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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