Could Anwar Stewart Be Headed Back to The Montreal Alouettes?

It has been quite a 24-hours since Montreal Gazette beat writer Herb Zurkowsky first broke the news on his Twitter account that Anwar Stewart was about to re-sign with the Montreal Alouettes.

Immediately, I contacted Stewart to see if there was any truth he's re-joining the team that released him back in February. In his vintage chuckle he said; “no I did not sign with the Alouettes”.

After I tweeted he did not re-sign with the Alouettes. Throughout the day different reports from various media members were saying he will sign, and some said he would not.

As of last night in conversing with a source of mine close to the situation, he felt that there is a chance Stewart could re-sign with the Alouettes. However, the source was surprised he would ever consider going back after the way things had ended between the two sides.

Right now this story has taken many twists and turns on the future plans of the Alouettes, and Stewart. However, many will question the overall intentions of the organization on why Stewart was released earlier in the calendar year?

Throughout the offseason there had been whispers that Stewart may land with division rival Toronto Argonauts. He does have history with the team as he was coached by defensive coordinator Chris Jones where he had his best statistical output under his teaching.

As training camp approaches, this Stewart story adds more intrigue to an already morbid Alouettes offseason.

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Stephen Garcia Starts His Road Back By Trying Out With The Montreal Alouettes

On a hot, windy Wednesday afternoon former South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Stephen Garcia started his road back to football relevance by trying out for the CFL’s Montreal Alouettes.

Gone are the days of Garcia coming through the tunnel at Williams-Brice stadium in-front of 80,000 screaming fans getting ready to play the likes of Alabama, Florida, or Georgia. This isn’t SEC Saturdays, but there he was in a Montreal suburb fighting for a chance to be given that “golden paper invite” for the actual training camp starting this Sunday.

He wasn’t throwing to the likes of Alshon Jeffery, or Marcus Lattimore to prove his worth. This time he was trying to connect with players from Canadian Universities, and small U.S. schools that are 20-percent of what South Carolina’s financial budget is for their football program.   

From my initial sight, Garcia has slimmed down from his days in Columbia, South Carolina. His face wasn’t as pudgy, and looking to be in good shape.

The Alouettes are primarily a shotgun team, so he had no snaps under centre.  Even though there was zero pass rush in Garcia’s face, he threw very well in the intermediate passing drills.  He had a lot of zip on his throws, his spirals were tight, and showed decent touch on his passes.

However, throwing against a strong wind, he did run into problems on his deep passes, where he overthrew a few of his receivers. In some tight coverage drills he did not connect as often.

As for his footwork it was tough to decipher considering these weren’t hard drop back steps, and at times he was throwing from a stationary shotgun position.

Without question, Garcia development was far more advanced than his quarterback counterpart Lee Chapple of North Alabama. Some might snicker at this statement, but the coaching that Garcia received from his old head coach Steve Spurrier might have paid off.

Garcia did spend a good chunk of time conversing with the team’s new offensive coordinator Marcus Brady. This could be a sign that there is intrigue from the coaching staff’s part to know who he is as a person, and player.

After practice was over, Garcia told me how thankful he was of an opportunity to showcase his ability to the Alouettes coaching, and management staff. He realizes he no longer has the cameras of CBS, ESPN, or Fox Sports coming in to ask him how he will be able to counter the ferocious defenses of Auburn, Arkansas, or LSU.

In-fact, he seemed quite surprised as he eyes widen how I told him that I’ve been following his career since his high school days in Tampa, Florida.

Garcia knows this could be his last real shot at an opportunity to play professional football. If Garcia get’s that “golden paper ticket” to come to Sunday’s start of practices. He must realize he’s no longer in South Carolina and doesn’t have the protection of Spurrier if he get’s in trouble. One false mistake off the field might vanquish his professional football career.

Good luck to Stephen Garcia.

