Latest news with #Als
Ottawa Citizen
4 days ago
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
Inside the CFL: Is Alouettes QB Davis Alexander ready to be the guy?
There's an opening for a part-time waiter at Goldie's Sports Cafe in Scottsdale, Az. Article content The position was formerly held by Davis Alexander between December and April, when he was the Alouettes' third-string quarterback. The work was good. The tips were even better. A weekend double shift might result in an extra US$500 on top of his hourly wage. Article content Article content But now that Alexander is Montreal's starter and is paid accordingly — he's guaranteed a reported $258,000 this season and could earn as much as $336,000, including a $120,000 signing bonus — he might have figured he no longer needed the spare change. Article content Article content The money hasn't changed the 26-year-old native of Gig Harbor, Wash. He still drives a 2017 Kia Optima with 86,000 miles on the odometer because it runs perfectly fine. But so much more in his life has drastically changed. Article content Article content Last July 11, when quarterback Cody Fajardo sustained a hamstring injury, Alexander remained on the bench. Instead, Fajardo was replaced by Caleb Evans and the Als suffered their first loss of the season after five wins. Nonetheless, Evans remained the starter in Montreal's next game, against Saskatchewan. But with the Als trailing by 13 points at halftime, head coach Jason Maas finally turned to Alexander. Article content Montreal won that night along with the next three games Alexander started. The Als also beat Ottawa on Oct. 14 with Alexander behind centre, and management had seen enough. Alexander, a potential free agent, was signed to a three-year contract extension on Nov. 27, three weeks before Fajardo was traded to Edmonton for QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson. Article content Article content There are times Alexander must want to pinch himself to ensure he's not dreaming. Article content 'Cody Fajardo went from winning the Grey Cup, (suffering) a fluke hamstring injury and the organization decides to move on from him,' Alexander told The Gazette this week. 'Your life can change so fast. I'm thankful, blessed and I don't want it ever to be taken away from me. I'll do everything in my power to make sure that doesn't happen. Article content 'I want to cherish it all and I'm thankful for it all,' he added. 'But there's more that I'm striving for than this milestone.'
Montreal Gazette
4 days ago
- Sport
- Montreal Gazette
Inside the CFL: Is Alouettes QB Davis Alexander ready to be the guy?
By There's an opening for a part-time waiter at Goldie's Sports Cafe in Scottsdale, Az. The position was formerly held by Davis Alexander between December and April, when he was the Alouettes' third-string quarterback. The work was good. The tips were even better. A weekend double shift might result in an extra US$500 on top of his hourly wage. But now that Alexander is Montreal's starter and is paid accordingly — he's guaranteed a reported $258,000 this season and could earn as much as $336,000, including a $120,000 signing bonus — he might have figured he no longer needed the spare change. The money hasn't changed the 26-year-old native of Gig Harbor, Wash. He still drives a 2017 Kia Optima with 86,000 miles on the odometer because it runs perfectly fine. But so much more in his life has drastically changed. Last July 11, when quarterback Cody Fajardo sustained a hamstring injury, Alexander remained on the bench. Instead, Fajardo was replaced by Caleb Evans and the Als suffered their first loss of the season after five wins. Nonetheless, Evans remained the starter in Montreal's next game, against Saskatchewan. But with the Als trailing by 13 points at halftime, head coach Jason Maas finally turned to Alexander. Montreal won that night along with the next three games Alexander started. The Als also beat Ottawa on Oct. 14 with Alexander behind centre, and management had seen enough. Alexander, a potential free agent, was signed to a three-year contract extension on Nov. 27, three weeks before Fajardo was traded to Edmonton for QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson. There are times Alexander must want to pinch himself to ensure he's not dreaming. 'Cody Fajardo went from winning the Grey Cup, (suffering) a fluke hamstring injury and the organization decides to move on from him,' Alexander told The Gazette this week. 'Your life can change so fast. I'm thankful, blessed and I don't want it ever to be taken away from me. I'll do everything in my power to make sure that doesn't happen. 'I want to cherish it all and I'm thankful for it all,' he added. 