OTTAWA – Quebecer Marc-Antoine Dequoy has long been tipped to be the Alouettes player to take part in a reality TV show in 2022. He turned into a superhero and became one of the best elements of the Montreal club, even the Canadian Football League, this season. Welcome to his new reality!
“He is a very good football player, a very good person and he is someone who represents the team very well, whether on the field or off,” says Alouettes general manager Danny Maciocia with a lot of affection. who was previously his coach with the University of Montreal Carabins. It is a matter of great pride. It is a jewel that we hold in our hands. »
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Also on Saturday, in a 32-15 win in Ottawa, Dequoy made a crucial play, throwing an interception before returning the ball 108 yards for a touchdown. So he helped the Alouettes qualify for the playoffs and then took advantage of his speed, which also led Journal columnist Marc Calixte to nickname him “Flash,” a superhero from the DC Comics universe who is known to move at lightning speed.
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“We can call him Flash, we can call him whatever we want,” Maciocia commented with a laugh. There’s not much that surprises me about Marc-Antoine anymore, but now it’s probably about time [dans la LCF] where I was closest to the sideline so I could see his game right in front of me. When I saw him evade the tackle with the ball in his hand, I knew he was going to make it to the end zone. »
“When I catch a ball from that spot on the field, I usually know I can score the touchdown,” Dequoy agreed.
Happy in football
A run of 108 yards or 98.75 meters. In less than 12 seconds, while dodging a tackle from an opponent, Rouge et Noir quarterback Dustin Crum.
“Marc-Antoine Dequoy delivered a great performance,” said Marco Dubois, another member of the Rouge et Noir. In my opinion, it’s explosive games like this that can tear your legs apart. »
Given his speed, one wonders if Dequoy doesn’t have what it takes to compete in the Olympics one day.
“If you look at my height, I look more like a 200-meter runner than a 100-meter runner,” the 29-year-old athlete said with a smile. I have big steps. In a past life I may have been an Olympic athlete, but at the moment I am very happy playing football. »
Good words from the coach
Alouettes head coach Jason Maas is also very happy to be able to count on him on the field.
“This interception return was incredible and I know that there was a lot of work behind it analyzing the videos of our opponents,” emphasized Maas. It’s about observing and reacting. It’s one thing to anticipate the play in your head, but you still have to be able to seize the opportunity and have the confidence to make the play.”
“He works so hard, he listens to the coaches and puts in a lot of hard work. We also know how fast he is, I don’t know if there is a single player in this league who could have caught him. He’s having a phenomenal season, I’m very proud of Dequoy! »
An understanding of the game
The Quebec native had his fifth interception of the season, a second in which he returned the ball for a touchdown. Dequoy also beat the Blue Bombers on August 24 in Winnipeg.
“He’s a leader on defense,” Maciocia finally qualified. He understands everything that is happening around him. As the game takes shape, it happens in slow motion for him. »
Quarterback of the defensive unit
OTTAWA – Quebecer Marc-Antoine Dequoy’s performances with the Alouettes are all the more impressive given that he has had to adapt to a new defensive position, that of Marauder, since his Canadian Football League debut in 2021.
“We must remember that he was not a marauder from the Université de Montréal Carabins, but a defensive back who played on the wide side of the field,” recalled Alouettes general manager Danny Maciocia. When we signed him we made him a midfielder and he is developing into a real general for us.
“He still had a lot to learn, he’s like the quarterback of our defense. Marc-Antoine must be very, very proud of what he has achieved so far and he certainly has good football in his body for the next few years. »
Fuel for touchdowns
While Dequoy acknowledges that he is having an outstanding season, he wants to highlight the good work of all of his teammates, be it on defense, offense or special teams. According to him, his role as a looter has not changed his instincts.
“Every Marauder in the league is a different size and style,” he said. Personally, I have always said that I play for the ball and for the touchdowns. »
“That’s what I thought about when I saw him make his interception return: it’s definitely an excellent second-round pick made in recent years,” concluded Maciocia, who himself took Dequoy 14th in the 2020 draft the overall ranking.