On the eve of this new season, which will be historic given the context, we wanted to give you a lay of the land regarding the Alouettes positional groups.
Recently, a lot has been said about the pride to boast a roster with plenty of local players, but as is the case every year, the roster will be comprised of Quebecers, Canadians, Americans et even Japanese, Australian or Swedish players, which speak French and English.
So we start today with the most ingrate, but oh so important position of them all: the offensive line, which will be coached by Luc Brodeur-Jourdain this season.
HISTORY
In sports, we often say that stability is synonymous with success. The same applies for the offensive line. It’s also been said that the Alouettes had cruelly lacked that stability these past years, which would explain the offensive line’s struggles, which led to… offensive struggles.
In 2019, we found more stability at that position, veteran players, less injuries, and our offence took on a whole other dimension. The good news this year? Three out of the five starters will be back in 2021.
Kristian Matte (6’4”,296 lbs) joined the Alouettes in July 2010 and will begin his 11th season in an Alouettes uniform. He mostly played guard during his career, but showed his versatility by playing under centre in 2016, 2018 and 2019. He is one of the pillars of the team who is extremely respected in the locker room and on who Luc Brodeur-Jourdain will be able to count. His complicity with quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. will also be a huge asset for the offence.
Tony Washington (6’7”, 318 lbs) has a bit less tenure with the Alouettes, but he possesses considerable experience and rapidly made strides when he arrived in Montreal in 2018. The left tackle is physically imposing and will once more be a valuable asset when comes the time to protect Vernon Adams Jr. and punch holes for William Stanback.
Sean Jamieson (6’7”, 317 lbs) is already an anchor on the offensive line from atop his six feet and seven inches! He arrived with the Alouettes in 2016 and his progress is more impressive with every passing season, all the way to becoming the starting right tackle in 2019. No doubt that Luc Brodeur-Jourdain will be able to lean on him in 2021 and we are looking forward to see what’s next for the Manitoba kid.
Landon Rice (6’6”, 311 lbs) re-joined the Alouettes in 2019 via Hamilton. He has been reliable on the offensive line since 2013. He has mainly had a substitute role in Montreal, but at a position where injuries can quickly happen he allows the team to maintain the same competitive level when he hits the field.
The newcomers (from here)
With the departures of Trey Rutherford and Chris Schleuger we will see some new faces on the offensive line on 2021, some which we know well in Quebec…
Philippe Gagnon (6’4”, 311 lbs) is back in Montreal after a short stint with Ottawa. The former Université Laval Rouge et Or is an impactful player who will bring both his experience and talent to this offensive line. He will be starting his fifth season in the CFL in 2021.
Jason Lauzon-Séguin (6’4”, 300 lbs) arrives in Montreal at 30-years of age after spending his four seasons in the CFL with Ottawa. He was on of the top guards in the league and is more than happy to play for his hometown team. Quite the addition, which should have an impact as of this year.
David Foucault (6’8”, 319 lbs) is finally an Alouette. The Lasalle, QC native played for the Université de Montréal Carabins before living the NFL adventure with the Carolina Panthers, with who he played five games. He returns home after a stint with the British Columbia Lions and will bring his experience to continue to have success in 2021.
The younglings
Andrew Becker (6’3”, 290 lbs) was drafted by the Alouettes in 2020 and will take part in his first training camp in 2021. The 22-year-old played four seasons at the University of Regina.
Zach Wilkinson (6’5”, 300 lbs) was drafted in 2019 by the Alouettes and even took part in two games that same year. The 25-year-old has the potential to spend even more time on the field these upcoming years.
Samuel Thomassin (6’6”, 330 lbs) was selected by the Alouettes in 2019 before returning to the Rouge et Or for a last season, after winning a second consecutive Vanier Cup in 2018. The pandemic deprived him of the 2020 training camp, but we will carefully follow him in 2021.
The coach, Luc Brodeur-Jourdain:
The 2021 edition of the Alouettes’ offensive line with be a nice mix of experience and new blood,” said Brodeur-Jourdain. “The last two drafts allowed us to add young talented players who will be matched by good experienced players who played many games in the CFL.
