Boulay keen to grab opportunity
Perhaps the future is now for Nicolas Boulay.
Two years after being drafted by the Alouettes, proudly exclaiming at one point he hoped to be the heir apparent to Shea Emry, in his final season as Montreal’s middle linebacker, Boulay instead is getting the chance to start on the weak side for the Kyries Hebert, who suffered a concussion against Hamilton two weeks ago.
It has been Boulay’s job since then and he’ll be in the starting lineup Sunday afternoon, when the Als travel to Edmonton. Hebert has had a solid season, but he also turned 35 this month. Boulay, conversely, is 26. And a non-import. This team’s roster could significantly change by next season, especially should Montreal fail in its quest to reach the playoffs.
“I surely hope this is the future, although I know it’s only temporary, at least for this year. But I’m going to try and seize this opportunity,” Boulay said after the Als practised indoors, at the Bell Sports Complex, on Thursday. “Don’t get me wrong — I know the No. 1 thing is winning (Sunday’s) game.
“But I’m also working for Nic Boulay Inc. I want to make a name for myself — for this team and this league,” he added. “I think it has been three years. Three years is a long time. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity, and I finally get to have it. I want to make sure they can see that I can play at this level.”
Selected in the fourth round (30th overall) in 2013, the Magog native made his mark on special teams, primarily, through his first two seasons. But during a game at Toronto last October, Boulay was forced to play on defence after linemen Gabriel Knapton and Aaron Lavarias suffered injuries.
And Boulay has become more a part of the defensive rotation in his third pro season, recording 19 defensive tackles, eight more on special teams. He also has a fumble recovery.
“I think I showed the last game, and the other times I’ve gone in on defence this year,” he said. “Once or twice can be luck. Three or four times you’re repeatedly playing well, it’s a trend.
“Three years is almost like a college career. It’s a long time staying there, waiting and waiting. It’s awesome to finally be able to prove to everybody. You always wish you get your chance earlier.”
Like many others, Boulay’s story smacks of perseverance and determination. At 6-feet and 220 pounds, he repeatedly was advised by coaches he was too small and too slow. He quickly realized others were more talented. All Boulay could do was work harder, play at one speed and never let obstacles get in his way.
“That’s the story of my life, even in high school. I had to prove myself at every level,” he said. “I always took the long way around. I worked harder than everybody else. I watched film and put in extra work because I didn’t have the talent of most guys.”
Boulay and his family moved to South Carolina when he was 12. Despite his proclamation, he was talented enough to earn a scholarship to Newberry College, a Division-II school. When the family returned to Canada, Boulay visited five Quebec conference schools, eventually deciding on Laval. But he was a fourth-string defensiveback who never played. And the biology major was struggling academically.
André Bolduc, who spent five seasons as the head coach at Université de Sherbrooke, convinced Boulay his future lay with the Vert et Or, although transferring meant the player had to sit out a year. Bolduc insisted Boulay practice and be involved, like he was playing, so the time would pass quicker. At the same time, Boulay quickly earned his teammates’ respect, eventually being named a team captain. He also changed his major to finance.
“He’s all-out, 100 per cent in everything he does,” said Bolduc, now the Als’ receivers coach. “Nic’s going to do what you ask — and sometimes he does more. The challenge is to keep him always committed with what he has to do. But he’ll do it at 100 miles per hour.”
Boulay was named defensive player of the year in 2012 following a remarkable season during which he recorded 58.5 defensive tackles — fourth in the Quebec conference and sixth in the country He also produced two quarterback sacks in nine games.
The Als knew they were getting a high-energy player when Boulay was drafted.
“That’s for sure,” he said, laughing. “I’ve been known for being able to run from sideline-to-sideline, put a fear into the receivers’ and running-backs’ heads. When they catch the ball they have somebody coming after them every time.”
And that’s what playing defence’s all about.
Notes: Things got interesting at practice when there was a brief disagreement between rush-end Brian Brikowski and offensivelineman Jacob Ruby. Quickly, offensive-tackle Jeff Perrett became involved. He and Brikowski had to be separated. “Sibling squabble. They got after it and it’s over with,” general manager and head coach Jim Popp said. “The last thing we need is for someone to break a hand because they’re swinging at each other. There’s nothing to it.” ...
Offensive-tackle Josh Bourke, feeling ill, was excused from practice.