Noah Sidel
CFL.ca
After four years and 35 games on the defensive line at the University of Michigan, one can only think defensive tackle Renaldo Sagesse picked up more than a little bit of wisdom – one of the many qualities he’ll be hoping to show off for Canadian Football League scouts at this year’s Evaluation Camp.
“Haha, yeah, it’s pronounced ‘saj-esse’ (French for ‘wisdom’), but in the States it was easier for them to call me ‘Sa-jeesy’ so I just rolled with it,” said Sagesse, reminiscing about a college career that saw him play for one of the most prestigious programs in the NCAA.
Now draft eligible in the CFL and ranked ninth on the league’s Scouting Bureau list, Sagesse is on the cusp of fulfilling a life-long dream.
“It’s a great feeling to know that people are considering me to be one of the best players in the incoming draft. I think that scouts feel like I can come in and help a team win, which is why I’m ranked so high,” the Montreal-native said. “I don’t know how much they’ve seen me play but I think they feel like I’ve got all the tools required to become a dominant player in the CFL.”
Should Sagesse be selected in the 2011 Canadian Draft and crack a CFL roster, he believes he’s ready for the big time.
“Michigan is known to be one of the biggest, if not the biggest football program in America, and I feel it was a blessing that I had the chance to suit up there. I’m happy I chose to play in the US because I’m one of the lucky guys that had a chance to experience US college football,” he said.
“I was away from my family and friends for four years, but it was worth it because I got to experience something that not many kids in Canada can say they did and that helped me prepare.”
As for where he’d like to play pro ball, coming home would be fun, but that isn’t much of a factor for the 24-year-old.
“If I had a choice to play for any team in the CFL, I would say the Als because I’m from Montreal and I grew up watching them, but frankly I don’t really have a preference,” he said. “I just enjoy playing football, so I’m going to have fun regardless of where I’m at.”
With that approach in mind, Sagesse will be able to focus what got him to E-Camp and not worry much about where he might end up spending the next few years.
“I would say my athleticism and my knowledge of the game are my best assets. I think I move pretty well on the football field for a guy of my size,” he said. “I also love rushing the quarterback. The CFL is more of a pass-oriented league, which is fine with me because I’ll get to do what I love – put pressure on the QB.”
A great E-Camp performance might be just what Sagesse needs to get that shot.
“I have always dreamed of playing professional football, and now it might become a reality. Just like playing at Michigan, there are not many kids from where I’m from who get a chance to play professionally. I’m grateful for the opportunity in front of me, and now I have to make the most of it for myself and my family.”