Side note: In an arranged agreement with the Alouettes PR department, Garcia was schedule to be on with TSN 990's Thursday morning show. But when he was contacted in his hotel room his roommate said he is sleeping.

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Bo Bowling Could Be "Bowling" His Way For a Position on The Montreal Alouettes Roster

Entering this year’s Montreal Alouettes training camp arguably the deepest and most talented position group is the receivers.

Even with the retirement of former great Kerry Watkins, there is not much of a drop off considering how much time the scouting staff has invested in unearthing a pass catcher.

The lead candidates for the starting four spots would be Brian Bratton, S.J. Green, Brandon London, and Jamel Richardson. All four have the skills needed to dominate a football game.

Who could backup these players? One name to keep in-mind is second year player Bo Bowling. Bowling had a tremendous 2011 training camp by displaying a knack for tough catches, he possess very soft hands, and cemented his place on the roster with an excellent exhibition showing.

Even though Bowling was not activated until the last week of the 2011 regular season against the B.C. Lions. He has given the coaching staff actual game film to see where he could best fit on this year’s roster.

Certainly, there will be stiff competition from the likes of Chris Davis who brings a vast amount of football experience. Factor in non-import receiver Eric Deslauriers who will surely factor into five receiver set formations. 

Bowling is small in stature, but he certainly plays like he is 6’4, 220lbs. Even though he has maintained a low key presence, Bowling is a class act off the field always having time to converse about his alma mater Oklahoma State Cowboys.

On the field, Bowling could potentially claim a spot as the returner on special teams. The Alouettes lacked any explosive players from their returners, and Bowling has the tangibles in reading his blocks well and could make an impact.

No matter the road that is presented, the coaching will be expecting more from Bowling to cement his spot on the roster and become a regular to dress for every game this season.

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As Training Camp Approaches Where Does Marc Trestman Stand in Contract Negotiations With The Montreal Alouettes?

As the seconds tick closer to Sunday’s official opening of the Montreal Alouettes training camp, where does head coach Marc Trestman stand with his contract negotiations?

Since his last media session in November of 2011, Trestman would not answer any questions pertaining to his future with the organization.

Then at the beginning of January reports surfaced that the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts were interested in Trestman’s services. At the end, he was bypassed for Chuck Pagano.

But right after that, a local story mentioned an extension was imminent that he would pen a new deal. Nothing came out of that. As recently as this month, it was being mentioned that he may have been offered a long-term deal with an out clause to pursue an NCAA, or NFL opportunity.

What could be the holdup on why Trestman has not inked a new deal? Earlier this month the Alouettes were dealing with then president Ray Lalonde abruptly resigning from the team. So that could have potentially held up any progress in contract talks.

Ever since Trestman brought the Alouettes to the Grey Cup in 2008, his name has been linked to every coaching opening in the United States.  But yet, he is still here coaching away.

In conversing with another local media personality, the member said he (Trestman) better be prepared to face a barrage of questions about his future. For those who have covered Trestman knows he puts up a steel wall with a force field surrounding his answers.

However, it seemed during the 2011 season it touched a nerve with him when pressed by the local media on his future intentions. Even beyond his status with the team, Trestman did not take too kindly on some questions from the media on player personnel and in-game decisions he made.

An example that could be compared to the Trestman scenario was in the 1998 season with then Green Bay Packers head coach, Mike Holmgren. For those who recall, they were fresh off a Super Bowl loss to the Denver Broncos. Holmgren entered that season with a loaded team that eventually lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs. Shortly thereafter, he resigned and bolted for the Seattle Seahawks.

As one prominent source recently informed me that the reason why Trestman has yet to sign a new deal with the Alouettes is because he is keeping his NFL options open.

If Trestman opts to enter this season with no new deal in-hand, he should be prepared for the amount of questions he will get about his future. If he does sign a new deal, it ends any immediate speculation of him bolting down south. Then again, his name will continuously be linked to any vacant coaching job.

