Sutherland needs to make NFL's Seahawks, however 'blessed' to be chosen by Alouettes

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The massive ‘S’ on the jacket Jonathan Sutherland was sporting Thursday stands for State, as in Penn State, the distinguished college the Ottawa native attended over six seasons.

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However given the superlatives being lavished on Sutherland since he was chosen fifth general by the Alouettes in Tuesday’s Canadian faculty draft, it may have stood for star, even celebrity.

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And whereas Sutherland, who can play linebacker, security and is a demon on particular groups, may by no means play a down for Montreal after signing final Saturday with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent, he already participated in a Zoom name Tuesday evening with media members earlier than making the drive to Olympic Stadium from Ottawa Thursday for a information convention.

The Als didn’t pay his mileage, Sutherland maintained, though the group handled him to lunch after. Contemplating Sutherland obtained a US$10,000 signing bonus from Seattle, he undoubtedly may have foot the invoice.

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“I’m doing this simply to point out my appreciation,” Sutherland stated. “I’ve been enjoying this sport since I used to be eight and it was a dream of mine to all the time go professional. There’s lots of people who can be blessed to be in (this) place and would sacrifice lots. As a result of I’m in that place, I need to present my appreciation.”

Sutherland leaves for Seattle subsequent Thursday for rookie mini-camp earlier than collaborating in organized crew actions, which means he’ll be with the group at the least till effectively into June. The Als start coaching camp Could 14 in Trois-Rivières and open the common schedule at residence, in opposition to Ottawa, June 10.

Sutherland’s objective undoubtedly is to be on the Seahawks’ lively roster come September, however he realizes that call’s as much as the teaching employees. Nonetheless, the 5-foot-11, 214-pounder has an honest shot of remaining with the group this season — even on the apply roster if nothing else — given his particular groups play. That’s one thing that all the time will impress coaches, particularly coming from rookies. And it normally supplies them with the perfect alternative of seeing the sector.

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“I’m massive on controlling what I can management,” he stated. “That’s my effort, my perspective, how I am going about my enterprise. I’m going to Seattle and can management every part I can management. What occurs after that … I’m going to place my finest foot ahead and see the place issues take me.

“The NFL clearly is an enormous deal. The CFL, too. Being professional is one factor I needed to do … whether or not it was down south of the border or up north. I’m introduced with two alternatives and am going to train them each. Management what I can management.”

Whereas Sutherland calls Ottawa residence, he attended highschool in Virginia, turning into a four-star recruit — all within the hopes of pursuing his soccer ambition and receiving a scholarship. He didn’t disappoint the Nittany Lions. Over 58 profession video games, he made 137 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, had one interception, compelled a fumble and blocked two punts.

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These two blocks got here in a 2019 sport in opposition to Idaho and marked the primary time since 2000 one Lions participant blocked two kicks in a sport. Sutherland together with quarterback Sean Clifford, a fifth-round draft alternative of Inexperienced Bay, have been the one four-time crew captains in Penn State historical past.

However Sutherland additionally excelled within the classroom, receiving all-Huge 10 educational honours thrice. He already graduated in labour and employment relations and is pursuing a post-graduate diploma in worldwide affairs. He aspires to finally turn out to be the CEO of an organization.

“The professionalism, the character, on-the-field capability, the power to play a number of locations,” head coach Jason Maas stated of Sutherland. “We’ll discover the fitting match for him on defence. He has the athleticism and defensive acumen to play in a number of locations. While you watch him play particular groups, he’s particular. He seems to be on a regular basis like he needs to do it. He needs to play particular groups and, in our league, that’s such an enormous half, particularly early in your profession.

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“The best way he tackles. After I watch him play in house, his change in path. His physicality. You possibly can visualize him enjoying on this league and people issues translating to our league. We’re simply excited to have him.”

In the meantime, the Als are anticipated to announce the re-signing of receiver Hergy Mayala following his launch final month by USFL New Orleans. Mayala caught 33 passes for 409 yards, scoring two touchdowns, final season.

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