Noah Sidel
CFL.ca
One look at University of Montreal defensive lineman Gregory Alexandre and you’re immediately inclined to think of the Canadian version of Calgary Stampeder DeVone Claybrooks: big, fast, and feisty.
The Montreal Carabins alumnus may just be capable of filling a similar role as Claybrooks on a CFL roster – the big difference being that having a non-import Canadian D-lineman is always a ratio-changing bonus.
The 6-foot-2, 285-pound Alexandre will be hoping to leave a good impression with Canadian Football League scouts when he heads to the league’s Evaluation Camp in early March.
“When I got the call, I was very happy because I’ve been working hard all my life to get the opportunity to show what I can do. I’m really looking forward to getting a chance to show off my skills and my work ethic in front of the CFL coaches and scouts,” Alexandre said.
A highly touted prospect, Alexandre certainly has an impressive CIS resume.
He was named the Carabins’ 2007 Defensive Rookie of the Year, while earning the first of four-consecutive Quebec University Football League All-Star selections that season. In 2009, he was named to the CIS’ All-Canadian team as well.
“I think they chose me to invite to E-Camp because I’m a hard-working guy and I played well during the East-West Challenge,” Alexandre said.
“Also, I think my four seasons as an All-Star with the Carabins were not too bad,” he added with confidence, but without the slightest intonation of arrogance.
With 96 career tackles and a school-record 19 sacks, however, one would think Alexandre would be entitled to a little cockiness.
Back on the subject of work ethic – something he tends to come back to often – Alexandre noted that his heroes are the type of players who played above their talent level more so than those with all the skill in the world, but lack desire.
“I think I can bring hard work and enthusiasm to the ball club that picks me. I’m a team guy and I’m all about bringing the best out of me and my teammates so we can win,” he said.
“My biggest inspiration is probably (former CFL running back) Mike Pringle because when he got into the league he didn’t play a lot in the beginning of his career. But he worked hard to be the best at his position and he ended up as one of, if not the best, running backs in CFL history.”
