Profiling Jeff Finley and his selection by the Montreal Alouettes
Jeff Finley, representing the Guelph Gryphons, had a spectacular season, recording 54 tackles throughout. The defensive lineman was the only Gryphon to be selected in the CFL draft this year, and Finley is the highest drafted Gryphon since Rob Maver in 2010. Leading the CIS in rushing yards allowed, Finley was a crucial component to the Gryphons’ defence this past season.
The 6-foot-3, 260lb defensive linesman was selected 4th in the third round and 22nd overall. This year’s draft heavily favoured defensive linesman, with a majority of the selections (18) being of that position, followed by 8 selections of offensive linesman. The University of Montreal and Laval University had the most players drafted, with 6 a piece, followed by the University of Manitoba, with 5 draftees.
Finley was an integral part of the Gryphons’ defence, which ranked among the best in the CIS. The defensive Gryphons team finished second in the league, with 15 defensive interceptions, and third overall in both sacks and defensive touchdowns. These impressive stats by the defensive line were a major contributor to the Gryphons’ success this past season.
Finishing third in the East Division, the Montreal Alouettes seem to be looking fortify their defensive line with the selection of Finley. Chip Cox, an eight year veteran linebacker on the Alouettes, led the CFL with 114 tackles in 2013 and the fourth highest number of sacks with 12. Cox has enormous influence on the Montreal defensive line, and will be given the chance to mentor and help Finely with his transition into the CFL.
Finley will attend the Montreal training camp within the upcoming weeks, which will determine whether or not he will make the main roster. Training camps for rookies can be rigorous and stressful, attempting to see which players will mesh with the team dynamic and which will falter. If the Alouettes add Finley to the main roster after training camp, he will be travelling with the team in Montreal. However, if Finley is chosen for the practice roster, he will remain at the University of Guelph.
The Montreal Alouettes begin their 2014 season opener with an away game on June 14th against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The Alouettes are looking to surmount the Tiger-Cats, who finished above them in the 2013 season in the Eastern Division. Holding a 4-6-0 record against their division opponents, the Alouettes look to strengthen their presence in the East in the upcoming season.