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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