'But there's more that I'm striving for than this milestone.' As the Als prepare for Friday's regular-season opener against the Toronto Argonauts at Molson Stadium (7:30 p.m., TSN1, TSN3, TSN4, TSN5, RDS, TSN Radio-690, 98.5 FM) much remains to be discovered. But the burning question, and the one that ultimately will define Montreal's season, is simple: Is Alexander ready to be the guy? While Alexander is beginning his fourth season, his playing time has been limited. At 6-feet and 195 pounds, he's far from the CFL's biggest quarterback and probably doesn't possess the league's strongest arm. But there's something about him. He's a leader, competitor and winner. Alexander has moxie, even continuing to play last season while his father, Matt, lost his battle to lung cancer. Management believes in Alexander. So do his teammates. 'His leadership qualities ... and his confidence,' receiver Tyson Philpot said. 'That confidence bleeds onto us as a receiver group.' 'His competitive edge,' added receiver Austin Mack. 'He's been in this offence a few years. You're starting to see someone grow in this offence. The way he has taken command of everything, taken ownership of that role. You're seeing a guy with confidence. You can see it in his aura.' The backup quarterback is often the most popular player on a team because he plays sparingly and little is expected. Everything Alexander accomplished last season — he passed for 1,347 yards and six touchdowns while completing 69.5 per cent of his throws and was intercepted only twice — was gravy. He also gained 166 yards rushing on 24 carries with three touchdowns, but took some hellacious hits that might make Maas grow old before our eyes. Now, all that will be expected. Most quarterbacks — Alexander included — thrive under that pressure and are determined to meet those demands. 'I know this city is a huge sports town, and that's one thing I love,' Alexander said. 'They're going to let you hear it, whether you're playing good or bad. That's how I want it to be. Nothing's going to change about me. If we have to win a game 13-10, we win the game. That's the only thing that matters. 'There's different types of pressure situations. The pressure of being a starting quarterback week in and out is different than going to win a two-minute drive,' added Alexander, who did precisely that at Saskatchewan on Aug. 16. 'I'd like to think I'm built for it. I don't feel like I'll be fazed under pressure — but only time will tell, I guess.' Alexander has paid his dues, learning under Vernon Adams Jr., Trevor Harris and Fajardo. Alexander also can lean on Maas and offensive coordinator Anthony Calvillo, both former CFL quarterbacks. If general manager Danny Maciocia has surrounded Alexander with a competent supporting cast on offence, he won't necessarily have to win games by himself. Meanwhile, Alexander has quickly discovered the perks that go with being the Als' starting pivot. He gets recognized more frequently. Restaurant meals occasionally are free or come with a discount — not that Alexander wants to be treated differently, he insisted. And next Saturday evening, Alexander has been invited to a Canadian Grand Prix event at a downtown hotel. He attended the same event a year ago — as Fajardo's plus-one.
Montreal Gazette
7 days ago
- Business
- Montreal Gazette
Shawn Oakman poised to become towering force on Alouettes' defensive line
Montreal Alouettes By At age 33 and potentially nearing the end of his CFL career, defensive-lineman Shawn Oakman wants at least one more opportunity to win a Grey Cup. And after spending last season with Edmonton, which went 7-11, missed the playoffs and fired general manager and head coach Chris Jones after an 0-5 start, the tackle was seeking stability. 'It wasn't about the wins and losses in Edmonton,' Oakman said this week after a practice. 'I had a different role. They had a lot of young guys there that needed my help. The wins that we got were great, but it was more about growing.' There shouldn't be any growing pains in Montreal. The team won the Grey Cup in 2023 and had the league's best record (12-5-1) last season before imploding in the East Division final against Toronto. Even with new starting quarterback Davis Alexander, the Als should be competitive in 2025, prompting Oakman to sign a one-year, free-agent deal in February. The 6-foot-8, 280-pound behemoth is looking forward to playing under defensive coordinator Noel Thorpe. And the feeling is mutual. 'It's a dominant, in-your-face defence,' said Oakman, a Philadelphia native. 'That's my mentality. That's my personality. It should be a perfect fit. He (Thorpe) is an attack coach. He wants our defence to attack and get after the quarterback, crush down on short passes. I think I should fit right in.' In 14 games last season with Edmonton, Oakman had 32 tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble and an interception. He signed with the Elks as a free agent after three seasons with the Argonauts. In 53 career games, he has 122 tackles, 21 sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception. Oakman won a Grey Cup with Toronto in 2022. The Als host the Argonauts Friday at 7:30 p.m. in their regular-season opener. 'As a coach, you look at the body of work there,' Thorpe said. 'He's a big fit for us. When we got him, it was great news. It's not only what you see on the field, but there's also the work ethic, how he approaches practice, how he conducts himself in the meeting rooms. He's a consummate pro. 