Jack Bedell,
MontrealAlouettes.com
Hammond, LA – There’s no week that holds more promise than the first week of June for a CFL fan.
Training camps open, rosters are as full as they’ll ever be, and there’s just no better way to spend the last few days of the off-season than poring over those names looking for the reasons why our team will bring home the Grey Cup in November.
It’s too easy to cherry-pick, to write in a 70-plus completion percentage for Anthony Calvillo; to put down 1000-plus receiving yards for Ben Cahoon; to guarantee 10 TDs for Jamel Richardson. The Kerry Watkinses, Avon Cobournes, and Randee Drews are already on the map, and the real surprise would be if they didn’t step up to the plate.
The real trick is locating the players in the on-deck circle, the ones just outside the glow of the spotlight who are set to break out in 2009. Every team has them, and every fan is sure he knows who they are.
Here are my top-five Alouettes ready to blow it out this season.
Éric Deslauriers, WR
All eyes will be on Cahoon, Watkins, and Richardson, but Deslauriers proved late last season that he’s a weapon to watch, too. He’s got the perfect size and hands to be a second-down monster for the Als, and he provides excellent run support downfield when it’s his turn to block.
Danny Desriveaux, WR
Hailed in some circles as the successor to Cahoon, Desriveaux has been a consistent performer for the Als in his two seasons with the club. Blessed with good hands and excellent quickness, he’s an easy target any time he’s on the field.
Shea Emry, LB
Emry led the team in special teams tackles last season and with Shawn Gallant out of the picture now, he’s sure to make an even bigger impression in 2009. He’s a physically-gifted high-motor player who plays too hard to not get noticed around the league.
S.J. Green, SB
Green has the perfect size and skill set to excel in the CFL. He just hasn’t been able to find the field very often with the Alouettes, especially considering the depth the team boasts at receiver. If he’s given the playing time, though, I have no doubt he’ll be a tremendous asset to Calvillo and the Als’ aerial assault. With his numbers toward the QB, Green definitely has the ability to be a chain-mover in Montreal’s system.
Jermaine McElveen, DE
McElveen posted six sacks and collected two fumbles and a pick in his rookie campaign. With a year in the defensive system under his belt, he’s sure to make a run at doubling those numbers in 2009.
It’s definitely been a long off-season, but the light’s at the end of the tunnel with training camp opening on Sunday. There’s sure to be plenty of real football to discuss in the coming weeks, and plenty of time to see if any of the players on my list are really ready to step up to the plate.
I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for the season to kick off.
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