It has been a rough offseason for upper management given the reports of lost sponsor revenue, season ticket holders not renewing, and lack of marketing momentum. Furthermore, members of Trestman’s staff have left for better opportunities elsewhere.  

On the field the product should be fine, but could this be the last year of Anthony Calvillo, could this be last run of a so-called dynasty that has had an iron fist on the CFL. Finally what does the future hold for Trestman? Only he knows the answer to this question.

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Could Liam Mahoney Be In The Future Plans of The Montreal Alouettes?

According to an earlier report by Herb Zurkowsky of The  Montreal Gazette on the possibility that former Hamilton Tiger-Cats receiver Liam Mahoney potentially trying out with the Montreal Alouettes. Now it seems he could get a workout with the organization.

Mahoney brings many tangibles that you look for in a receiver; a student of the game, a very hard worker, a high football IQ, and solid size.

A former quarterback at Concordia, he has only played the receiver position for a few years so his ceiling is very high to become a more polished player.

Furthermore, Mahoney could play special teams as he did with the Tiger-Cats in the 2011 season. Last year, the Alouettes unit was anemic in trying to shift momentum in their favour.

Moreover, he could provide another non-import player for a receiving core that currently has one returning Canadian in Eric Deslauriers.

If the tryout does come to life and he impresses the coaching staff. It would not be surprising to see Mahoney make the roster and essentially take over the position of Danny Desriveaux who was released earlier in the offseason.

Finally, Mahoney is a local player that could entice more fans to come out to the home games and see a player who proudly represents his community, and city very well.

If Mahoney does catch on with the Alouettes, this could be a solid match for both sides.

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What Impact Could Stephen Garcia Have With The Alouettes?

It seems all signs are pointing to former South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback, Stephen Garcia potentially attending next weekend’s Montreal Alouettes mini-camp.

What are the odds of Garcia getting an invitation to the team’s training camp? So far, he wasn’t able to catch the eye of NFL teams to bring him onboard. Most likely this is his last real chance at making a professional roster.

Garcia has the skills to make an impression on the Alouettes coaching staff. During his high school days in Tampa, Florida, he was the most sought out recruit in the nation committing to head coach, Steve Spurrier and his Gamecocks.

From that point onwards when he stepped foot onto the Columbia campus it seemed everything unraveled. In his four years, he was suspended for incidents ranging from keying a professor’s car, to underage drinking, and not abiding to the probation rules set forth by the school.   

A lot of pundits will explain that Garcia has all the tools to succeed but is he fully focused on honing his talent to becoming a better quarterback?

In the SEC, the 2011 Gamecocks team were on the verge of doing serious damage to the competition with of a roster full of NFL talent from; Jadeveon Clowney, Alshon Jeffery, Melvin Ingram, and Marcus Lattimore. All Garcia had to do was make plays. Unfortunately for him he was too ineffective on the field, not focused off of it.

With this potential try-out, could Garcia impress the Alouettes staff into inviting him to the big camp? Could head coach Marc Trestman consider having his star quarterback, Anthony Calvillo mentoring Garcia? This seems a perfect match of a respected veteran and future hall of famer tutoring a player who is looking to revamp his image and parlay it into a professional career.

In reading an article about Garcia cleaning up his image in preparation for the NFL Combine, it seems he has taken the right steps and admitting to his mistakes.

The team has stockpiled the quarterback position that includes two Canadian in Kyle Graves, and Kyle Quinlan. From last count on their team roster, excluding Garcia, there will be seven quarterbacks entering training camp. So repetitions will be limited if he were to make the team camp.

If he were to make the final Alouettes roster could he control his temptations and not get himself into trouble? As many know the city of Montreal is full of events, parties, and is considered to be one of the premier cities to have a good time.

If Garcia has the right people surrounding him, the decision should be easy for him to stay away and focus on his job as a quarterback. But if that support staff isn’t there, could he be tempted into the nightlife scene that this city has to offer?  

