Free-agent departures present alternative for Alouettes' Hergy Mayala

Article content material

Like lots of his teammates, Alouettes receiver Hergy Mayala will arrive at coaching camp subsequent weekend with a chip on his shoulder following a disappointing season.

Article content material

And, following the departures of Eugene Lewis and Jake Wieneke to free company, mixed with Reggie White Jr., who’s coming off a severe knee damage and received’t be prepared for the beginning of the season, Mayala hopes his manufacturing will increase in 2023.

Article content material

“Final 12 months was disappointing as a result of I had excessive hopes,” Mayala instructed the Montreal Gazette by phone after his re-signing was announced late Thursday afternoon. “It’s simply the way in which issues have been arrange. People we had that proved themselves and have been deserving of that chance. There’s just one soccer and never everybody can contact it. Any individual has to do the soiled work, and I did it with pleasure.

“This season I simply wish to exit and compete; that’s the most important factor. It’s a brand new slate for everyone. We’re all ranging from zero. We’ve got a younger crew and I wish to be extra of a vocal chief. I’m not placing numbers on my manufacturing.”

Article content material

Article content material

The 27-year-old Mayala, a former first-round (eighth general) draft alternative of Calgary in 2019, was one of many Als’ more-prominent free-agent signings in February 2022. Administration hoped the Pierrefonds resident would not less than duplicate his rookie statistics, when he caught 38 passes for 562 yards whereas scoring 5 touchdowns.

However it wasn’t to be. The 6-foot-1, 208-pounder performed in all 18 video games, however was held to 33 receptions for 409 yards, scoring twice. The excessive level got here July 21, towards Ottawa, when he caught 5 passes for 102 yards and one landing. However, in any other case, Mayala’s season was underwhelming.

Searching for a recent begin and new starting, and figuring out he was changing into a free agent once more final February, Mayala spurned a possible six-figure provide from the Redblacks, signing as a substitute with USFL New Orleans. Whereas Mayala practised two weeks with the Breakers, he by no means was in a position to acquire a piece visa and was launched by the crew earlier than the beginning of its common season.

Article content material

A free agent once more, it appeared Mayala could be headed again to Calgary since Jalen Philpot is sidelined indefinitely following low season hamstring surgical procedure. However the Stampeders then drafted a pair of receivers early — Cole Tucker and Clark Barnes, fourth and twenty fourth general, respectively. Saskatchewan additionally displayed some preliminary curiosity, however Mayala figured a return to the Als would supply the very best match. He signed for one season and will earn not less than $100,000.

“I’m anyone that is aware of the right way to play soccer, loves it and works exhausting,” Mayala mentioned. “That’s one thing that I type of forgot final 12 months, with the shortage of manufacturing and touches. The little journey to the USFL jogged my memory the place I used to be. I’m not attempting to show anyone incorrect. Simply show myself proper by the way in which I am going about my enterprise. Present up and be the very best model of myself that day.

“It’s a clear slate. We (all) return to zero. I wish to present my skills and we’ll see what that offers me. After I seemed on the larger image, (returning to) Montreal made essentially the most sense.”

[email protected]

twitter.com/HerbZurkowsky1