Alouettes’ Foote blossoms in third season
Defensive tackle believes he can be unstoppable force
If it took three seasons for Fabion Foote to shine, he waited until late September to have a game for the ages.
Statistically, the Alouettes’ non-import defensive tackle was credited with one tackle in last week’s loss to the B.C. Lions. But Montreal rush-end John Bowman wouldn’t have tipped and intercepted a first-quarter pass against in Vancouver had Foote not pressured quarterback Mike Reilly with the Lions already in field-goal range.
Foote also blocked Sergio Castillo’s fourth-quarter 50-yard field goal attempt, after he already had split the uprights four times. That provided the Als with possession at their own 44 with less than two minutes remaining. They advanced to the Lions’ two before Antonio Pipkin fumbled on a third-down gamble.
“The way we grade it, I got a caused interception. That’s not as nice as finishing the sack, but the pick was better because they already were in field goal range,” Foote said Thursday. “I feel like I’ve been put in a good situation to excel with the defence we’re playing and the belief my coaches have. And the confidence they have in me.”
Although Foote was selected 12th overall in the 2017 Canadian college draft, he played only four games as a rookie. That total increased to 12 last season, during which he produced 11 tackles and two sacks.
The 25-year-old from Rexdale, Ont., hasn’t missed a game this season and has been part of a rotation on the defensive line, playing frequently. He has 12 tackles, one more on special teams, and one sack. In the process, he seems to have gained the trust of defensive assistant coach Todd Howard.
“Coming from Canadian university, you don’t get much coaching,” said Foote, who came out of the highly regarded McMaster program in Hamilton. “This is my third defence and defensive-line coach. The difference this year is my coach really believed in my abilities. He noticed that I’m quick, explosive, fast and strong. I have all the tools. He puts me in a position to excel on the field.”
The 6-foot, 285-pound Foote spent time during the winter training in the Dallas suburb of Carrollton, attending the Brandon Jordan Trench Academy for offensive and defensive linemen. He was accompanied by Montreal defensive-tackle Ryan Brown.
“We did more pass-rush specific stuff … how to rush in different situations,” Foote explained. “It’s muscle memory. I already have the physical tools. I was just refining my technique. And I’ve refined it even more here. I still don’t feel I am where I could be. I think I can continue to get better and be an unstoppable force inside.”
If it generally takes a Canadian player three seasons to refine his skills, Foote’s timing is impeccable. He’s scheduled to become a free agent in February and can expect a significant pay increase. Second-round draft picks generally earn a base salary of between $60,000-$65,000 depending on their positions, although can make slightly more with performance-related bonuses. “That game was up there,” head coach Khari Jones said of Foote’s latest performance. “He was really good. He did everything we asked, and then some, which is great. And he’s been showing it in practice, which is nice. It was good for him to have a game like that. I think it’s going to go a long way.
“He adds a good physical presence inside, besides being Canadian, which is great. He’s a big kid who’s a good athlete.”
Elsewhere defensively, end Antonio Simmons returned to practice but the Als will continue making do without outside linebacker Chris Ackie, who will miss his third game with a hip flexor issue.
And defensive-back Jarnor Jones will remain in the secondary indefinitely while Ciante Evans recuperates from his fractured hand.
Jones, who has been with the Als all season, made his presence felt against B.C. late in the third quarter when he ran into back judge Jocelyn Paul. Jones was coming to the aid of safety Bo Lokombo. Instead, following the collision, the Lions completed a 61-yard pass play to Lemar Durant. Two plays later, the Lions scored a touchdown.
Jones said he had no doubt he would have intercepted the ball otherwise. He said Paul apologized for being out of position.
“I couldn’t even see him. I promise you, I’d never seen an official that far back,” said Jones, who attended 2018 training camp with the NFL’s Carolina Panthers. “Normally he’s in the second level, with the linebackers. He’s never in the secondary. That’s a first.”
The Als host Calgary, the defending Grey Cup champion, Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m.