MontrealAlouettes.com
LENNOXVILLE – The Alouettes’ defence will have a much different look in 2012. The transformation started in the offseason with the free-agent additions of three key defensive players – Rod Davis, Aaron Hunt and Mark Restelli.
Fans who made the trip to Bishop’s University got a first glimpse of what each new player could offer at training camp and they weren’t the only ones.
“I got a warm welcome from the vets on the team,” said Davis who played in Edmonton for the past three seasons. “All the guys have really been very supportive in my first week here which helps make the transition easy for me.”
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Rod Davis. |
However, it sure didn’t take long for Davis to realize that the word easy isn’t the right way to describe Alouettes training camp.
“I’ve been in nine camps throughout my career and I can say that this is one of the most demanding training camps I’ve ever been a part of,” admitted Davis after Sunday’s intense practice. “When I first got to Montreal, Brandon Whitaker warned me about a Marc Trestman training camp. But hearing about it and actually living it are two completely different things.”
While the product of the University of Southern Mississippi is still adjusting to his new environment, he did tip his cap to the coaching staff.
“The pace and tempo in each practice and in each exercise is really amazing. I remember playing against Montreal when I was in Edmonton and all I kept thinking about was that these guys never get tired. Now I see why!”
Davis, who sat out a few days with a nagging injury to his quad, returned to action for the third straight day on Sunday, showing no ill effects.
“I was slowed down earlier in camp, but now I’m back on the field where I belong,” said a relieved Davis. “I’m just trying to leave my imprint on the team and help in any way that I can. I feel that I can bring something special to Montreal.”
Notes: All-Star defensive end John Bowman, who suffered a knee injury during Saturday’s practice at Bishop’s University, will return to Montreal tomorrow for further examination. However, that didn’t prevent the seven-year veteran from cheering on his teammates from the sidelines, while sporting a protective knee brace. “My knee is swollen and it hurts right now,” explained Bowman standing on his crutches. “I’ll be heading back to Montreal for an MRI and I hope the results are good. But I’m not done. I’ll be back,” vowed Bowman who led the team in sacks for the third straight season last year with 12 … Receiver Jamel Richardson rejoined his teammates on the field today for the first time in three days.
