The Montreal Alouettes Prepare to Finalize Their 2012 Roster, Who Could Make The Final Cut?

Today, as the Montreal Alouettes coaching staff congregate at their Olympic Stadium office  to finalize their opening day roster, there are anxious players hoping to keep their football dreams alive beyond training camp.

Let's take a look at who has a chance of cracking this deep, talented football roster.

Noel Devine, RB: It seems the former West Virginia product has matured since his playing days in the U.S. For those who recall in 2011, Devine abruptly left the Philadelphia Eagles training camp, and it seemed he would never realize his football potential.

So far in Canada, Devine has shown glimpses of what made him a Youtube star, with his explosive ability. He could be an excellent compliment to starting running back Brandon Whitaker.

If Devine stay's focus on the football field, he would be the Alouettes best recent signing in the last few years.

Josh Neiswander, QB: A year ago no one knew his name. Today, because of his strong training camp performance the coaching staff felt comfortable to release former third quarterback, Ricky Santos.

There is no doubt Neiswander will be dressing this season. At times during training camp and in games he has looked better than current number two quarterback, Adrian McPherson.

Neiswander has paid his dues in learning the system from Anthony Calvillo. If he continues to progress nicely throughout the season, could he be in the discussion as a potential starting quarterback in the future?

Dylan Hollohan, DB: This is a player who should have been selected in last month's CFL draft. But his 2011 season was derailed due to injuries.

Some AUS pundits have considered Hollohan the best athlete in the conference. The St. Francis coaching staff had comfort knowing they could leave him on an island by himself, as a result, he displayed an explosive ability towards attacking the football.

Hollohan might be small in stature, but he has great heart, and a deep desire to show why he was one of the premier defensive backs in the Atlantic conference.

If the Alouettes do consider keeping him on their practice roster, he could eventually become a contributor on the special teams with a chance to potentially play on defense.


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Photo credits: www.saturdaydownsouth.com, www.accrofootmag.com, www.cfl.ca