CFL.ca Staff
MONTREAL — The Concordia Stingers football program has a reputation for developing young receivers for the professional ranks, and in 2011-12 it will be Sanchez Deschamps’ turn to step into the limelight.
The 24-year-old native of Mississuaga, Ont. has patiently played behind the likes of former Stingers Cory Watson, a second-year pro who stars with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and Liam Mahoney, recently signed by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
“Sanchez has tremendous speed and athleticism,” says Concordia head coach Gerry McGrath. “He runs hard with the ball after he catches it. We feel he has great game-breaking abilities.”
Other Stinger receivers who have developed the skills to move to the next level include Denis Montana, who went to three NFL camps and spent a season on the Miami Dolphins’ practice roster before playing for five different CFL teams (1996-2004). There is also Sylvain Girard, who went to camp with the NFL’s Cleveland Browns before returning to Montreal to play eight seasons with the Montreal Alouettes (1999-2006); and André Bolduc, who had a six-year career in the CFL with the Ottawa Renegades, the Edmonton Eskimos and the Alouettes (1996-2001).
“Sanchez has a chance to be as good as any of them,” McGrath says.
In his first three seasons with Concordia, Deschamps has flown under the radar – with the exception of a 55-yard touchdown pass he caught with no time left on the clock to defeat the Montréal Carabins 19-18 on Oct. 4, 2008. He made a lot of headlines that day.
Serious scouts would’ve picked up on his consistent strong play against the perennial champion Laval Rouge et Or over the years, but average CIS fans probably first heard of his exceptional skills at the East West Bowl last May in London, Ont. Deschamps had an outstanding week of testing and practice and then was the top receiver in the game with four catches for 92 yards.
“When Sanchez worked out at the East West Bowl with the best players in the country, he could measure his performance and I think he realized how good he is and can be,” McGrath says.
The Stingers have been known to rely heavily on the passing game. In 2010, McGrath’s offence passed 62 per cent of the time. Mahoney was the primary receiver with 49 catches. But now it’s Deschamps’ time to step up with his own exciting brand of play. He is definitely a Stinger to watch in 2011.
You can catch the Stingers in pre-season action at University of Guelph on Aug. 27 at 1 p.m. Concordia opens the Quebec season at home to Laval on Sept. 3 at 1 p.m.
Awards & honours: Concordia Offensive Rookie of the Year (2008) and 2011 East West Bowl participant
-With files from Concordia Sports Information
