Alexandre Gauthier, First Overall Pick, Signs With Renegades
May 29, 2002 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Ottawa Renegades News Release
OTTAWA â Wednesday, May 29, 2002 â The Ottawa Renegades announced today that offensive lineman Alexandre Gauthier, the first overall pick in the 48th Canadian College Draft on April 25th, has agree to terms with the club.
Gauthier, 6'7", 329 pounds, is the first player ever drafted by the Ottawa Renegades in franchise history and the first French-Canadian player ever taken with the top selection since the inception of the draft in 1953. The versatile athlete, who had not played organized football until 1997, but had previously opted for junior college basketball and junior hockey, had been a member of the powerhouse Université Laval program since 1998. The 25-year-old, who was a member of the Vanier Cup-champion Rouge et Or squad in 1999, has been a starter for the past two seasons.
"Obviously, we're very pleased to have finalized this three-year agreement (two years plus an option) with Alexandre," explained general manager Eric Tillman. He is a young man with tremendous upside, with outstanding potential, and given time and patience, he could develop into something special."
Gauthier is the fifth player from a Quebec school to be taken first overall, joining tackle Len Sigurdson from McGill (Saskatchewan Roughriders, 1958), running back Larry Smith from Bishop's (Montreal Alouettes, 1972), offensive lineman Nicholas Benjamin from Concordia (Ottawa Rough Riders, 1985), offensive lineman and current Renegade Val St. Germain from McGill (Hamilton Tiger-Cats, 1994).
Professional football returns to the Nation's Capital this spring as the Ottawa Renegades open up their inaugural training camp on Saturday, June 1st at Kemptville College. The regular season kicks off on June 28 against the visiting Saskatchewan Roughriders at Frank Clair Stadium.
Canadian Football League Stories from May 29, 2002
- Alexandre Gauthier, First Overall Pick, Signs With Renegades - Ottawa Renegades
- The Alouettes will communicate with TELUS - Montreal Alouettes
- Chris White and Jerry Phillips Sign With Riders - Saskatchewan Roughriders
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