quarterback Darian Durant, receiver Ernest Jackson, offensive lineman Jovan Olafioye and more.
To many fans, it appears that a whole new team will take the field this season.
"The percentage of change is just under 25 per cent and that's probably normal attrition in the CFL off-season," Reed said Thursday. "We've deleted some guys we felt culturally didn't fit and we've deleted guys that contractually didn't fit.
"I don't think our percentage of change is much different from any other CFL team, but whenever you have a new regime you have an opportunity to transform the culture. What we're trying to establish is a very good football environment that has the mandate to be successful on the field."
The environment hasn't been much good in recent seasons for the team that used to dominate the East, making eight trips to the Grey Cup and winning three from 2000 to 2010. Since their last Grey Cup, the Alouettes are 1-4 in playoff games.
Owner Bob Wetenhall finally decided to cut ties with the only GM he ever employed, only to see Popp catch on with the rival Toronto Argonauts. And Popp immediately signed Marc Trestman, the last coach to win a Cup in Montreal. Green, Cash, Venable, Kyle Graves and others soon followed and will be wearing Argo blue next season.
Reed, who joined Montreal as special teams co-ordinator under Popp in 2015, was a surprise choice to replace him as GM on Dec. 14.
"The league is better with Jim Popp in it," said Reed. "He did a phenomenal job in Montreal. We're trying to recapture that championship attitude. It's a great opportunity for the Toronto Argonauts to see the reinvigorated genius part of Jim Popp."
Reed started with many of Popp's holdovers, including the linebacker trio of Bear Woods, Chip Cox and Kyries Hebert, long-standing defensive end John Bowman and receivers like Nik Lewis, B.J. Cunningham and Samuel Giguere. So it's not like the entire team has changed.
He opted to add the proven quarterback the Alouettes have lacked since Anthony Calvillo retired in 2013 by acquiring Durant and to rework the offensive line, which will have two American players as well as all-star Olafioye. Back-up quarterbacks Rakeem Cato and Jonathan Crompton are also gone.
He brought in Jackson, but Green, an Alouette since 2007 and one of the league's top pass-catchers in his heyday, had to go. Reed made sure Green's departure was done with the player's feelings in mind.
"We didn't want S.J. to be on the streets, cut and released and not have an opportunity to be in a familiar setting with people he's familiar with," said Reed. "So there was the human side of it. We didn't want to just coldly and blindly release him."
Reed is preparing for his first draft as GM on Sunday. The Alouettes traded their first round pick, third overall, to British Columbia last season for quarterback Vernon Adams. Montreal's top pick is 12th overall, but he may try to trade up if a player they want is available.

http://www.timescolonist.com/new-gm-...tes-1.18332921

[jerrym]

WR/KR Stefan Logan discusses his upcoming season goal.

📽 @StefLogan11 n'a qu'un seul objectif en tête pour la prochaine saison : se surpasser! À voir ICI 👇 #VivementJuin #AlsMTL pic.twitter.com/IRTd6XjtER

— #AlsMTL (@MTLAlouettes) May 4, 2017

[jerrym]

Draft coordinator Eric DesLauriers on today's draft:

I’m looking for players with character that will bring leadership to the team! - Éric Deslauriers, Draft Coordinator #AlsMTL pic.twitter.com/RNClY12t3q

— #AlsMTL (@MTLAlouettes) May 4, 2017

[jerrym]

A look at the Alouettes' draft:

