MontrealAlouettes.com
MONTREAL – The CFL’s off-season can be unpredictable, but when Alouettes GM Jim Popp announced the signings of two former CFL all-stars in Byron Parker and Geoff Tisdale, both players got just the call that they were waiting for.
“Montreal is certainly an organization that knows what it takes to win,” explained Tisdale, who’s spent five seasons in the CFL, including four in the Eastern Division with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. “There’s a culture here that everybody respects and believes in. These factors helped me make a smooth transition to the Alouettes.”
By adding the two defensive standouts to their secondary, the Alouettes were able to give themselves an instant upgrade at the position.
Tisdale made an impression on his club’s General Manager and teammates alike Monday, showcasing his ability to make plays after wrestling the ball from receiver Brandon London’s hands during the day’s practices.
“Before signing Tisdale, we felt he was a player that that would fit our system and allow us to match him up with receivers,” admitted Popp. “After having him at mini-camp in Florida and now a few days in training camp, he’s meeting our expectations and has even added a teaspoon of swag while doing it.”
The Pacoima, CA native has taken advantage of an extended workload in the opening days of camp and is forming chemistry with the rest of his teammates while taking the majority of his snaps with the first-team defence.
“I’m an aggressive defender and making sure receivers don’t catch any passes on my side is part of my game,” added Tisdale, who intercepted two passes in 15 games in 2012. “Thorpe’s defence is built for getting after the quarterback, and press coverage is something I take pride in.”
Parker meanwhile, a nine-year CFL veteran, arrives in Montreal having amassed 236 career defensive tackles and 29 interceptions with B.C., Toronto and Edmonton since 2005.
“It’s much easier to arrive on a team with veterans already in place and where the standard of success is already set,” said Parker, who holds the CFL record for career interceptions returned for touchdowns (nine) and interception return yards in a single season (348). “The coaches expect and demand that we play hard and they keep us accountable for our play on the field, which is important. There’s no favoritism on this team, so guys need to make sure they bring it every down.”
His success during the early part of camp is cause for optimism heading into the 32-year-old’s first season with the Alouettes.
With the departure of import defensive back Dwight Anderson to Saskatchewan during free agency, the Madisonville, KY native knows exactly what kind an opportunity has been presented to him.
“This is an intensive defensive group and I’m just looking to contribute. Leaders are already in place in the secondary and I’m just looking forward to leave my print with this team” added Parker.
