Opportunity finally knocks for Als’ Absher
Receiver will make long-awaited debut with team against Hamilton on Saturday
MONTREAL Receiver Dante Absher believes everything happens for a reason. He thinks he would have stuck with the Arizona Cardinals out of rookie mini-camp two years ago, but a slight tear in his meniscus prevented him from attending.
“I don’t think I was physically ready. Physically, my body was a little smaller,” he said. “I got to develop into a man’s body. I’m where I want to be now ... good height and weight. I’m ready to go.”
Absher was one of the Alouettes’ final training camp cuts, although former general manager Kavis Reed spoke highly of him. Eventually, the 25-year-old was invited back and was placed on Montreal’s practice squad. And, following an injury to Devier Posey, Absher is expected to make his debut Saturday (1 p.m., TSN3, TSN4, RDS, TSN 690 Radio), when the Als host Hamilton in their final regular-season home game.
“He’s been doing a good job in practice. It’ll be exciting to see him out there and see what he can do,” head coach Khari Jones said following Thursday’s practice. “He got sick during camp and I don’t think we saw the full extent of what he can do. But I was really impressed with him; impressed enough to bring him back.
“I like what we’re seeing from him. He’s just a complete receiver. These guys have been patiently awaiting their time. It’s a process. We have some good receivers out there, guys that have played well. But you always need those next guys. If something happens, they’re ready to go.”
Absher, listed at six-foot-three and 180 pounds, hasn’t played a meaningful game in two years. If nothing else, he’s rested and will have fresh legs. His mandate will be to keep his emotions in check and not attempt to do too much in an effort to impress management.
“I’ve been training for this opportunity. I haven’t missed a step. I’m excited to go out there and showcase my talents,” said the native of Sterling, Va. “Everybody wants to play, but I was behind some great (receivers). I learned from the best and I’m super confident. I’m ready to get in there and make an impact.”
Absher could have gone to Virginia Tech University as a preferred walk-on. Instead, raised by a single mother and not looking to weigh her down with a financial constraint, he accepted a scholarship — the only one he received — from Glenville State College, a small Division II school in West Virginia.
But he was a starting receiver for four seasons. Over 43 games, Absher caught 214 passes for 2,670 yards while scoring 29 touchdowns. He ranks fourth in school history in pass receptions and fifth in receiving yards. He was the first player in school history to have a pro day to Glenville State.
While Absher’s preparing for his pro debut, fellow receiver Chris Matthews is wondering what he must do to make an impact in the Als’ offence.
Matthews, a veteran who was added after his release by Winnipeg, returned to the active roster last Friday against Toronto after being a healthy scratch for two games. But he was the only Montreal receiver not to have a pass directed his way.
Matthews is starting to grow frustrated, but said the onus is on him to find ways to become more involved.
“I have to figure out a way to get open or whatever it is I need to do,” he said. “Keep on working, pushing, jelling together with these guys as much as I can. It’s all part of trust and being there with your teammates.”
Matthews, 30, has caught five passes for 84 yards while scoring two touchdowns, both against the Blue Bombers. But he wasn’t dressed when the teams met a second time in Winnipeg on Sept. 21. He has dressed for four games.
Matthews was signed through the end of the season by assistant GM Joe Mack. Although he’s sixfoot-five and 230 pounds, the Als have yet to find a way to get him involved. Matthews denied he’s not getting open.
“You have to be smart,” he said. “You have to be able to understand what’s going on out there on the field. You have to be in the right places. You have to run and catch. Everything goes into a part of it. I have to run my route and wait for my time.”
Meanwhile, although cornerback Tommie Campbell and middle linebacker Henoc Muamba haven’t practised all week, Jones didn’t rule them out against the Tiger-cats. But Jones said tailback William Stanback and return specialist Mario Alford are unlikely to play.