The Montreal Alouettes selected defensive lineman Fabion Foote from the McMaster University Marauders, with their first pick (twelfth overall) in the second round of the CFL Canadian Draft.
Foote (6’02”, 285 lbs) lands in Montreal after a remarkable four-year collegiate career suiting up for 25 regular season games for the Marauders and recording 43 defensive tackles, 6.5 quarterback sacks and an impressive 13 tackles for losses.
The North York, ON native was key contributor in the 2014 McMaster playoff run, as the team respectively won the Yates Cup and the Mitchell Bowl, before losing to the University of Montréal Carabins in the Vanier Cup Championship game. Foote was invited along with the CIS standout players to attend the 2016 East-West Bowl game.
The Alouettes then selected defensive back Dondre Wright in the third round (20th overall). Wright (5’11”, 210 lbs.) played for the Henderson State University Reddies the last two seasons, amassing 113 tackles in 24 games. He also knocked down eight passes, while recovering two fumbles. The Ajax, ON native played two seasons at the New Mexico Military Institute prior to joining the Reddies.
In the fourth round (29th overall), General Manager Kavis Reed selected receiver Alexander Morrison (6’4″, 220 lbs.) from the UBC Thunderbirds, where he played four seasons, lifting the Vanier Cup in 2015. In 26 games, the Sault St. Marie, ON native caught 50 passes for 817 yards. The versatile and explosive player also shined on special teams, finishing first in the country with 679 kickoff return yards on 30 returns. He was named a Conference West All-Star.
The Alouettes then picked offensive lineman Zach Annen (6’3″, 295 lbs.) from Carleton Ravens in the fifth round (39th overall). Annen played his first two seasons on the Ravens defensive line before moving to the other side of the trenches, as he was a starter at the centre position the following two seasons. He played 29 regular season games for the Ravens.
In the sixth round, the Alouettes had two picks. With the first one (45th overall), the club picked a second Raven when it selected receiver Malcolm Carter (6’6″, 215 lbs.). He played three seasons with Carleton before joining the Ottawa Sooners of the Ontario Junior Football League, where he caught 29 passes for 537 yards and nine touchdowns in only seven games.
With the second pick of the round (48th overall), Montreal acquired the rights to receiver Denzel Radford (6’3″, 200 lbs.). Last year, the University of Calgary Dino led the conference on kickoff and punt returns. He also played on defence.
In the seventh round (56th overall), the Alouettes opted for defensive back Ty Cranston from the Ottawa University Gee-Gees. The big-bodied defensive back totalled 129 defensive tackles in the 30 outings in four seasons. Cranston added two interceptions, in addition to forcing one fumble and recovering one.
With its final pick of the night, the Alouettes selected Montreal native and Sherbrooke University productOumar Touré (6’04” 250 lbs.) in the eighth round (65th overall). The latter caught 31 passes good for 491 receiving yards in 24 outings. The 23-year-old was invited to the 2016 East-West Bowl, following his best career-season.

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2017...anadian-draft/

[jerrym]

A video look behind the scenes of the Alouettes 2017 draft:

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2017...-of-the-draft/

[jerrym]

Here's the lowdown on Montreal's first draft pick, Fabion Foote.

Foote (6’02”, 285 lbs) lands in Montreal after a remarkable four-year collegiate career suiting up for 25 regular season games for the Marauders and recording 43 defensive tackles, 6.5 quarterback sacks and an impressive 13 tackles for losses.
The North York, ON native was key contributor in the 2014 McMaster playoff run, as the team respectively won the Yates Cup and the Mitchell Bowl, before losing to the University of Montréal Carabins in the Vanier Cup Championship game. Foote was invited along with the CIS standout players to attend the 2016 East-West Bowl game.

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2017...te-first-pick/

[jerrym]

Third round draft pick of the Alouettes DB Dondre Wright of Henderson States talks about his game in this video.

📽 Meet Dondre Wright, one of our promising picks from this weekend's Draft. Welcome to Montreal, @Dondre_Wright! #CFLDraft #AlsMTL pic.twitter.com/PJqtwNUYH2

— #AlsMTL (@MTLAlouettes) May 9, 2017

[jerrym]

Here's a summary of the Als' draft picks.

