Laval University Rouge et Or will have four representatives at the CFL's national evaluation camp, which will be held March 19-24 in Winnipeg.
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They are slotback Kevin Mital, blocker Nathaniel Dumoulin-Duguay, wide receiver Frédérik Antoine and defensive back Cristophe Beaulieu.
Like all players recruited in 2020 when the season was canceled due to the pandemic, Beaulieu could have pushed his draft year to 2025, but he wants to make the jump to the pros in 2024.
“My dream was always to play in the CFL and I did it,” he explained. For following the same path as me, my brother [Jordan] told me it was best to get into the CFL as young as possible. It was a logical decision not to postpone my draft year.”
Withdrawal from the East-West challenge
Beaulieu has had the CFL on his mind since last year. “I withdrew from the East-West Challenge because I wanted to prioritize my final season in Laval and avoid the risk of injury,” he said. Since I was selected to the All-Canadian teams in 2022, I had gained enough visibility with the CFL teams.
Beaulieu repeated that with a second All-Canadian team selection in 2023 and his direct invitation to the national team was just a formality. “This is the scenario I imagined. I would have gone to the regional if I hadn't had the choice, but I'm very happy to be able to go straight to the national.
Speed and man-to-man coverage
The 6-foot-1, 195-pound defensive back is confident he can make the jump this year. “I’m really looking forward to demonstrating my speed and my skills in man-to-man insurance,” said the business administration student with a real estate management profile. I played on all four special teams for the Rouge et Or and can contribute to a CFL team starting in 2024.”
Canadian defensive backs are very often in the safety position at the next level. “I could easily make the transition,” he said. I played marauder in the ranks of the school and was high up in certain formations in Laval. There is also the hybrid linebacker position that could be an option.
Four invitations for the Stingers
The Concordia Stingers will also have four representatives in the Manitoba capital, a high for Brad Collinson's squad in several years.
Back in Quebec after a stint in the NCAA with the University of Toledo Rockets, winger Ezechiel Tieide shined in the overtime semifinal loss to the Rouge et Or; blocker Alex Hall; Linebacker Zach Philion and safety Dawson Pierre will look to impress recruiters.
Two selected carbines
Star cornerback Kaylyn St-Cyr and fullback Paul-Antoine Ouellette were selected by the Université de Montréal Carabins.
Other Quebecers
quarterback Jack Zergiotis, who did not play in 2023; receiver Kevens Clercius of the UConn Huskies; linebacker Terrance Ganyi of the Maine Black Bears; running back Anthony Soles of the Queen's Gaels; Offensive lineman Patrick Lavoie of the Carleton Ravens and linebacker Gabriel Royer of the Bishop's Gaiters will also be in Winnipeg.
The regional camp will take place in Waterloo on March 8th, with the best elements receiving an invitation to camp in Winnipeg. From the Rouge et Or we find defensive back Thomas Landry and the long throw specialist Ian Leroux as well as defensive back Isaac Auger on the Carabins side.