McMASTER'S KYLE QUINLAN TO GET CFL OPPORTUNITY IN MONTREAL

McMaster’s All-Canadian quarterback Kyle Quinlan will be heading to Montreal for the next stage of his football career. The CFL Montreal Alouettes have signed Quinlan to a free agent contract and he will report to the team’s 2012 training camp next month looking to make an impression. The contract is a two-year deal.

While he was not selected in last week’s CFL Draft of Canadian players, teams are allowed to designate and sign two additional undrafted Canadian players and post-draft Montreal made the move to sign Quinlan. Despite internet speculation that he may be asked to change positions, Quinlan says he has been told he is coming to camp to compete for a roster spot as a quarterback.

“I’m ecstatic about getting this opportunity with Montreal,” said the native of South Woodslee, Ontario. “I’m really excited to be able to work with Coach Trestman and to be in camp with quarterbacks like Anthony Calvillo and (Adrian) McPherson is a dream come true. There is just so much quarterback expertise there and I’m looking forward to it.”

Named the Most Valuable Player of last season’s thrilling Vanier Cup win over Laval, this will be Quinlan’s second CFL training camp, as he was in camp as a developmental player with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2011.

“I think that experience will help me prepare and deal with the administrative stuff that goes into a pro camp,” Quinlan explained. “Now I have a little experience about how it works and that should only help me.”

McMaster Coach Stef Ptaszek is excited to see his quarterback get a chance at the next level. “We are extremely proud of Kyle. He has worked very diligently to put himself in the position to get a CFL tryout. Should he make the Alouettes’ roster, Kyle will be a valuable member on and off the field for the organization.”

He will report to the Alouettes’ training camp at Bishops University in Lennoxville, Quebec, which opens on Saturday, June 3, 2012. Quinlan is one of five quarterbacks currently listed on the Alouettes’ roster. Quinlan will compete for a spot on the Alouettes roster behind Calvillo and backup Adrian McPherson, and could become just the second Canadian quarterback to earn a CFL roster spot after the Calgary's Brad Sinopoli, who signed with the Stamps in 2011.

With one season of CIS playing eligibility remaining, Quinlan can take his best shot at advancing to the pro ranks with the Alouettes, while retaining the option of playing one more season for the Marauders if he does not make the 2012 Montreal roster.

Source: McMaster Athletics