Garcia is on strike four, and if he fumbles this opportunity most likely there won’t be another chance at realizing his professional dreams. But from all indications, Garcia has understood that he withered away a great opportunity at South Carolina.

Now, he must first make it out of mini-camp. Then from there work even harder and not ruin this chance at playing professional football.

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Is Stephen Garcia Headed To The Montreal Alouettes?

According to various reports it seems that former controversial South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback, Stephen Garcia may have found a temporary home in the CFL with the Montreal Alouettes.

From what has been mentioned in the report, he would be attending next weekend’s mini-camp, which could parlay into an opportunity to take part in the main training camp.

For those who have followed Garcia’s college career, it is well documented of his off field incidents that led to numerous suspensions during his time with the Gamecocks. However, in 2011, head coach Steve Spurrier was given no choice but to remove Garcia from the roster due to not abiding to the guidelines set by the school’s administration after his last suspension.   

I have sent an e-mail to the Alouettes public relations department to confirm this signing, until they do so it is speculation for the present moment.

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Kyries Hebert Could Be A Wild Card For The Alouettes Plans

Looking deep into the Montreal Alouettes roster, one intriguing player that could make this lineup is Kyries Hebert. He has had experience playing in the Canadian Football League, and National Football League.

During his time in Canada with the defunct Ottawa Renegades, and Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Hebert was considered to be one of the hardest hitting defenders with the sideline to sideline playing ability.

During the offseason, Alouettes general manager Jim Popp’s priorities was to retool the defense and special teams. He was quietly aggressive by bringing in Rod Davis, Aaron Hunt, and Mark Restelli.

Even though Hebert has not played in over a year, he could make this roster as a special team’s player. It seems the organization is hoping to revive this unit that was ineffective during the 2011 season. Hebert has the talent to burst through to make a game changing play in-favour of the Alouettes.

Listed at 6’3, 222lbs, Hebert has great size to potentially play as an edge outside linebacker. With Ramon Guzman recently being released, he could slip into his position.

It seems that the competition for the linebacker spots has already started. Hebert could make it a difficult choice for new defensive coordinator Jeff Reinebold in deciding who will be his starters.

If Reinebold opts for 3-4 base front the chances increase for an opportunity for Hebert to be one of the four players in the second level of the defense.

Hebert has Grey Cup experience, as he was apart of the Blue Bombers team that lost to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the 2007 title game. This would be a huge incentive for the Alouettes that parted ways with such leaders as; Anwar Stewart, and Eric Wilson and are in need of experienced players.

As training camp approaches, keep an eye on Kyries Hebert.

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Should The Alouettes Consider Being Cautious With Josh Bourke During Training Camp?

Looking back at the 2011 season, one of the key losses that the Montreal Alouettes couldn’t overcome was pectoral injury suffered by Josh Bourke.

In his media session right after the injury the reigning offensive lineman of the year explained his disappointment. Bourke said in 2012, he would come back healthy, stronger, and hungry to help reestablish the Alouettes dominance on the offensive line.

Fast forward to today, with camp less than two weeks away, could head coach Marc Trestman pace Bourke to slowly assimilate him back into his position?

In researching this type of injury, from past experiences professional sports teams tend to ease the player into their role in making sure they do not over exert themselves in getting back into game shape.

Given how taxing and important of a position that Bourke plays, using his arm length to gain leverage in run blocking, or pass protection is instrumental. For the time being it would be imperative that the coaching staff keep an eye on him to make sure he does not go beyond his limits during training camp.

Moreover, given the backup depth at the offensive line position, it would not surprise me if Trestman will chart Bourke’s progression. Thus, keep him limited during the exhibition season to have him ready for their opener on July 1^st against the Calgary Stampeders.

This will enable the younger players such as Anthony Barrette, Ryan Bomben, and Kristian Matte to gain valuable repetitions during camp just in-case if they’re called upon.

