Johany Jutras
CFL.ca Staff
MONTREAL — The Montreal Alouettes announced on Wednesday that the club has signed three of its draft picks, including Laval, Que. native defensive end Jesse Joseph. The team also inked offensive lineman Jacob Ruby as well as linebacker Nicholas Shortill. All three players will participate during the team’s first rookie camp workout this afternoon on Coulter Field at Bishop’s University.
“I am looking forward to seeing these three athletes on the field,” said Alouettes General Manager Jim Popp. “They were all determined to get their contracts finalized before the start of camp. It will give them a full opportunity to make the team.”
Joseph (6’3″, 262 lbs.) was drafted in the third round (21st overall) by the Alouettes in 2013 Canadian CFL Draft. He played 37 career-games in four seasons with the University of Connecticut Huskies, recording 118 tackles and 13 sacks. His most dominant performance came against North Carolina on September 8, 2012 where he picked-up eight tackles in a single game. He completed his senior year in 2013 with 40 tackles, including six for losses and a sack. The former Vanier Cheetah participated in the Chicago Bears rookie mini-camp in 2014.
Ruby (6’7”, 315 lbs.), who was drafted in the first round (eighth overall) by the Alouettes this spring, suited up for the University of Richmond Spiders for four seasons where he started 47 of the 48 contests for his team. The 22-year-old athlete earned All-CAA Third-Team honours in his senior year. The London, ON native attended the New York Giants rookie mini-camp earlier in May.
Shortill (6’2”, 223 lbs.), the team’s second round pick (13th overall) in May, racked up an impressive total of 121 defensive tackles, including 104 unassisted and eight quarterback sacks in 26 contests as a McMaster University Marauder. During his four-season collegiate career, the 22-year-old linebacker notched four interceptions. The Nobleton, ON native was named a CIS second team all-Canadian as well as an Ontario University Athletic first all-star team. He raised the Vanier Cup as a Marauder in 2011.
Defensive back Chris Ackie is the only player from the Als’ 2015 draft class who has yet to sign a contract with the club.