Fabion Foote (6’02”, 285 lbs) lands in Montreal after a remarkable four-year collegiate career suiting up for 25 regular season games for the Marauders and recording 43 defensive tackles, 6.5 quarterback sacks and an impressive 13 tackles for losses.
The North York, ON native was key contributor in the 2014 McMaster playoff run, as the team respectively won the Yates Cup and the Mitchell Bowl, before losing to the University of Montréal Carabins in the Vanier Cup Championship game. Foote was invited along with the CIS standout players to attend the 2016 East-West Bowl game.
The Alouettes then selected defensive back Dondre Wright in the third round (20th overall). Wright (5’11”, 210 lbs.) played for the Henderson State University Reddies the last two seasons, amassing 113 tackles in 24 games. He also knocked down eight passes, while recovering two fumbles. The Ajax, ON native played two seasons at the New Mexico Military Institute prior to joining the Reddies.
In the fourth round (29th overall), General Manager Kavis Reed selected receiver Alexander Morrison (6’4″, 220 lbs.) from the UBC Thunderbirds, where he played four seasons, lifting the Vanier Cup in 2015. In 26 games, the Sault St. Marie, ON native caught 50 passes for 817 yards. The versatile and explosive player also shined on special teams, finishing first in the country with 679 kickoff return yards on 30 returns. He was named a Conference West All-Star.
The Alouettes then picked offensive lineman Zach Annen (6’3″, 295 lbs.) from Carleton Ravens in the fifth round (39th overall). Annen played his first two seasons on the Ravens defensive line before moving to the other side of the trenches, as he was a starter at the centre position the following two seasons. He played 29 regular season games for the Ravens.
In the sixth round, the Alouettes had two picks. With the first one (45th overall), the club picked a second Raven when it selected receiver Malcolm Carter (6’6″, 215 lbs.). He played three seasons with Carleton before joining the Ottawa Sooners of the Ontario Junior Football League, where he caught 29 passes for 537 yards and nine touchdowns in only seven games.
With the second pick of the round (48th overall), Montreal acquired the rights to receiver Denzel Radford (6’3″, 200 lbs.). Last year, the University of Calgary Dino led the conference on kickoff and punt returns. He also played on defence.
In the seventh round (56th overall), the Alouettes opted for defensive back Ty Cranston from the Ottawa University Gee-Gees. The big-bodied defensive back totalled 129 defensive tackles in the 30 outings in four seasons. Cranston added two interceptions, in addition to forcing one fumble and recovering one.
With its final pick of the night, the Alouettes selected Montreal native and Sherbrooke University productOumar Touré (6’04” 250 lbs.) in the eighth round (65th overall). The latter caught 31 passes good for 491 receiving yards in 24 outings. The 23-year-old was invited to the 2016 East-West Bowl, following his best career-season.

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2017...anadian-draft/

[jerrym]

B J Cunningham talks about his background and playing in Montreal in this video.

🎥 "I feel like the sky is the limit for us. I'm really excited!" - @BjCunningham_03 #AlsMTL pic.twitter.com/k77BS3uorM

— #AlsMTL (@MTLAlouettes) May 12, 2017

[jerrym]

Nik Lewis that 2017 is likely his last season.

The outgoing receiver is ready to close the door on his 14-year career but can’t avoid leaving it open just a crack. You know, just in case.
That means don’t expect any farewell tour like Kobe or Jeter or Big Papi.
“Yeah, that’s why I signed the two-year deal. You never know what’s going to happen,” said Lewis. “If I go out and play very well and do what I’m supposed to do, I feel confident it’ll be my last year.
“But you never know. You go down and lose a Grey Cup or lose in the Eastern Final, it’s like . . . why not try it again?”

https://www.cfl.ca/2017/05/16/nik-le...final-chapter/

[jerrym]

RB Tyrell Sutton discusses the upcoming Als season.

.@AllOfASutton22 is ready to show you what he's got. His thoughts on the upcoming season 👇 #AlsMTL #IsItJuneYet pic.twitter.com/Fs4eOQR9AL

— #AlsMTL (@MTLAlouettes) May 14, 2017

[jerrym]

Kavis Reed discusses the Als' draft choices below.

Some will suggest Reed came out of the exercise with a passing grade, especially considering the Als were without a first-round draft choice for only the third time since 1996. Reed entertained the thought of moving up, but the price for one of those he coveted — probably linebacker Cameron Judge, receiver Nate Behar or defensive-lineman Randy Colling — undoubtedly was simply too high or he would have pulled the trigger. Or something else scared him off.
Instead, Reed used his first choice, 12th overall, to select McMaster defensive-tackle Fabion Foote. The 6-foot-2, 285 pounder is athletic and explosive. And he has a year of eligibility remaining with the Marauders, just in case. But one CFL executive said his team gave Foote a third-round grade, while more than one source wondered why the Als chose a position at which they appear to be deep. The Als also added three wide receivers and one tight end on Sunday.
“I’m very shocked by their first pick. They already have many interior defensive linemen,” said one. “How many Canadian wide receivers do they need? Bad draft, man. They passed on good, local players.”

