Former Ohio State receiver Mack 'making an attempt to make a possibility' with Alouettes

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TROIS-RIVIÈRES — There are specific expectations that include enjoying soccer for a prestigious college like Ohio State.

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And for some time, though he went undrafted, it appeared receiver Austin Mack, trying to crack the Alouettes’ roster as a CFL rookie, would possibly fulfill these expectations.

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Signed as a free agent by the New York Giants in 2020, he labored his method up from the follow roster earlier than being activated in Week 6 that season. Throughout an early November victory towards Washington, Mack caught 4 passes for 72 yards, together with a 50-yard reception — the staff’s longest offensive play to that time — from quarterback Daniel Jones. A possible 10-yard landing, Mack’s first within the NFL, was overturned after replay officers decided his knee was down earlier than reaching the top zone.

Mack performed 11 video games as a rookie, catching seven passes for 91 yards. However then a hamstring harm probably derailed what might need turn out to be for the previous Buckeye.

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“The Giants had good receivers,” Mack mentioned following Tuesday’s coaching camp follow at Stade Diablos. “For those who’re harm or they don’t have any funding in you, that’s how it’s.”

Mack acquired an harm settlement from New York however left a long-lasting impression with Giants former head coach Joe Choose, impressed by Mack’s gritty play.

“He simply retains exhibiting up,” Choose mentioned on the time. “He’s a man that will not flash on a regular basis, however does one thing that jumps out at you. He retains making play after play and reveals up frequently.”

There was a short stint in Tennessee, adopted by parts of two seasons in San Francisco for Mack, though he by no means superior additional than the 49ers’ follow squad earlier than being positioned on injured reserve and launched final August. However Pier-Yves Lavergne, the Als’ director of nationwide scouting, noticed Mack at San Francisco’s coaching camp and got here away impressed.

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Mack had been hoping for some NFL tryouts over the winter however, when none materialized and after some soul looking out, determined to signal with Montreal.

“I’ve battled by means of some accidents the previous few years, had a bit success within the NFL,” mentioned the 25-year-old native of Fort Wayne, Ind. “God ultimately offers you one other path. Some folks take it and a few folks don’t. For me, I took it with full power and am making an attempt to make a possibility out of it.”

Mack, 6-foot-2 and 215 kilos, performed 32 video games at Ohio State, catching 79 passes for 1,050 yards whereas scoring six touchdowns. Previous to the NFL draft, he was timed at 4.59 seconds over 40 yards. Along with his dimensions, mixed with the width of the CFL subject, Mack would possibly have the ability to run rampant with Montreal. And the Als definitely have openings at receiver following the free-agent departures of Eugene Lewis and Jake Wieneke.

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Restricted to the primary half of final Friday’s exhibition recreation at Ottawa, Mack caught three passes for 22 yards. He hopes to solidify his roster spot this Friday, when the Als host Hamilton at Molson Stadium of their closing pre-season tuneup. Montreal nonetheless has 17 potential receivers at camp.

Mack carried out nicely on the Als scrimmage in the course of the opening week of exercises, based on receivers coach Mike Lionello, and has solely progressed from there.

“He’s making performs all around the subject,” Lionello mentioned. “I knew he was at Ohio State with a bunch of fine gamers. You count on a man (from there) that’s going to need to are available and compete, play exhausting. That’s what he’s been. The extent of competitors he brings is wonderful.”

Mack believes his time at Ohio State, enjoying beneath former head coach City Meyer, has outlined the participant and man he has turn out to be.

“There’s nothing prefer it,” he mentioned. “I’m speaking concerning the high of the highest. I went towards first-round draft picks on defence. The competitors degree, to not point out City Meyer, who’s sitting there and desires the most effective out of you each single day. Simply to push by means of it, the grit and psychological (toughness required). That’s what I take from it.”

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