The Canadian Press
MONTREAL — The Montreal Alouettes have signed national receiver Hergy Mayala, who grew up in Montreal, to a one-year contract.
Mayala (six-foot-one, 208 pounds) spent his first two seasons in the CFL with the Calgary Stampeders, who selected him in the first-round (eighth overall) in the 2019 CFL Draft. The 26-year-old caught 67 passes for 846 yards and five touchdowns in 29 career games.
In his rookie year in 2019, the Congo native impressed with 562 yards on 38 receptions and five majors. He totaled 113 receptions, 1,352 yards and 12 majors in 42 games during four seasons with the University of Connecticut Huskies. His 113 receptions place him sixth all-time in the school’s history.
The team also signed American defensive backs Mike Jones and Tyrice Beverette, as well as American defensive lineman Avery Ellis.
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Jones (five-foot-10, 189 pounds) played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, starting with his rookie season in 2019, winning the last two Grey Cups. In 2021, the American was a defensive force, as his 46 tackles and two interceptions in addition to his two forced fumbles showed. The Baltimore, MD native played for the North Carolina Central University Eagles and the Temple University Owls. In 2018, the 26-year-old defensive back signed as a free agent with the N.Y. Giants.
Beverette (six-foot, 203 pounds) helped the Hamilton Tiger-Cats reach the Grey Cup the last two seasons. In 22 career games, the American collected 16 defensive tackles and 27 on special teams, in addition to a quarterback sack. In 2018, the defensive back was a member of the Cincinnati Bengals. The 27-year-old played for the Stony Brook University Seawolves.
Ellis (six-foot-two, 250 pounds) amassed 129 defensive tackles, 18 quarterback sacks and forced two fumbles in four seasons with the Ottawa REDBLACKS, from 2017 to 2021. The 27-year-old American even scored a defensive touchdown during his rookie season with a 30-yard fumble return. In 2018, he played in the Grey Cup game, registering three defensive tackles. The Newark, NJ native played collegiately with the Temple University Owls.
“We signed young players that will bring a lot of energy to our team, including another player that will have the opportunity to play in front of his close ones in Hergy Mayala“, said Alouettes general manager Danny Maciocia.
“I am really happy with the talent we added to our football team. Although, our work is not done, I like the direction we are taking.”