Without question Bourke is one of the premier offensive linemen in the CFL, and he should be on his way to reclaiming the top spot. The offensive line would be receiving an added boost with his size, quick feet, and overall skills.

Furthermore, quarterback Anthony Calvillo would be happiest player to feel comfortable knowing he has is blindside protector back in the lineup.

In 2011, injuries derailed any chance of the Alouettes wining their third consecutive Grey Cup. But with Bourke back and healthy, he will be an important element for this offense to be in sync.

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Which Rookies To Keep An Eye at Alouettes Training Camp

Which Montreal Alouettes rookie players everyone should keep an eye in training camp that could make the 2012 roster?

In this element it is hard to gauge which rookies will provide an immediate impact considering how management tends to bring in players from very small schools that we never heard of. But for the names that partisans have recently been hearing, here is a cast of players who could have a say this year.

Bo Adebayo, Western Kentucky, DL: If he wasn’t granted his Canadian papers prior to the draft, who knows the future of Adebayo in the CFL. But because of his non-import status, he became an intriguing prospect, and the Alouettes got great value when they made him their third round selection.

Even though he did have a tryout with the NFL’s Detroit Lions, the organization was afforded to take a gamble on him knowing there was a chance he could venture up north if things didn’t pan out down south.

Adebayo is very good on run defense; he is very stout at the point of attack in shedding the block and making the play behind the line scrimmage. He has great closing speed in tackling the opposition.

In pass rushing situations coming off the edge he is very explosive, very smooth turning the corner in attacking the quarterback. The most important thing he has a high football IQ. It seems he is never out of position.

If you want a first hand idea of Adebayo checkout his highlight package.

Given time, Adebayo will be a solid rotational player for the Alouettes looking to replenish their non-import quota on the front line.

Patrick Lavoie, Laval, FB: There was one certain projection that came to fruition during the CFL Draft and that was Lavoie being selected within the first two rounds of the CFL Draft.

In speaking to a RSEQ coach, he is happy that they most likely won’t have to deal with Lavoie in the conference.

Lavoie, who is a former receiver, is considered to be one of the best blockers in the nation. Very little praised was heaped on him in the Laval offense because he continually did the grunt work for the Rouge et Or.

Given how he is physically big, he could provide another set of hands for the Alouettes if he comes out of the backfield for a pass.

Finally, his ability to immediately play on special teams will go a long way for this organization. Last year, all three phases took their lumps as they could not create a momentum changing play. Lavoie would instantly aide the process and eventually transition to the fullback position when he is ready to go.    

Anthony Barrette, Concordia, OL: Barrette was the Alouettes second round choice in the 2011 draft. He did attend last year’s camp but went back to Concordia for his fifth year to fine tune his skills.

This year there is a small chance that Barrette will crack the starting five on the offensive line. But he will bring added depth to this group. He will be eventually groomed to take over for Scott Flory who is now entering the last couple of years of his professional career.

Barrette is a wide body with a strong lower base. Even though he played at tackle with the Stingers, it should be an easy transition to shift inside considering former Alouettes great Bryan Chiu has prepped him the last couple of years.

He might not have an immediate impact, but he most certainly will provide depth to a position that continues to be the staple of the team’s success. Learning from the likes of Flory will go a long way in helping Barrette become a future starter for the organization.

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Alouettes Bring On Former Chicago Bears Player Garrett Wolfe

With the Montreal Alouettes adding four players to their training camp roster one name to keep an eye for is former Chicago Bears running back Garrett Wolfe.

Wolfe had a fine career at Northern Illinois University where he accumulated 5,136-yards. He moved on to the Bears where he was a serviceable player during his four years with the organization.

However, in 2011 Wolfe did run into trouble with the law where he was arrested at a Miami night club for an altercation. Charges were later dropped.

He did sign on with the United Football League’s Omaha Nighthawks.

