(Trois-Rivières) Two seasons were enough for Marc-Antoine Dequoy to establish himself as one of the best defensive backs in the Canadian Football League (CFL). A glorious but predictable ascent. The paradox between his youth and his wisdom may surprise, but for him, everything falls into place at the same time.
In training last Wednesday, despite the rain and the increasingly wet grass mat, Dequoy never takes half measures. For three days, in match simulation exercises, number 24 has been in all fights. His intensity even sparked sparks with some members of the offensive unit.
Dequoy has a new three-year contract in his pocket. And he wants to honor it. The 28-year-old sees the new deal more as a vote of confidence than additional pressure.
“I was just wondering how I was going to feel,” he says as he exits the locker room, briefcase and cell phone in hand. I don’t take it lightly of course, but I think it’s good to know that the team has confidence in me. It’s easier to give more in that time. »
Because he is Quebecois, eloquent and in the spotlight from the university ranks, Dequoy is the ideal ambassador for the Alouettes. He has been in the public eye for over five years and is often the team’s delegate to answer questions from the media in good times and bad.
The man with the alluring headdress assumes this role. And he kisses her. In only his third season with the Alouettes, his influence on the rest of the team is undeniable.
The Montrealer is not necessarily the first to jump out of his seat to deliver a speech as inspiring as it is evocative in the style of Winston Churchill or Ray Lewis. His leadership is more noticeable on the ground. Where no teammate is left behind. Where his qualities as a motivator are put to good use. Impossible for the other players to remain impassive while watching Dequoy fidgeting.
“I speak on the pitch. […] The important thing is that everyone helps each other, whether you are a rookie or a veteran, and that you take your place as a leader. If the hat suits you, you put it on. You just have to know how to take your place at the right time, ”continues the one who had gotten his chance with the Green Bay Packers in the NFL.
Dequoy finished last season tied for fourth in the CFL with four interceptions. His first career touchdown came on the eve of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, returning an interception from his new quarterback Cody Fajardo, formerly with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. This 21-yard run at Percival-Molson Stadium set the tone for the Quebecer’s season.
In fact, he never ceases to meet the expectations placed on him. At one time, his dominance was such in the Quebec university network that opposing quarterbacks simply no longer threw in the direction of the former Carabins safety of the University of Montreal. “I hope that doesn’t happen, because it was kinda boring,” he laughs.
Obviously, the 6’3″ guy hasn’t reached that status in the CFL, but obviously the opposing centers fear him more.
Dequoy is a football fanatic and he intends to take full advantage of the chance offered to him by the Alouettes to shine at his fair value. Nevertheless, in a sport where the attack is often put forward, he consolidates himself in a more withdrawn role, far from the spotlight. Even if the Sparrows have the privilege of relying on a good defense, the arrival and return of certain key elements on the other side of the ball monopolize almost all the attention.
“But I like it better,” he pleads. Because if there are expectations and she [the attack] meets them, everyone will be happy. And we, on the other hand, can stay in the shadows. When you do your job well, no one talks about you and that means things are going well. »
In the same way that even if Paul and John made the headlines, the Beatles would have been very deprived without the contribution of George and Ringo.
Despite their broken wings, the Alouettes learn to fly again. All his life, Marc-Antoine Dequoy has waited for this moment to take flight. And the sun has finally come.
