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Vanier Cup MVP Quinlan to get CFL opportunity in Montreal
Source: McMaster Sports Info / Photo credit Yan Dublet.
McMaster’s All-Canadian quarterback Kyle Quinlan will be
heading to Montreal for the next stage of his football
career. The CFL Montreal Alouettes have signed Quinlan
to a free agent contract and he will report to the team’s
2012 training camp next month looking to make an impression.
The contract is a two-year deal.
While he was not selected in last week’s CFL Draft of
Canadian players, teams are allowed to designate and sign two
additional undrafted Canadian players and post-draft Montreal made
the move to sign Quinlan. Despite internet speculation that
he may be asked to change positions, Quinlan says he has been told
he is coming to camp to compete for a roster spot as a
quarterback.
“I’m ecstatic about getting this opportunity with
Montreal,” said the native of South Woodslee, Ontario.
“I’m really excited to be able to work with Coach
Trestman and to be in camp with quarterbacks like Anthony Calvillo
and (Adrian) McPherson is a dream come true. There is just so
much quarterback expertise there and I’m looking forward to
it.”
Named the Most Valuable Player of last season’s thrilling
Vanier Cup win over Laval, this will be Quinlan’s second CFL
training camp, as he was in camp as a developmental player with the
Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2011.
“I think that experience will help me prepare and deal with
the administrative stuff that goes into a pro camp,” Quinlan
explained. “Now I have a little experience about how it works
and that should only help me.”
McMaster Coach Stef Ptaszek is excited to see his quarterback get a
chance at the next level. “We are extremely proud of Kyle. He
has worked very diligently to put himself in the position to get a
CFL tryout. Should he make the Alouettes’ roster, Kyle
will be a valuable member on and off the field for the
organization.”
He will report to the Alouettes’ training camp at
Bishops University in Lennoxville, Quebec, which opens on Saturday,
June 3, 2012. Quinlan is one of five quarterbacks currently
listed on the Alouettes’ roster. Quinlan will compete for a
spot on the Alouettes roster behind Calvillo and backup Adrian
McPherson, and could become just the second Canadian quarterback to
earn a CFL roster spot after the Calgary's Brad Sinopoli, who
signed with the Stamps in 2011.
With one season of CIS playing eligibility remaining, Quinlan can
take his best shot at advancing to the pro ranks with the
Alouettes, while retaining the option of playing one more season
for the Marauders if he does not make the 2012 Montreal roster.
