The Montreal Alouettes Release 14 Players From Their Training Camp

This afternoon the Montreal Alouettes released 14 players from their training camp roster. There are not too many surprises, however, those who were let go by the organization could be brought back to their practice roster or later on during the season if a player suffers an injury.

In move that was expected the Canadian quarterback duo of Kyle Graves, and Kyle Quinlan were released. But this is not the end of the road for them as they still have eligibility to go back to CIS football for their fifth year.

In the short-term they will feel disappointed of not being able to crack this year's roster. But for their long-term development it would be a better option they go back to their respective schools to have more repetitions, and come back prepared for next year if they're invited to a CFL camp.

Don't forget that Graves is a punter. Even though he wasn't able to beat out incumbent kicker Sean Whyte, he could potentially catch on with another CFL squad.

As I mentioned yesterday's article, Dylan Hollohan, defensive back from St. Francis Xavier is a very talented player. But due to his injuries he sustained in the 2011 season it could have attributed to him not making the roster. A scenario that could exist is him being invited back to the practice roster, or head back to school, and gain more playing experience.

Overall, head coach Marc Trestman and his staff should feel confident of what they deem a roster worthy of vying for a third Grey Cup title in the last four years.

The only issue is keeping everyone healthy for the duration of the season, which is easier said than done.

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Listen to me every Sunday/Tuesday nights on Gamepoints, every Friday morning on The Midnight Snack, and various shows on TSN 990.

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.


Follow me on Twitter @MoeKhan19


Listen to me every Sunday/Tuesday nights on Gamepoints, every Friday morning on The Midnight Snack, and various shows on TSN 990.


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