MontrealAlouettes.com
ORLANDO – The Alouettes were back at work on Thursday, playbook in hand, as both players and prospects continued to prepare for the 2012 season. With the tone of mini-camp centered on the defence, newly appointed defensive coordinator Jeff Reinebold is certainly getting his chance to leave an impression on the players and coaching staff alike.
“We will continue playing the same type of football that Marc Trestman has instilled since his arrival with the team,” declared Reinebold, who spent the winter examining his new crop of talent. “The high standards will remain the same and it’s our responsibly to reach new heights this season.”
The free-agent additions of three defensive players – Rod Davis, Aaron Hunt and Mark Restelli – have caused quite a stir this offseason as the hot topic continues to revolve around the defensive looks that Montreal will implement in 2012.
“It’s important to mix up the play calling,” revealed Reinebold about his play-calling intentions. “If you’re stagnant, only content with one style of defence, and using the same formation, then the odds won’t be in your favor.”
While the South Bend, IN, native continues to leaves his mark on mini-camp, the players are already buying into his philosophy, creating turnovers and getting after the ball by any means necessary.
“During a team meeting, I ask the players to tell me who the all-time leading passer in the CFL is. They all know that the answer is Anthony Calvillo. For that reason alone, it’s crucial that our defence put that ball in Calvillo’s hands to score points,” explained Reinebold. “I mean, we have the 2011 league’s leading rusher, the leading receiver and leading passer on our side. If we want them to be successful again, it’s our defence’s job to get off the field as quickly as possible.”
This isn’t the first time that Reinebold has spoken highly of Calvillo as the two also shared a sideline while with the CFL’s Las Vegas Posse back in 1994.
“I was on the Posse’s coaching staff when AC made his CFL debut. It’s amazing to see how well he has done over the span of his career. I actually felt bad for him when I first laid eyes on him,” said Reinebold laughing. “He was so skinny early on that guys teased him. But we quickly realized the type of player he was and now I’m happy to be back on his team.”
