Training Camp Notebook: Als reshaping right side of OL
The right side of the Montreal Alouettes offensive line will look familiar but different in 2025. Veteran guard Kristian Matte retired while Philippe Gagnon signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in free agency. Josh Donovan, who started most of last season at right tackle, suffered a season-ending knee injury in Vancouver last year and he’s still not fully healthy. So, changes will be made.
Jamar McGloster started at right tackle in the second half of the 2023 season, including the Grey Cup game. He’s back at right tackle after being limited to one game because of a herniated disk in 2024.
“During the first preseason game (last year), I was walking to the line of scrimmage, and my back just gave out,” the 29-year-old said after Tuesday’s double practice session. “I felt something a little weird the play before, and then walking to the line, the next play my back just gave out.
“I knew I was going to miss some time, but I didn’t know it was going to be that long. I got a couple of cortisone shots and I’m back to normal after a few months. I came back in October…I haven’t had a problem since.”
Donny Ventrelli (68), PO Lestage (66), Jamar McGloster (61)
McGloster was dominant down the stretch in 2023. He patiently waited his turn on the practice roster until former Alouette Landon Rice went down with an injury. McGloster took over and never gave the job up.
“It was the best I had ever played in my life,” he said of his 2023 campaign. “I was just locked in, and I was comfortable. I stopped getting nervous before the games and everything was clicking for me. I was kind of disappointed last year because I had a great camp and then (the injury) happened.”
The hope is that the 6-foot-8 giant can get back to that level.
Since the start of camp, McGloster has been flanked by second-year offensive lineman Donny Ventrelli at right guard.
The 24-year-old spent most of last season on the practice roster, but he managed to get into two games during his rookie year. It’s obvious that Ventrelli used his time on the PR wisely, as he’s already showing signs of improvement.
Ventrelli was a stand-out in the one-on-one drills against the defensive line during Tuesday’s early practice session. He continued to win his battles with a solid technique and good physicality.
“It was definitely a grind,” the North Dakota alum said of his stint on the practice roster. “Getting to know the plays and the little nuances of the offence and just practicing day by day.
Donny Ventrelli
“It’s a great opportunity. I was on the practice squad trying to do my best. This year, my work must have paid off because I’m moving up in the lineup.”
McGloster and Ventrelli will work together throughout camp to ensure that they get their on-field chemistry down for the start of the season.
“It might take a couple of games but probably not even that long because we’re always together,” McGloster said. “It all comes with experience. Once the reps come in, everything will start flowing.”
The Alouettes won’t be on the field tomorrow. The team will trim their roster down on Wednesday morning.
The Als announced that they have inked American defensive lineman M.J. Sherman, American receiver Omarion Dollison and Canadian receiver Kaseem Ferdinand. The team has also suspended Canadian running back Keanu Yazbeck.
