(Trois-Rivières) It has been clearly established that Cody Fajardo will lead the Alouettes’ offense this season. But who will back up the Montreal quarterback? The number 2 quarter spot is up for grabs.
Davis Alexander, Caleb Evans and Mike Glass III are the three quarterbacks listed below Fajardo on the position charts that the Alouettes’ communications team updates for each session. And according to head coach Jason Maas, the three will have the chance to obtain the position of backup quarterback.
“Things will sort themselves out over the two preseason games and the end of camp, but they’ve all done well so far,” Maas said after the day’s two practices on Monday. at the Diablos stadium of Cégep de Trois-Rivières. All three have some fixes to make, but in the end, they need to perform well when they’re thrust into the limelight in preseason games. This is when we will make the necessary decisions.
“We’re committed to giving all three guys equal reps, even though Mike Glass got a little less: that’s the lot of rookie quarterbacks in this league, because you usually want a veteran to back up your #1 quarterback. But they will all have the chance to earn this position. […] It is up for grabs; they know that. »
Of the three, Evans has the most experience, having started a few games with the Ottawa Redblacks during his first two seasons in the CFL. He completed 222 of 367 passes for 2,580 yards, but his 9-to-16 touchdown-to-interception ratio shows his inexperience.
“I do what I can to learn the whole playbook and hit my targets when I’m given the ball,” he said. I think I know a good camp in general. I just try to be consistent and improve every day. »
Alexander was in uniform for 13 games in 2022 after joining the Alouettes, but was only used in the very last part of the season, against the Toronto Argonauts. He completed 8 of 13 passes for 89 yards and one interception. However, he has shown great things so far in Trois-Rivières.
“It’s clear that Cody is number 1 and it’s really great to learn alongside him, who knows the Jason Maas system,” Alexander said. I don’t think Caleb and I care that much who’s going to be No. 2, we’re just trying to make plays and get our receivers in position to make plays. I know for my part, that’s what I want: to progress this offense and whatever happens, happens.
“I’m confident because I know some of these guys. But there are also a lot of guys I work with who are not only new here, but new to the league. Having A.C. [Anthony Calvillo] as a coach also helps me, because sometimes he gives me the old nomenclature for certain games, which helps me transition. »
Glass is a rookie, and was hired by the Alouettes on March 1.
“Mike Glass has been impressive so far for a young player. Lots of leadership, and he knows how to stay in the pocket to make good shots. Really, for a young quarterback, he’s been impressive so far,” Calvillo noted of his young quarterback.
“Davis Alexander was here last year. He had done well in camp, but very well in the preseason games, Calvillo continued. This is really where gamers tend to carve out a niche. Training sessions and intrasquad games are one thing, but when the spotlight comes on for real, that’s where it counts. He was able to do that for us last year and he’s been doing it again so far this season.
“Caleb, I’ve followed him around the league for the last few seasons. Now we have the chance to hang out with him and see the level of his knowledge, which has been impressive as well. Currently, this position is completely open and we are looking forward to the preseason games. »
Calvillo also believes that the three players are on an equal footing.
“The only advantage Caleb has over others is experience in games. Now they all have to learn Jason’s system, and that’s what will make whoever gets the number 2 job stand out from the other two. »
Both Maas and Calvillo want to give the two preseason games to their three substitute quarterbacks. Fajardo will not be in uniform Friday in Ottawa. He will certainly play on June 2 in Montreal, but Alexander, Evans and Glass will share a large part of this final exhibition match.
