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CFL Montreal Alouettes

Alouettes Sign Parker and Blackman

May 17, 2013 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Montreal Alouettes News Release


Montreal, May 17 2013 - The Montreal Alouettes announced on Friday the signings of receiver Damone Blackman and cornerback Keynan Parker, who were selected in the 2013 and 2012 CFL Canadian Drafts, respectively. Blackman inked a two-year deal with the club while Parker has signed on for three.

"We have added two young men that bring great speed and the ability to compete for a roster spot at training camp," explained Alouettes General Manager Jim Popp.

Parker (6'0", 183 lbs.), arrives in Montreal after being selected in the sixth round of the 2012 CFL Canadian Draft. The Coquitlam, BC native was a two-way threat for the Simon Fraser University Clan, lining up as not only a defensive back, but also taking a few snaps as a running back after transferring from the Oregon State Beavers in 2011. In 2012 with the Clan, the first Canadian university admitted to NCAA Division II, Parker helped lead his team to their first Great Northwest Athletic Conference road win in school history, defeating the Dixie State College Red Storm 58-47 in a game in which he forced a fumble that led to a touchdown drive. He finished his final season with 31 tackles defensively and 62 rushing yards on 15 carries offensively.

Parker is also a track and field star, who often distinguished himself as one of the fastest players on each team he has played for. In 2007, he set the Canadian youth record in the 200 meter sprint (21.44 seconds) at the Royal Canadian Legion Nationals before placing fifth at the World Youth Track and Field Championships in the 100 meter dash with a time of 10.61 in that same year. During the offseason, Parker runs the 60 and 100 meters. In 2010, he ran the 100 meters in 10.97 at the Pac-10 Championships with minimal training. His father, James, played in the CFL with the B.C. Lions and won a Grey Cup in 1985. During his career, he tallied 139.5 quarterback sacks, placing him fourth on the all-time CFL list in that category.

Blackman (5'11'', 170 lbs.), joins the Alouettes after being selected in the seventh round with the 57th overall pick in the 2013 CFL Canadian Draft. The Oshawa, ON native converted from defensive back to receiver in 2011 and 2012 with the CIS' St. Mary's University Huskies, battling his way up the depth chart. Having excelled on special teams as a gunner for much of the 2011 season, Blackman was rewarded with his first career start as a receiver against St. Francis Xavier on October 7 later that year. Involved in a run-heavy offence with St. Mary's, the 23-year-old was used primarily as a blocker. He was invited to the Quebec City Regional Combine last March where he was able to show off his abilities.

"Damone is an extremely gifted athlete with tremendous speed and explosiveness," said Perry Marchese, his coach with the Huskies. "He is a very hard worker and has a tremendous motor on the football field. His energy level, aggression and stamina are a few other characteristics that are hard to measure but evident when you see him play."

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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