'He has been in the league and you've been able to watch him from an opposite sideline, see how disruptive he can be and the problems he causes, ' Thorpe added. 'He's a challenge to block. That's a guy you want on your team. The guy has been outstanding for us and is a great fit. He has that blue-collar, hard-working mentality.' Oakman won't be the only addition to Thorpe's defence. Byron Vaughns could start at rush end, while Tiawan Mullen should be one of the outside linebackers. Both are import rookies. Vaughns, 6-foot-4 and 232 pounds, spent two years at the University of Texas before transferring to Utah State. Although he was the most valuable defensive player in the Mountain West 2021 championship game, it's considered a small conference. So he completed his college career at Baylor. He signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent last season, but didn't play a game for them. Vaughns had a sack in Friday's final exhibition game at Ottawa and, knowing final cuts were coming on Saturday, said he had a couple of stiff drinks to ensure he slept. He also probably had a good feeling that night he would survive. 'It was a blessing to wake up (Saturday) and not get that phone call,' said the native of Fort Worth, Tex. 'It will be extra motivation throughout the season knowing the team trusts me as a rookie. Other than being 6-foot-4 and 230, 235 (pounds) I think I had a great day (against Ottawa) on special teams. That's where a lot of opportunities get overlooked. Those were the opportunities I had to make the best of.' Thorpe said he likes Vaughns' ability to rush the quarterback, versatility and change of direction. With only three weeks of training camp and two exhibition games, rookies must make their mark early and often with the coaches. 'When given the opportunity, they have to make plays,' Thorpe said. 'That's how you earn a spot on a team. When the opportunity presented itself, those guys made plays. That put them in position to get on the roster. It's always about the effort level and how they pursue. It's about physicality.' Meanwhile, it appears Canadian Sean Thomas-Erlington will be the starting tailback against Toronto, backed up by import rookie Travis Theis.
Ottawa Citizen
7 days ago
- Business
- Ottawa Citizen
Shawn Oakman poised to become towering force on Alouettes' defensive line
At age 33 and potentially nearing the end of his CFL career, defensive-lineman Shawn Oakman wants at least one more opportunity to win a Grey Cup. Article content And after spending last season with Edmonton, which went 7-11, missed the playoffs and fired general manager and head coach Chris Jones after an 0-5 start, the tackle was seeking stability. Article content Article content 'It wasn't about the wins and losses in Edmonton,' Oakman said this week after a practice. 'I had a different role. They had a lot of young guys there that needed my help. The wins that we got were great, but it was more about growing.' Article content Article content There shouldn't be any growing pains in Montreal. The team won the Grey Cup in 2023 and had the league's best record (12-5-1) last season before imploding in the East Division final against Toronto. Even with new starting quarterback Davis Alexander, the Als should be competitive in 2025, prompting Oakman to sign a one-year, free-agent deal in February. Article content Article content The 6-foot-8, 280-pound behemoth is looking forward to playing under defensive coordinator Noel Thorpe. And the feeling is mutual. Article content 'It's a dominant, in-your-face defence,' said Oakman, a Philadelphia native. 'That's my mentality. That's my personality. It should be a perfect fit. He (Thorpe) is an attack coach. He wants our defence to attack and get after the quarterback, crush down on short passes. I think I should fit right in.' Article content In 14 games last season with Edmonton, Oakman had 32 tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble and an interception. He signed with the Elks as a free agent after three seasons with the Argonauts. In 53 career games, he has 122 tackles, 21 sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception. Article content Article content Oakman won a Grey Cup with Toronto in 2022. The Als host the Argonauts Friday at 7:30 p.m. in their regular-season opener. Article content 'As a coach, you look at the body of work there,' Thorpe said. 'He's a big fit for us. When we got him, it was great news. It's not only what you see on the field, but there's also the work ethic, how he approaches practice, how he conducts himself in the meeting rooms. He's a consummate pro. Article content 'He has been in the league and you've been able to watch him from an opposite sideline, see how disruptive he can be and the problems he causes, ' Thorpe added. 'He's a challenge to block. That's a guy you want on your team. The guy has been outstanding for us and is a great fit. He has that blue-collar, hard-working mentality.' Article content Article content Oakman won't be the only addition to Thorpe's defence.
