As we head into a new football season, which will be historic given the context, we decided to give you a position-by-position breakdown of our Alouettes’ squad. Our roster this year is quite special thanks to our fine selection of local athletes. Even so, like every year, the Alouettes team will be made up of a mix of Quebecers, Canadians, Americans, and this year even some Japanese, Australian, French and Swede players.
So, just as the saying goes ” we need to stay ready, so we don’t have to GET ready”. With that in mind, let’s jump right back into sports mode and continue last week’s mental prep by presenting you the Alouettes defensive line.
VETERANS:
Rule number one: never let an opponent get near your end zone. Easier said than done, but this basic idea must constantly guide defensive actions. It is often said in football that to win a game you have to win in the trenches. Well, it is with that objective that our General Manager Danny Maciocia has kept, and gone for, the best at this position.
This year, we’ve added a lot of muscle and grit. So watch out quarterbacks, because we’re not responsible for what happens once we let these hungry veterans loose.
Antonio Simmons (6’3“, 246 lbs) made a big splash in the 2019 CFL with the Alouettes. In his rookie year, he made 45 defensive tackles, three quarterback sacks and forced a fumble. He has quickly become a key piece of our defensive line and will continue to put tremendous pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Woody Baron (6’1″, 270 lbs) has carved out a place for himself on the team following two solid season among the Alouettes defensive front. This American player has established himself as a true force on the field and we can’t get enough!
Jean-Samuel Blanc (6’1“, 245 lbs) is our young veteran who perfectly integrated the team when he arrived in 2015. He is highly recognized for his contribution to our special teams where he became the captain in 2019. We are lucky because he is back in 2021 for a fifth season with the Alouettes where he will be reunited with some of his former teammates from the Université de Montréal Carabins
Datone Jones (6’2“, 241 lbs) arrived in Montreal after spending seven seasons in the NFL. Between the Green Bay Packers, the Dallas Cowboys and the Las Vegas Raiders, the Los Angeles native has an impressive track record. Blessed that a player of Datone’s calibre wants to join the ranks of our team, the quarterbacks will have to pay close attention to this colossal lineman before the pocket collapses on them.
Almondo Sewell (6’4“, 288 lbs) is a reference for this position in the Canadian Football League. After nine seasons with Edmonton and a Grey Cup in 2015, Sewell is finally ready to suit up for the Montreal Alouettes. An outstanding quarterback chaser (already 60 sacks in his career), we can’t wait to see the impact Sewell will have on our team.
Nick Usher (6’3“, 235 lbs) landed in La Belle Province after spending two seasons with Edmonton, where he made a strong impression. Now with the Alouettes, this extremely mobile athlete will be able to put pressure on the opposing quarterback, but also be present to stop the ball carriers.
Michael Wakefield (6’3“– 268 lbs) spent three years with the Ottawa REDBLACKS. He was an important player on Ottawa’s defensive line in 2019, and will provide real depth to our unit this time around.
THE LOCAL TALENTS:
Earlier this year, our General Manager Danny Maciocia made the decision to sign new defensive linemen known to the province. Again, our ethos states that at equal talent, a local player will be prioritized.
Junior Luke (6’3“ – 291 lbs) was an unquestionable choice when the time came to renew our defensive line. A former player for the the the Université de Montréal Carabins, Luke will wear his hometown jersey with pride. As aggressive as he is intimidating, Luke carries characteristics that resemble a gentle giant.
David Ménard (6’2“ – 259 lbs), the Saguenay native spent six seasons with the BC Lions before signing with the Alouettes this year. The defensive lineman is now part of the team he rooted for as a child. He was even reunited with former teammates from the the the Université de Montréal Carabins.
Benoit Marion (6’5“ – 250 lbs is realizing one of his biggest dreams by sporting the colours of the Montreal Alouettes. After signing for two years with the team, his aggressive style was certainly the turning point. A former hockey player at heart, if other CFL teams want to keep their quarterbacks on their feet, then they better lock themselves a player like Marion…. but we called dibs!
THE START-UPS:
Many promising athletes will be there for training camp this year. Fully pumped to compete, let’s find out the names of these skillful players:
Curtis Cothran (6’5“ , 283 lbs)
Jamal Davis (6’4″, 240 lbs)
Landis Durham (6’3“, 255 lbs)
Chris Favoroso (6’3“, 240 lbs)
Brock Gowanlock (6’3“, 230 lbs)
Lord Hyemang (6’4“, 285 lbs)
Austrian Robinson (6’3“, 285 lbs)
Cameron Lawson (6’3“, 285 lbs)
Anthony Luke (6’4“, 260 lbs)
Mike Onuoha (6’5“, 260 lbs)
Kingsley Opara (6’3“, 294 lbs)
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