Alouettes’ Northrup makes his mark early
Reggie Northrup might be new to the Alouettes, but he wasted little time trying to leave an impression with management.
On his first day of practice last month, the 24-year-old linebacker got into a fight with Nicolas Boulay.
“I did what I did. It’s a mentality. I just want guys to come out here and give their all and not take this for granted,” Northrup said Friday following practice. “We have to take this serious . ... This is still a pro organization. We have to come out here and earn our paycheques.
“I’m ready to come here and work, no matter what the situation ... the fact we’re 3 and whatever. I love the game and love being out there. Do something you love and get paid for it. Why not give it your all?”
Northrup made his Canadian Football League debut Sept. 29, at Calgary. Although the Stampeders romped to a 59-11 victory, the 6-foot-1, 231-pounder certainly was visible on the field, registering six tackles. And he’ll get another opportunity to play Sunday afternoon (1 p.m., TSN, RDS, TSN Radio 690), when the Als host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in their final home regular-season game.
Both teams have been eliminated from the playoffs. Montreal (3-12) has lost eight consecutive games. The Ticats are 4-11, and 4-3 since June Jones replaced head coach Kent Austin.
Northrup played four years at Florida State, registering 281 tackles in 49 games. He led the Seminoles in tackles as a junior and senior. Considered a hard hitter who’s reliable and tough against the run, he displayed tremendous resolve by recovering from a torn knee ligament as a junior.
The Jacksonville native went undrafted, but had brief NFL stints with Washington and the Los Angeles Rams. “I’m just trying to make an impression on these coaches. Show these guys I’m willing to come out here and lay it all on the field for them,” he said.
“I’m not taking this for granted. I swear on everything I love, I’ll never take football for granted.”
Cornerback Jonathon Mincy will miss the game with a hand injury, while defensive-back Tyree Hollins is disabled with a stomach virus. Guards Phil Blake (hamstring) and Kristian Matte (foot) also are sidelined.