Heading into the 2016 CFL season, a few young Alouettes may steal the spotlight for Montreal. After a poor 6-12 season, the team will likely start a rebuilding phase in 2016, and with only 12 players over 30-years-old, a lot of rookies and sophomores will get plenty of playing time, and possibly some starts. Head coach and general manager Jim Popp will get an opportunity to see the future of his franchise in them.
A few young players shined brightly in 2015, but who will steal the spotlight for Montreal in 2016?
Young Alouettes to Watch in 2016
Nick Shortill, Linebacker, 23-years-old
Shortill was a bright spot in a torn-up linebacking core last season. After Bear Woods and Kyler Elsworth went down with injuries, Shortill was promoted from special teams to the starting line-up, and made an instant impact. The McMaster product had 17 tackles in four games at linebacker, with 10 in Week 19 against the Edmonton Eskimos.
Shortill is quick on his feet, and even though he doesn’t have the biggest body at 6’2″ 223 LBS, he is able to make the key tackles. He did a fine job on special teams last season with 12 tackles, and will likely get some time there to start the season with Woods and Elsworth returning. With Kyries Hebert and Chip Cox hitting the twilight of their careers, and both susceptible to injuries, Shortill will be the first one up to fill a hole in the linebacking group when injuries do occur.
Shortill may be the next big player on the Montreal defence, and Popp needs to give him some playing time. However, Shortill will have some competition from another young Alouettes player for that depth role…
Chris Ackie, Linebacker, 24-years-old
Ackie was drafted as a defensive back with the fourth overall pick in 2015, but is now listed as a linebacker, likely due to his big frame at 6’2″ 205 LBS. With only a handful of experienced defensive backs on the roster, it would make more sense for Popp to move Ackie back and let him develop there, instead of sitting low on the linebackers depth chart.
Regardless of where he plays this season, Ackie will be an interesting player to follow. After a sub-par 2015 season in which he had 7 defensive and 5 special teams tackles, the stand-out Wilfrid Laurier man will have a make-it or break-it year. With Shortill, who was drafted nine picks after Ackie, ahead of him on the depth chart, Ackie will really need to earn a spot in the starting line-up. Will he be a star for Montreal, or will be forever bounce around special teams and a back-up role?
Philippe Gagnon, Offensive Lineman, 23-years-old
After being drafted second overall, Gagnon will have plenty of eyes on him throughout the season. The Alouettes offensive line was full of holes last season, and after losing Ryan Bomben in 2015 and Josh Bourke in 2016, the line needs some help from young Alouettes moving forward.
Gagnon was a guard with the Université de Laval Rouge et Or, and will likely stay at the guard position, pushing Jacob Ruby to replace Bourke at the left tackle position. Gagnon won’t get the job easy, as Kristian Matte, Jake Piotrowski and Philip Blake will also battle for the start on the inside of the offensive line.
Gagnon is a fierce competitor and was one of the strongest linemen at the CFL Combine. He put up a staggering 40 reps at the bench press, and can only get stronger. He may become the next Luc Brodeur-Jourdain for the Alouettes, and he has his chance to prove his worth this season.
Kenny Stafford, Wide Receiver, 26-years-old
Although Stafford is entering his third full season in the CFL, he still has a lot to prove to Popp, who traded him to the Eskimos a year ago. Stafford caught only 20 passes for 230 yards and a touchdown in 2014 with Montreal, but exploded in Edmonton last season with 47 receptions for 732 yards and 9 touchdowns.
With a one-year contract under his name, Stafford will be looking for a long-term deal and some stability after this season, either in Montreal or somewhere else. With S.J. Green and Duron Carter ahead of him on the depth chart, Stafford will need to be stellar to eventually become that number one guy. Stafford will have the opportunity to prove to Popp that he can be the main target man for the Alouettes for a long time to come.
As for now, Alouettes fans can watch their receiving core of Carter, Green, Stafford, B.J. Cunningham and Nik Lewis in awe, and not think about possible implications for the future of the team.
Honourable Mentions
Vernon Adams and Brandon Bridge: One of them will likely take over from Kevin Glenn as the number one quarterback in the future. Will they have the opportunity to show Popp what they have as young Alouettes this season?
Jacob Ruby: Another 2015 draft pick, Ruby may land himself the starting job at the coveted left tackle position. How well will he be able to protect his QB?
Anthony Coady: The Vanier Cup winner with the Montreal Carabins will see plenty of action at the safety position. Will he be able to replace the 30-year-old Marc-Olivier Brouillette moving forward?
Jerry Rice Jr.: In a Popp-like move, the son of Hall of Famer Jerry Rice was added to the team’s practice roster last fall, and is taking part in the team’s training camp. Will Rice crack the roster and dominate the CFL with Carter, like their dads did in the NFL?
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