Said another source: “Given there was some depth at defensive line, I thought they’d go offensive line with their first pick. Then come back to the DL later. When you look at their roster, DL isn’t a position of need.”
The Als added Jabar Westerman, Keith Shologan and Don Oramasionwu, all non-imports, through free agency while re-signing Michael Klassen. But Oramasionwu and Klassen are both on one-year deals.
“Four guys are slated to be in the rotation. Two of those players are on one-year deals,” Reed explained. “If Foote goes back to school we know, whomever’s sitting in this chair, has the ability to maintain that ratio in a strong fashion. This is about ratio stability and projecting in the future. Those (free agents) are being paid handsomely. We save a lot of money moving forward.”
Reed’s answer was much the same about the receivers. And one, Calgary’s Denzel Radford (sixth round, 48th overall), was a former linebacker who converted to offence. The 6-foot-3, 200 pounder also can play on special teams.
“All their receivers are somewhat similar,” said a source. “They went for a bunch of big bodies.”
That’s not necessarily a knock against Reed. You see, fast guys get slow eventually. But big guys never get small.
But there’s something else that jumped out at us on Sunday. The Université de Montréal established a school record when seven of its players were selected, starting with defensive-tackle Junior Luke. He went to British Columbia in the first-round (seventh overall).
Seven picks, but not one to the Als, a team desperately seeking an identity in the marketplace following two consecutive seasons of failing to make the playoffs. Of Montreal’s eight choices, only one came from the Quebec conference — Sherbrooke tight-end Oumar Toure in the final round (65th overall). Select a local guy that late and it’s nothing more than a public-relations gesture.
“That’s the way the board fell,” Reed said. “There are some very good players out of (Montréal). Based on our needs and the way we grade players — not only for stability on the roster now but also moving forward — it didn’t fall that way.
“Did we have guys targeted? Absolutely. Based on our position, teams took them earlier than we had them projected. We didn’t want to go away from the board and take someone that would have upset the order of the draft for us.”
Reed also was obviously loath to roll the dice.
In the fourth round (29th overall), he selected UBC receiver Alexander Morrison. One pick later, Saskatchewan took talented Laval tight-end Antony Auclair, who recently signed a priority undrafted free-agent deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Defensive-lineman Eli Ankou signed a similar deal with the Houston Texans, but that didn’t prevent Ottawa from taking him in the third round (26th overall). And although offensive-tackle Justin Senior was drafted in the sixth round by Seattle, that didn’t prevent Edmonton from selecting the Montreal native in the fifth round (40th overall).
Reed said, according to information his organization has gleaned, Auclair could have an extended run with the Bucs. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Morrison missed most of last season with a shoulder injury, but is considered a decent player with potential.
“Auclair has a tremendous opportunity in the NFL,” Reed said. “When you feel an athlete has the ability to have a long career in the NFL, are you taking a chance just to draft a name? You may never see that player.
“We’re very happy with the draft. It worked out and fulfilled everything we checked off on our priority list.”

http://montrealgazette.com/sports/fo...an-draft-picks

[jerrym]

The @MTLAlouettes new general manager Kavis Reed believes Darian Durant is the right quarterback to lead the team back to glory #CFL pic.twitter.com/YJ8Xtgw0ny

— CBC Montreal (@CBCMontreal) May 16, 2017

[R.J]

Michael Klassen and Don Oramasionwu were cut by the Als today. I hope Popp makes the call to Klassen.

[gilthethrill]

Michael Klassen and Don Oramasionwu were cut by the Als today. I hope Popp makes the call to Klassen.

Word is that Klassen has health issues that could be long term according to a tweet on the Als forum.

[R.J]

Word is that Klassen has health issues that could be long term according to a tweet on the Als forum.

Yeah, read about that, Zurkowsky I believe. If true that sucks, as I think Klassen is a talent.

[Will]

Bear Woods was released by the Alouettes.

[Neely2005]

Bear Woods was released by the Alouettes.

He would look good in Double Blue.

[Jayahre]

He would look good in Double Blue.

Must be a good reason why they would let an all-star go. Maybe health issues similar to Klassen.
They did pick up Shologan, Westerman both good players and Canadians