Instructor by day, rookie LB Michael Brodrique is happy to affix Elks

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When 6-foot-3, 225-pound Michael Brodrique enters a classroom, it may be intimidating. And he admits he tried being authoritarian final winter in his early days as an elementary trainer at Laval’s École Raymond.

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“Sooner or later at first it’s a must to put your self on the market, put your authority on the market,” Brodrique defined. “After they get to know you, that’s when you may ease off, turn out to be a bit extra of the cool trainer once they know a bit extra how I do issues. I can ease off and allow them to do the work.”

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If Brodrique’s measurement helped him get the eye of his college students final winter, he hopes to have an identical affect this week when he stories to the Edmonton Elks’ coaching camp.

The Elks chosen Brodrique, a center linebacker with Université de Montréal, second general final Tuesday within the Canadian school draft. Brodrique was the top-ranked Canadian college product heading into the draft after recording 32 tackles, 3.5 quarterback sacks, an interception and a fumble restoration in seven video games final season. The 24-year-old additionally was a two-time RSEQ all-star.

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Chris Jones, Edmonton’s common supervisor, head coach and defensive co-ordinator, referred to as Brodrique, a local of Ste-Marthe-sur-le-Lac, an amazing athlete who can play within the center or on the weak facet and can assistance on particular groups.

“We went the route we felt greatest match what we’re doing this 12 months,” Jones advised Edmonton media final week. “He provides a whole lot of depth to what we’re doing. He’s tremendously instinctual. He can actually, actually run. While you flip the movie on that’s what you see. He makes a whole lot of performs. He’s a man that’s very lively.”

Brodrique believes he’s a flexible and well-rounded participant, one who has the velocity and energy to affect a crew. He merely needs to make the Elks roster as a rookie and stated he’ll put his belief within the coaches to find out the place he can greatest be utilized.

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“I used to be a bit speechless at that second,” he stated. “I wasn’t anticipating it. It was a fantastic shock. I’m actually excited and I’ll work to point out them they didn’t waste the decide on me. My objective was to play soccer … play for a crew that needed me. Edmonton acquired me and I’m actually excited.

“We’ve all the time heard that defence wins championships. In my coronary heart, it’s true. Defence is vital. It’s thrilling to know your head coach is a defensive man.”

Carabins head coach Marco Iadeluca believes the Elks are getting the whole bundle in Brodrique.

“He’s a fantastic child, on and off the sphere,” stated Iadeluca, who changed Danny Maciocia in 2020 when he was named Alouettes GM. “He’s acquired the size, the velocity and understands the sport. He was captain and chief right here. I imagine the child’s the total bundle.”

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Iadeluca stated there’s a correlation between Brodrique’s day job and his pursuit of a soccer profession, suggesting the participant may simply make a transition into the teaching ranks ultimately, if .

“When a participant has that background, he can use it to the crew’s benefit, displaying all these abilities in his management,” Iadeluca stated. “By the best way he addresses folks and the best way he helps them. That’s why, for us, he was a tremendous captain and nice chief. He understands everyone works otherwise, learns otherwise. He is aware of the right way to converse to folks, the right way to tackle them. It will probably solely enable you on the soccer area.”

Brodrique will pursue a six-month educating contract when the Elks’ season ends, realizing the teachings he imparts on tomorrow’s leaders will outline his legacy lengthy after his athletic profession ends.

“It’s the connection you may have with them,” he defined. “Generally I’ve the function of older brother to them. All of them have totally different realities. Get to know their lives. For those who present you’re not fascinated about them, clearly they gained’t be fascinated about you.”

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