As three Quebec players prepare to begin their seasons in the NFL, another could follow their path in a few months. It’s his time to shine for linebacker Geoffrey Cantin-Arku, whose season also begins in the NCAA, with scouts on the Goodell circuit already watching him.
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Cantin-Arku, who wore the Elans de Garneau colors before traveling to the United States, jumps onto the field for the University of Memphis Tigers’ first game on Saturday. The year of truth begins for him as he will be eligible for the next NFL draft in April.
During his college spring training, no fewer than 18 NFL teams visited his campus to watch him.
“I know the NFL is here right now. There are a lot of scouts who visit me during training, but I try to take it day by day and hope for the best for the future. My name is there, it’s in circulation. Now it’s up to me to make the most of this opportunity,” the Lévis athlete perfectly summarized in an interview with Le Journal.
Close to the dream
Cantin-Arku is not the type to shy away from it. He knows this season, his second in Memphis after three years in Syracuse, is the one that will define him in the eyes of the decision-makers at the Goodell circuit.
“It’s my little one’s dream,” he said. I remember arriving in Syracuse and NFL scouts coming to see guys like Andre Cisco, who is now a safety for the Jaguars, or Ifea Melifonwu, who is with the Lions. These guys have been inspirations to me and seeing me reach this stage makes me extremely proud.”
Great expectations
Last season, Cantin-Arku performed well in his first real start as an inside linebacker with 76 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a pass knockdown.
In order to carry out the operation of the great seduction, he is aware that he must experience an extraordinary final year.
“The expectations I have of myself and the expectations of my coaches are enormous. Many eyes are on me. “I am a pillar of the defense this year and my role is much bigger than last season,” he noted.
A difficult situation
The other challenge that awaits Cantin-Arku is the position he plays. Historically, only one player from Quebec has found his place as a linebacker in the NFL: Montrealer Brian Forde, who was a support player for the Saints from 1988 to 1991.
“This position is so different from the one we learn at home with 12 players and a longer field. This is where things go significantly downhill and you are basically the quarterback of the defense.
“It took me a while to play the American version of my position well, and I think that explains why you don’t really see linebackers from Canada in the NFL. The game is so different. If I become one of the rare linebackers from Quebec and could make it in the NFL, it would mean the world to me.
The NFL Draft will take place April 25-27 in Detroit.
A championship to win before leaving
Geoffrey Cantin-Arku believes the Tigers have everything they need to win the AAC championship this season. Photo courtesy of MEMPHIS UNIVERSITY TIGERS. PHOTO courtesy MEMPHIS UNIVERSITY TIGERS
It would be a disservice to Geoffrey Cantin-Arku to think his head is already in the NFL. The first gift he wants to give himself and his program before the big exit is nothing less than a conference championship.
The Memphis Tigers play in the AAC Conference and are among the favorites to win alongside other programs like SMU, UTSA, Florida Atlantic and defending champion Tulane.
Even though his professional future is getting closer and closer, the young man sees things wisely.
“Football remains a contact sport and you never know what can happen. For now, this season is the only one that was promised to me. Yes, I want to make it to the NFL and I think I will, but I try not to think about it too much. My focus right now is on winning a championship with Memphis,” he assured.
“Seriously, we have a solid team. It will be us, SMU or another school, but we are at the top of the conference. We have one goal and that is to win the conference. The bar cannot be lowered. “All in all, that’s our slogan in Memphis,” he emphasized.
A leadership role
Since he is in his fifth year at the university, the Tigers do not hesitate to rely more on the Quebecer’s workspace.
“It’s my last season and I’m approaching it more as a leader. I try to get the team and the kids together to make sure everyone is ready. There are stats that I strive for in terms of my personal expectations, but most of all I want to win. “I will give everything to put my team in the best possible position,” he said.
Hats off, Bergeron!
In addition, Cantin-Arku watches with admiration the first steps of his great friend and former Syracuse teammate Matthew Bergeron in the NFL. The offensive lineman has earned a starting job with the Falcons.
“He is unbelievable! It’s very inspiring, especially because for me Matthew is not just a Quebec player. Above all, he is my friend. I have seen him working and doing his best since we went to the United States. My hat is off to him when I see him finally making a living playing football and starting his first game in the NFL.”