Wolfe could make the roster as a special team’s player, and he maybe given a chance to crack the deep running back rotation to provide starter Brandon Whitaker a breather.

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Shea Emry Could Be Key To the Alouettes Defense Success

In 2011, there’s no hiding the fact that injuries curtailed the Montreal Alouettes hopes of winning a third consecutive Grey Cup.

The team's depth was so depleted to the point that it seemed they were literally signing players off the street.

But one injury that deeply hobbled the Alouettes was linebacker Shea Emry. When the UBC product went down with an upper body injury it hurt the ratio status, given that he is a non-import playing a position normally occupied by an American.

But beyond Emry’s ratio status, he has the explosiveness to burst through the gaps to make a play in the backfield. He has the quickness and speed needed to keep up step for step with the inside receivers. Finally he has a high football IQ that enabled him to dissect a play before it happened.

When he went down, the team was missing these essentials on the field. Not to say that his cohorts were incapable of replacing him in the lineup. But it is hard duplicate this.

With much rumoured talk of new defensive coordinator Jeff Reinebold toying with the idea of implementing a 3-4 base formation. This would require Emry and the second level players to make plays.

If the team employs this new look defense, it could bode well to Emry’s skills. The linebackers would be required to be very active as the front three defensive linemen will eat up space for them.

For Emry this might have been a very long offseason. But for those who have seen online his offseason workouts with teammate Etienne Boulay, Emry looks primed, and ready to go.

Already the competition is heating up given the Alouettes have signed in Rod Davis, and Mark Restelli to loaded position.

Furthermore, with the release of former starter Ramon Guzman, it could serve as a warning that no player’s job is safe. Every linebacker will have to earn their repetitions. Emry is eager to repay the faith that the Alouettes have in him. 

If the organization is to make it back to the Grey Cup in Toronto, it will be imperative that Emry is healthy and terrorizing opponents on the football field.

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Could Brandon Whitaker Be The First Ever Running Back To Reach 1000 Rushing And Receiving Yards In The Same Season?

In the world of sports aside from winning championships, statistical accomplishments will be the measuring the stick for a player’s career.

Whether it is achieving 40-homeruns and steals in Major League Baseball, scoring 50-goals in 50-games in the National Hockey League, or averaging 30-points a game in the National Basketball Association. Statistics will always be a discussed topic around the water cooler.

In the Canadian Football League, to date no running back has ever accomplished 1,000-rushing and receiving yards in the same season. This feat seems nearly impossible to reach considering how this brand of football is more of an aerial assault with more players on the field than the National Football League.

But if there is one player who could potentially have a chance at reaching this plateau it is Montreal Alouettes own Brandon Whitaker.  

In 2011 the Baylor product had amassed 1,381-rushing yards, and 638-receiving yards. In-fact, his receiving yards was higher than Bakari Grant (Hamilton Tiger-Cats), Akeem Foster (B.C. Lions), and Romby Bryant (Calgary Stampeders).

Let’s consider why Whitaker could have a shot at this these two numbers. He was the only player with a minimum of 200-carries to average six yards a rush. He ranked seventh in the league with 72-reeptions. Automatically his cohorts, S.J. Green, and Jamel Richardson will be paid a lot of attention due to how dangerous they are. Therefore, there could be fewer defenders inside the box spying on Whitaker.

There is no denying that Brian Bratton, and Brandon London will be also benefiting as well. But for an immediate completion Whitaker could very well profit with the underneath yards.

The Alouettes are entering a dark period with upper management not having a president in-place, and overall business not as strong. The on-field product will be looking to regain their old form prior to last season. The value of a running back is immense for an offense. Just ask the Lions who last year relied on Andrew Harris in winning the title.

Whitaker could have a big say on how this offense functions. If he does, it could create a lot of headaches for defensive coordinators across the league that might not be able to stop this vaunted lineup.

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