MontrealAlouettes.com
LENNOXVILLE – Some may claim that not much is on the line during the preseason, but the determined group of up-and-coming Alouettes would beg to differ. The next generation will look to prove they are ready for the spotlight beginning on Thursday night at Percival Molson Stadium.
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Trent Guy. |
Head coach Marc Trestman has placed a lot of emphasis since the beginning of camp about the high quality of players to choose from.
“We’ve had more competition in camp this year than we’ve had in recent years,” said Trestman. “Every guy here has a chance to make this team. If not, they wouldn’t be here.”
Looking at the lineup, this is the first opportunity for a handful of new guys to shine under the lights. Here are several hot prospects to watch out for in Alouettes’ preseason opener against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Percival Molson Stadium on June 14.
Certainly one of the most intriguing story lines since the debut of training camp lies at the kickoff and punt-return game with Noel Devine, Trent Guy, Victor Anderson, C.J. Washington and Garrett Wolfe all in the mix. All five have speed to burn and shifty moves, making them dangerous on every play.
“We are going to try and give them all one or two shots on special teams to see what they can do in a game setting,” explained Trestman. “The number one priority for those guys back there will be to catch the ball and not lose field position.”
All eyes will be on Devine who has come as advertised at his first camp. The former West Virginia star has the uncanny ability of eluding defenders while making it look easy.
“I might get a couple of snaps in tomorrow’s game,” explained Devine who is nursing an ankle injury. “I need see how I feel and evaluate a few things with the trainers. But I hope to be out there that’s for sure.”
Devine ended his four-year college career with 4,315 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns while averaging an impressive 5.9 yards per carry.
The 12th overall pick in the 2012 CFL draft, fullback Patrick Lavoie is also eager to strut his stuff against the Blue Bombers.
“I feel good physically and mentally out on the football field” admitted the product of the Laval Rouge et Or juggernaut. “Every day, I’m studying and perfecting job assignments. There’s still of lot of information that I have to learn in this system, but it’s going well.”
The two-time Vanier Cup winner in 2008 and 2010 is expected to participate on special teams and potentially see playing time at the fullback position.
Others to watch out for are defensive back Lance Milton and tackle Ryan White.
Milton has come on strong as of late and has excelled on the defensive side of the ball and has even caught the watchful eye of veterans such as Dwight Anderson.
“I’m just out here trying to make plays,” said Milton, who was selected in the fourth round. “I hope I’m doing enough for the team to keep me.”
Jerod Zaleski from Langley University will be handling most of the long snaps, giving Martin Bédard a breather in that department against Winnipeg.