Montreal Gazette
02-06-2025
- Sport
- Montreal Gazette
Walter Fletcher departs Alouettes with head held high
Montreal Alouettes By Walter Fletcher won't cast stones on his way out of the Alouettes' organization. But at the same time, the veteran tailback believes he did what was required to make the team. 'I understand the business of things,' Fletcher told The Gazette by telephone after his release on Saturday. 'Part of you is a bit surprised. But on the other side, you understand the business. Things like this happen. You have to be professional about it, move on and pick things up.' Fletcher, 28, wasn't the only veteran released on Saturday, but he clearly was the biggest name on the Als. Also handed their walking papers were defensive-back Bryce Cosby and offensive-tackle Josh Donovan. Both players were heading into their second season with Montreal. Cosby played all 18 regular-season games, registering 55 tackles and 12 on special teams. He had one sack and two interceptions. He also dressed for the East Division final. Donovan, 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, played 17 games for Montreal. Both players are American. Fletcher was heading into his fourth season with the Als after launching his CFL career with Edmonton. The 5-foot-9, 206-pounder was the Als' leading rusher last season, gaining 764 yards on 141 carries (5.4-yard average) while scoring four touchdowns in 17 games. His season high came on Sept. 14 at Calgary, when he gained 90 yards on only seven carries. Fletcher never had more than 12 carries in a game. It could be argued he was underused, but he also caught 71 passes for 682 yards, scoring three touchdowns. 'They wanted to give the young guys an opportunity,' Fletcher said. 'That's the game that we play. It's a young man's game. I'm 28. I'm not up there in age, but at the same time you understand the nature of the game, the business and the league that we're in. We're professional athletes. We can't take any day for granted — or any year. 'This is the bad part of the business. No one wants to go through this.' Heading into Friday's regular-season opener against Toronto at Molson Stadium, head coach Jason Maas still has an assortment of tailbacks at his disposal, including imports Stevie Scott III and Travis Theis, along with Canadian Sean Thomas-Erlington. Scott, 25, is 6-foot-1 and 218 pounds. He spent most of last season on the practice roster, but dressed for an Oct. 19 game at B.C., gaining 33 yards on seven carries and adding three receptions for 20 yards. Theis, 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds, is a CFL rookie at age 24. He completed his college career at South Dakota by gaining 1,172 yards on 187 carries while scoring 19 touchdowns and departed as the school's all-time leading rusher, with 3,666 yards. He came to the Als after attending the Denver Broncos' rookie mini-camp. Thomas-Erlington gained 125 yards on 23 carries last season. He also caught five passes for 42 yards. He has always been effective when receiving rare opportunities on offence. 'We like the physicality of Theis and Scott,' general manager Danny Maciocia said. 'Their ability to block played a huge factor in our decision. And their ability to be punishing runners is definitely an attraction.' Fletcher said last week he knew he was in a fight to retain his job. During the division final loss to the Argonauts, he committed one of the team's four fumbles and had a pass deflect off his hands for an interception that was returned for a touchdown. But he also scored in the fourth quarter on a 22-yard pass from Cody Fajardo. Fletcher gained 69 yards on eight carries that afternoon, adding two receptions for 31 yards. In the Als' opening exhibition game against Ottawa on May 24, he had only two carries for four yards. 'I don't think I had a bad camp,' Fletcher said. 'I wish I'd have made more plays, but I don't think I showed any sign of decline. Obviously, the coaches prefer a bigger, more physical guy. But ... I've been this size my entire career. I've had a productive career wherever I've been. I'm not the biggest guy ... but know I'm a playmaker. Everywhere I've been, I've made plays. 'This is my fifth year in the CFL as an American running back. That's extremely hard to do. I think the production's there. I can't control what management thinks and how they feel about things. They made a decision and I respect it.'
