Training Camp Report - Day 17
July 28, 2021 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Montreal Alouettes News Release
Montreal - Normally, the Hall of Fame is something that comes after a player's career. In the case of defensive lineman Jamal Davis II, it was the other way around. First the Hall, then the playing career.
That's because the 26-year-old American grew up in Canton, OH, home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
"Everybody plays football in Canton. You come up knowing football. My dad took me to the Hall when I was seven and he told me I could be great. I then started playing the next year," said the sympathetic giant.
On top of playing his favorite sport in Canton, he had the chance to work on induction ceremonies.
"Our high school stadium is the same that they play the Hall of Fame Game at. The players on the team always worked for the inductions. We set up the chairs and would get free food. I enjoyed the ceremony and I got to see my first one when I was 15," he recalled.
After two seasons with the Pitt University Panthers, Davis transferred to the Akron University Zips.
"My coach Todd Stroud changed my life. He switched me from linebacker to defensive end. He told me I can be real good if I let him coach me. I played there for two years, we won the Mac championship in 2017 and I went to the combine."
Davis already feels comfortable on the wide Canadian field. "It's been better. I want to be a sideline-to-sideline player. That gets me more time. I like the rules. I had to get used to the three downs quickly and I have."
Last Saturday, Davis got a taste of Percival Molson Memorial Stadium during the team's intrasquad game.
"I am looking forward to playing there so much. We watched film from games in 2019 and we could see it packed and roaring. We saw the fans and they were very supportive. I was happy to learn that we can pack it up and I am looking forward to that."
He said it
"I feel that I have a dog mentality. I am ready to go on every play. If it doesn't go the way I want, I'll come back stronger on the play after. I am happy to be back with the Alouettes."
- Michael Wakefield
Transaction
The Alouettes released American quarterback Broc Rutter.
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Canadian Football League Stories from July 28, 2021
- Argos Release Six - Toronto Argonauts
- Training Camp Report - Day 17 - Montreal Alouettes
- Riders Release Three - Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Winnipeg Blue Bombers Advise Fans of Key Game Day Information - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Stamps Re-Sign George Campbell - Calgary Stampeders
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