Foucault makes Panthers roster

Montreal – Former Montreal Carabins player David Foucault became the first representative of the rich history of the university to earn a prestigious spot in the National Football League (NFL). After being told in the morning that he found himself on the Carolina Panthers reserve roster, he learned two hours later it was actually the active training roster.

It is an important day in the life of David Foucault and Carabins history. The 6’8, 305 pound offensive lineman who is a native of LaSalle, but having grown up and lived until recently in La Prairie, a suburb of Montreal, has managed a feat that few players developed in Quebec have enjoyed.

“I’m still shaking, I don’t think I quite realize what is happening now,” commented Foucault when reached by phone yesterday mid-afternoon. “My agent in the United States (Leonard Roth) told me he had never seen such a change in decision in his twenty year career.”

“It’s a bit surreal, but I’ve been working so hard at the same time, I think it’s deserved.  I called my parents this morning when I learned that I was on the reserve team and they were not able to talk to me because they did not stop crying. I have to remember later, but it may be even more emotional with new developments. ”

Since January, Foucault, who was not drafted into the NFL, but was a first-round pick by the Montreal Alouettes in the CFL, has worked tirelessly, travelling to tryouts and evaluation camps, one after another.

“I was also trying to keep things in perspective,” said Foucault, who was studying criminology at University of Montreal.  “I know this is just another step, I’m young, I go far and I still have many things to improve on.”

“My coaches told me they wanted to be sure to keep me and they see me as a potential for the years to come. They told me to keep working hard and that I could get on the field at any time.  Many people have helped me get this far, especially Danny Maciocia and the Carabins assistant coaches in addition to my agent in Canada (Darren Gill). I learned a lot in terms of work ethic and training during my time at University of  Montreal and it was instrumental in my journey. With his experience, Danny recognized my potential and pushed me for me to go so far. ”

Strong reaction from the Carabins:

The news provoked many reactions as the Carabins completed their last day of training camp before beginning preparations for their first regular season game next Saturday, September 6th, in Quebec City.

After the workout, Head Coach Danny Maciocia informed the team of Foucault’s feat of their former and joyful screams could be heard.

“We are certainly very proud of David, said Maciocia. “We saw a lot of potential in him and it’s a great day for our football program.”

“Yes, we have helped and supported David in his career, but the fact remains that it was he who made the effort to do so. We will continue to monitor and advise as needed.”

A long journey

A few days after being selected as a first-round pick of the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League (CFL) Draft, Foucault was invited to the Panthers rookie mini-camp.  After he accepted, he participated in a camp a month and a half later to learn the playbook in preparation for training camp with the entire team.

After an intensive training camp and a few preseason games, David Foucault now sees his dream come true.

(With files from Mathieu Dauphinais)

Advocating for football prospects one story at a time.

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