Pawel Dwulit/CFL.ca
CFL.ca Staff
MONTREAL — The Alouettes announced on Tuesday that the club has signed six of its eight players drafted during the CFL Canadian Draft earlier this month. Linebacker James Tuck, slotback Andrew Smith, kicker Nick Boyd, running back Jean-Christophe Beaulieu and fullback MacKenzie Sarro have all signed two-year deals, while defensive lineman Jeffrey Finley has agreed to a three-year contract.
“We feel good about our draft class and are excited to get started”, said Alouettes General Manager Jim Popp. “All six of these players have a shot at making our roster.”
Finley was part of a defensive line that ranked first in the CIS in rushing yards allowed and combined for over two thirds of the University of Guelph Gryphons’ sacks with 21.5 in 2013.
In 2012, the St. Catharines, ON native started eight games in his second season with the Gryphons and recorded 23 tackles including five for losses. He also made his first playoff appearance in a 42-39 overtime semi-final victory over the Queen’s University Golden Gaels that same year.
Tuck emerged as a key player with the York University Lions in 2013, leading his team with 41.5 tackles, good for 11th in the OUA and recorded 4.5 sacks that same year. After starting all eight games at defensive end last season, he had one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. He also participated in the 2013 East West Bowl.
Smith hauled in two touchdowns for the University of Manitoba Bisons in the 77th Hardy Cup against the Calgary Dinos last November, helping the Bisons to a 5-3 regular season record.
Boyd played in ten games last season with the Bisons, punting the ball 87 times. His 42-yard punting average in 2013 was the second-best in the country and he kicked 25 punts inside the 20-yard line providing his club with excellent field position.
Beaulieu, a Trois-Rivières, QC native, played in nine games for the Université de Sherbrooke Vert et Or last season, gaining 55 yards and three TDs on 19 carries. He also showcased his sure hands, hauling in four passes for 34 yards with one major.
Sarro helped lead the University of Calgary Dinos to their first undefeated season in 2013 as they wrapped up an 8-0 record on the way to making an appearance in the Vanier Cup. In 2012, he dressed for four conference games, catching three passes for 36 yards and also playing in the two Canada West playoff contests.
